This 233 mile ride is spectacular. It is a great mix of exciting twisty roads, pretty views, and peaceful rides along streams & through forest. This is one of my very favorites. Highlights include US Route 219, the WV 219 View, Anthony Creek, WV 92, VA 311, Paint Bank General Store, VA 311 View, Potts Mountain Wayside, VA 615, VA 621, Hidden Fields Farm, US 220, Falling Springs Falls, McGraw Gap Rd/Sulphur Spring Rd, Douthat Rd, Douthat State Park, Douthat Boat Launch, VA 39/WV 39, Dan Ingalls Overlook, VA 39 Hairpin, and the Droop Mountain Battlefield Park
Anthony Creek View in White Sulphur Springs, WV
The ride starts with US Route 219 north to the WV 219 View and then on to Frankford. Turn right on Anthony Road and follow this one lane scenic run past the Greenbrier River and then along Anthony Creek To WV Route 92. Turn right and follow Route 92 (Pocahontas Highway) south to White Sulphur Springs. Turn left and follow U.S. 60/I-64 for a little bit and then turn right on Route 311. This road soon crosses into Virginia and into the George Washington National Forest. The road briefly crosses back into West Virginia and goes through Sweet Springs. Now the fun begins!
VA Route 311 Map
Route 311 now crosses a series and ridges and is one of the better riding roads in the Region. The road becomes twisty and crosses into Virginia and the Jefferson National Forest. The twists continue as 311 crosses 2 ridges and then descends into Paint Bank beside Pott’s Creek.
Stop at the Paint Bank General Store for a trip to the past. From their website: “From the old wooden floors to the tin ceilings of yesteryear, the heart of the old-time, genuine country store is still present.”
VA 311 View in Paint Bank, VA
Follow the shore of the Paint Bank and then ride a twisty letter Z over Paint Mountain. Stop at the VA 311 View for a great panorama. There is another great view at the Potts Mountain Wayside that should not be missed.
Cross John’s Creek and descend into New Castle. Take Route 615 north along scenic Craig Creek. There are some great curves on this road as it meanders through dense forest with pretty creek views.
Hidden Fields Farm in Covington, VA
Turn left on Route 621 and follow the Roaring Run north. Ride past pretty Hidden Fields Farm and follow Rich
Patch Road north to I-64. Ride I-64 along the Jackson River west into Covington and then turn north on U.S. 220. This is one great 2-lane piece of asphalt. U.S. 220 can be a relaxed sweeper road in parts of its run, but not here. The curves on this leg come fast and have a great rhythm. Stop at Falling Spring Falls for some nice views. The parking lot is just past the falls on the left.
Sulphur Spring Road in VA
Turn right on Route 606 (McGraw Gap Road/Sulphur Spring Road) and put your big boy/big girl boots on. This super twisty road crosses multiple ridges before dropping into Clifton Forge. During a scouting ride, I pulled over to enjoy the view and appreciate the day. A car quickly drove up and stopped. The driver told me that this area was know for bear attacks. Needless to say, I ended my stop and got back on the bike. I preferred not being Yogi and Boo Boo’s lunch.
Stop for lunch in Clifton Forge. Good choices are Jack Mason’s Tavern (lunch Fri-Sun), 42 Deli (closed Sunday), Michael’s NY Style Pizza (closed Sun, Mon), and the Colorful Chameleon. All 4 places are close together.
Douthat Boat Launch in VA
Continue east to Cliftondale Park and then turn north on Route 629 and follow Wilson Creek to Douthat State Park. Pass the pretty Douthat Dam on your left and then turn left into the Douthat Lake Boat Launch. This is a relaxing spot with nice views of the lake and the surrounding hills.
FH Plecker Farm in VA
Ride some great curves north along Mill Creek. There are nice views of FH Plecker Farm on the right. It is especially pretty after riding beneath a canopy of trees. Continue north to Route 39 in Millboro. Turn left on Route 39 and follow Thompson Creek and Jordan Run through the Gap and then begin to climb.
Dan Ingalls Overlook in Williamsville, VA
Stop at the Dan Ingall’s Overlook.
Continue west to Warm Springs. The Tavern in The Inn at Warm Springs (Wed-Sun 10:00 – 2:00) is a great lunch option.
Climb the ridge just west of Warm Spring and carve some great curves going up and over. Ride through the tight VA 39 hairpin and follow Spring Run and Big Turn Run west into West Virginia. Continue west on WV Route 39 to U.S. Route 219 in Marlinton.
View from Droop Battlefield Tower in WV
Turn left on Route 219 and ride a nice series of curves south to the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. Turn right into the park and then right again for the spur road to the lookout tower. Climb a few flights of steps for an awesome panorama. Continue the short ride through the pretty park past cannons and other battlefield displays.
Leave the park and turn South on U.S. Route 219. Pass the WV 219 view on your left and continue on to the trip hotel.