Mountain bikes are currently permitted on most National Forest roads and trails on the Monongahela National Forest except in designated Wildernesses and in a few special areas such as the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, and Seneca Rocks Area as they have Closure Orders.
In recent years, several trail systems have been constructed specifically for mountain bike use, and a few trail systems have been maintained to mountain bike standards. These trail systems can be found under the Mountain Biking link.
Biking Lake Buffalo Trail, Northland Loop Trail, Spruce Knob Tower Trail and Spruce Knob Lake Trail are not recommended as the tread is unsuitable for bikes users.
Highlighted Areas
To the west of FR 76, there are miles of mountainous trails. These trails feature rock armoring, small bridges, and plenty of decent, all on a single-track trail. The scenery changes from pine forests on the ridges to streams in the lower areas. While FR 76 is gated year-round, bikers can still access the area, though all land east of FR 76 is designated Wilderness, therefore prohibiting bike use.
Tea Creek and Gauley Mountain Areas
Tea Creek and Gauley Mountain areas offer opportunities for more technical mountain biking due to the rock gardens and elevation gains found on these trails. Access is via US 219/1in the Slatyfork area as well as from the Highland Scenic Highway and Tea Creek Campground.
Glady-Durbin-Middle Mountain Area
North of Durbin, West Virginia: The West Fork Trail #312 (former railroad grade from Durbin to Glady), Forest Road 44 (Glady Durbin Road), and numerous Forest Service and gas well access roads on Middle Mountain permit many miles of biking.
The Mower Basin Trails are in an area known as the Mower Tract in Randolph County, on formerly mined lands that have been the focus of a partnership-led restoration effort for the past ten years. It has stacked loop trails that are suitable for hikers and mountain bikers. Varying features and terrain make it especially popular amongst all skill levels of mountain bikers. This trail system is comprised of almost 14 miles of trail that meander through open meadows, high-elevation red spruce, and northern hardwood forests.
Cheat Mountain Trails
East of US250 off Forest Road 92 offers a quiet trail system on top of Cheat Mountain. These trails offer a rugged remote experience of nearly 18 miles to explore. Ride loops may be made by incorporating Forest Service roads, making it a desirable riding location for shorter as well as longer rides.
North Fork Mountain Trail
The North Fork Mountain Trail is a nearly 23.5-mile ridgeline trail with spectacular views that is popular amongst backpackers, day hikers, and mountain bikers. This trail is known to be technical with its rugged, narrow, and rocky terrain. There are currently two access trails, the Landis Trail and Hickory Trail, each about 1.5 mile long. Please be advised there is no water located along the trail.
Canaan Mountain Backcountry Area
This trail system offers over 30 miles of trail in the beautiful Canaan Mountain Backcountry. This backcountry area is close to the Mon Forest Towns of Davis and Thomas and consists of approximately 13,532 acres on the top of a plateau. Due to the trail system being on a plateau, water tends to sit on some sections of trail. Please use discretion on the wet sections to avoid environmental damage.
Newly constructed mountain bike trails near the town of Marlinton. This system features over 27 miles of trails of all different skill levels. Beginner trails can be found just off FR 1002, while more difficult trails start on the ridge tops. There is plenty of rock armoring, fast rolling sections, and some steep climbs.
E-Biking
The Monongahela National Forest allows Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes on roads where public use of motorized vehicles is permitted. The Forest Service has a long tradition of multiple uses and supporting access to the public land the agency manages. E-bikes allow more people to enjoy their national forests and grasslands. Technology has the potential to attract more diverse users to explore their public land in a socially and ecologically responsible way.
Check the Monongahela’s Motor Vehicle Use Maps on our Maps and Publications page to verify the authorized use of motor vehicles and e-bikes.
Mountain Biking
Although many National Forest roads are gated to exclude public motorized use, bicycles are permitted behind the gates. Bikers are asked to minimize damage to trail treads in wet areas to protect the trail for other users. Bikers should also yield the right-of-way to hikers where trails are not wide enough to accommodate both.
Several areas on the Monongahela which offer better opportunities for mountain biking are described below. Contact the area’s local Ranger Districts for more information.
Rules and Regulations
Bikers should stay on trail to prevent harm to the surrounding forestElectronic bicycles (eBikes) are not allowed on Monongahela National Forest Trails
Search for Biking Opportunities
Showing: 1 – 10 of 34 results
Allegheny Mountain Trail – Forest Trail 532
This 13.1 mile trail follows the ridge of Allegheny Mountain through hardwood forests and several small clearings. Beautiful views of the Seneca Creek drainage can be seen when the leaves are off the…
Allegheny Trail – Forest Trail 701
The Allegheny Trail travels from Virginia to Pennsylvania. This 5 miles of the Allegheny Trail is the only section of the trail on the Monongahela National Forest. The section often called the Davis…
1.5 miles. A footpath beginning at County Road 29 along Gandy Creek. The trail climbs 1,000 feet to the top of Leading Ridge following Bee Run most of the way through a forest of maple, cherry and…
Big Run Trail – Forest Trail 527
3.2 miles. Follows Big run on what’s left of a turn-of-the-century logging railroad grade. Big run is a beautiful stream where beaver make their home. The trail climbs gradually up Allegheny Mountain…
Canaan Mountain is a high elevation plateau ranging in elevations from 4,145 feet at Pointy Knob to 3,100 feet near Blackwater Falls State Park. The semi-primitive area consists of approximately…
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is fun for visitors of all ages and backgrounds, and includes an exhibit hall with live native snakes, auditorium, a nature store, events and programs. The…
The Cranberry River Corridor offers a unique blend of river ecosystems and mountainous terrain contained within a 14,000-acre area. Sections reside next to a registered National Natural Landmark,…
Fire Trail #3 – Forest Trail 104
This 0.8 mile section of trail connects Plantation Trail to Cannan Loop Road west of Fire Trail #2. Average hiking time is 0.2 hour.Additional ResourcesCanaan Mountain Backcountry Map and Trail…
Fire Trail #6 – Forest Trail 108
This 1 mile section of trail connects Canaan Loop Road to Plantation Trail. Average hiking time is 20-25 minutes.Additional ResourcesCanaan Mountain Backcountry Map and Trail Information (PDF, 2MB)
Horton Trail – Forest Trail 530
5.1 miles. Named after a settlement along Gandy Creek north of Whitmer. This area was booming in the logging days of the early 1900’s. Trails such as this one were the routes loggers followed over…
