Pocahontas County, West Virginia, offers endless mountain biking opportunities, from heart-pumping trails to gentle paths that hone your skills. As fall sets in, immerse yourself in the vibrant foliage that blankets the county’s terrain. Pedal through landscapes ablaze with reds, oranges and golds, framed by the rugged mountain vistas. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner looking to find your rhythm, there’s a perfect route for you here.
Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center
West Virginia’s first International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Ride Center™ — Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center offers over 400 miles of prime mountain bike terrain in Pocahontas County. From smooth, confidence-building rollers to exhilarating singletrack descents, this network caters to every skill level.
Anchoring the Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center is the world-renowned Snowshoe Bike Park. Certified by the IMBA and consistently ranked among the best in the United States, this park is your gravity-fueled playground. Beginners can hone their skills on gentle slopes, while difficult downhill trails with legendary berms, jumps and drops will test the limits of even the most seasoned riders.
Thrill seekers can revel in the challenge of advanced routes with downhill biking at Seneca State Forest and miles of rugged trails in the Monongahela National Forest, including the Tea Creek Trail System and the expert-level Cheat Trail. For a blend of adventure and relaxation, the vast Rimel Trail System offers a variety of options, encompassing trails that trace the West Virginia and Virginia border, as well as new mountain biking routes within Watoga State Park.
Those seeking a more relaxed ride can explore the beginner-friendly Mower Basin or the scenic trails around the Green Bank Observatory. Additionally, experience the tranquility of one of West Virginia’s most successful rail-to-trail conversions, the Greenbrier River Trail. Extending 78 miles, the family-friendly trail features some of the most secluded and scenic areas in the state.
Fall Foliage and Scenic Views
With an average altitude of 3,219 feet, Pocahontas County is the sixth-highest county east of the Mississippi River, making it a prime spot for capturing stunning panoramic views of the foliage. On clear, sunny days during the peak of fall color, places like Snowshoe Mountain Resort and the Highland Scenic Highway offer vistas that stretch for miles in every direction, showcasing a collage of striking hues against the backdrop of rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys.
Rest and Refuel
Pocahontas County offers a variety of lodging options to suit every mountain biker. For those seeking a home base to explore the county’s trails, Hillsboro provides convenient access to Watoga State Park, the Greenbrier River Trail and the Cranberry Backcountry. Marlinton, a central hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offers a range of accommodations and is a short drive from most trail systems.
Slaty Fork is ideal for riders wanting to be close to the Monongahela National Forest and Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Just a short drive away, you’ll find iconic trails like Tea Creek, Gauley Mountain and Cheat. For a full-service resort experience, Snowshoe Mountain Resort features world-class biking, comfortable lodging and a lively restaurant scene.
Fuel up with delicious local cuisine and visit nearby outfitters for rentals or repairs. Request a free Adventure Guide to plan your fall mountain biking trip.
