This 237 mile ride has some of the better overlooked twisty roads and scenic views in West Virginia. It is a great ride that should not be missed. Highlights include WV Route 3, WV 20 along the New River, the Brooks Scenic Overlook, Clear Fork Road, WV 41, the Glade Creek Grist Mill, and U.S. Route 60.
WV Route 3 – Greenbrier River Ride
Turn left on U.S. 219 and ride south into town. Turn left on U.S. 60 to Caldwell and then turn right on WV 63. Route 63 is a nice 2 lane sweeper road that avoids Ronceverte. Rejoin U.S. Route 219 and ride it south to Sinks Grove.
Turn right on WV Route 3. This is one of the best roads in West Virginia with lots of great curves and things to see. The road begins with sweepers and then morphs into a great curvy ride around ridges and along Broad Run and Wolf Creek to the Greenbrier River in Alderson. Route 3 then opens up with pretty views along the Greenbrier River to Bellepoint where the Greenbrier empties into the New River.
Brooks Overlook in Shady Spring, WV
Turn right on WV Route 20 and ride north through Hinton and along the shore of the New River. The road begins to climb as you approach the New River Gorge National Park. Stop at the pretty Brooks Overlook in Shady Spring for a great view of the upper New River Valley.
WV Route 20 along the New River
Leave the overlook and continue north on a superb stretch of tarmac. Route 20 twists and turns as it traverses Gwinn Ridge above the river.
Dip down on the last few curves, navigate a fun hairpin, and turn left across the tracks to the Richmond Store and Gas Station. Fuel up, grab a bite, and get ready to ride those awesome curves in the opposite direction!
Ride south on WV 20 through Hinton and turn right on WV Route 3. This next part of Route 3 has some great curves and is a very fun ride. Continue along the Glade Creek Reservoir with some nice views to Route 19 in Shady Springs.
The next leg is through coal country around Beckley. Ride U.S. 19 south to Ghent. Turn right on Odd Road which is a great curvy road with good pavement. This is very good riding. Turn left on Coal City Road and follow the Stonecoal Creek west and south to Rhodell. Turn left on WV Route 16 and ride this nice road west and south to Mullens.
Stop for lunch at the Rebel Smokehouse (closed Mon) for some good BBQ or at Second Street Station.
Clear Fork Road in WV
Leave Mullens and ride north on WV 54, WV 97, WV 3, Mattsville Road, Lower Sandick Road, and Clear Creek Crossing Road. All of these are fun 2 lane roads with good pavement.
Now the real fun begins. Clear Fork Road is a twisty demon that is a whole bunch of fun to ride. This one will have the twisties junkies smiling.
Cross I-64 and follow Sweeneysburg Rd and Maplefork Rd to Mt. Hope. Turn left on WV 16 and ride to WV Route 61. Route 61 and Route 41 are next and they are special. Route 61 follows Mill Creek east and then cuts though mountain ridges south to Piney View. Turn left on WV Route 41 and follow Batoff Creek, Piney Creek, and the New River through some very pretty canyons. The curves are amazing and the pavement is great.
Glad Creek Grist Mill in Babcock State Park, WV
Continue on WV 41 north and turn left into Babcock State Park (map) ($2). Park your bike and see the famous Glade Creek Grist Mill. The mill was built in 1976 as a replica of the original Cooper’s Mill that was located nearby. It is the most photographed mill in the United States. Park Headquarters and a gift shop are near the mill. There are hiking trails, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Return to Route 41, turn left, and ride north. Turn right on U.S. Route 60. This is great riding! The first great stretch is to Rainelle. The second great stretch straddles I-64. This road is 2 lanes of great curves, elevation changes, and scenery. This is one of my favorite rides in West Virginia.
Continue east on U.S. Route 60 to Lewisburg. Turn left on U.S. Route 219 and return to the trip hotel.