Biking

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.

However, few trails have been constructed or maintained specifically to accommodate bicycles. Please click the Mountain Biking link for suggested areas and further information

Highlighted Areas

The Cranberry River Area

West of the Cranberry Wilderness, this area is gated to exclude public motorized travel, but has a road system suitable for bikes. Mountain bikes are not allowed east or north of Forest Road 76. Cowpasture Trail is a 6 mile trail that surrounds Cranberry Glades Botanical Area.

Gauley Mountain Area

Near Slatyfork, West Virginia, contains State Route 219/1. Forest Road 24, and many miles of other roads and trails (some maintained for biking by a permit) provide good biking opportunities.

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.

Mower Basin Trails

Over 7 miles of trails that meander through open meadows, high-elevation red spruce, and northern hardwood forests are available for mountain biking in this partnership-led restoration effort in Randolf county.

Upper Shavers Fork Area

West of Durbin, West Virginia lays an extensive system of logging and mining roads on 40,000 acres recently purchased in the upper Shavers Fork drainage south of US 250 provides miles of bikeable routes, many behind gates.

E-Biking

The Monongahela National Forest allows Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes on roads where public use of motorized vehicles are 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. The 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 forest
Electronic bicycles (eBikes) are not allowed on Monongahela National Forest Trails