Deep in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, the Highland Scenic Highway rewards cyclists with expansive views of the central Allegheny Mountains. The scenic highway is completely surrounded by national forest. Since the road is closed to commercial traffic and receives no snows removal services, it's in great shape. During the second half of October cyclists are rewarded with spectacular fall colors.
This is truly a fantastic ride that is equally challenging in either direction. As the only place for water is the Cranberry Visitors Center (at the southern access point), starting at U.S. 219 near Slatyfork is the best bet. Along the way, you will find scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the Greenbrier River Valley, Williams River Valley, and Cranberry Wilderness. With a large nature display, the nature center (open May through October) at the southern access point of the highway is a must see.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Slatyfork, WV: Highland Scenic Highway
Distance: 47.31 mi
Points: 1062
Calories: 1693
Total Time: 5:17:25
Speed: 8.9 mph
Pace: 6:42 / mi
Active Time: 4:57:49
Speed: 9.5 mph
Pace: 6:17 / mi
Points of Interest
Gauley Mountain
Location: 38.347580, -80.198135
A large network of West Virginia's premier mountain bike trails are found in the Gauley Mountain region, including Tea Creek Trail, Gauley Mountain Trail, and Props Run. Elk River Touring Center in Slatyfork runs tours in the area. Go to www.ertc.com.
Southbound climb
Location: 38.310009, -80.252037
Climbing out of the Williams River basin.
Fall colors
Location: 38.203116, -80.242767
Fall scenes along Cranberry Mountain.
Black Mountain elevation
Location: 38.261906, -80.257187
Most of the riding on this road is well above 4,000 feet.
Gauley Mountain
Location: 38.344349, -80.164490
Gauley Mountain is the backdrop for these early signs of fall along the road.
Atop the Williams River climb
Location: 38.344888, -80.183029
Expansive views in all directions.
Red Spruce Knob
Location: 38.330346, -80.179596
Red Spruce Knob is one the state's highest peaks.
Williams River
Location: 38.325767, -80.227318
Fall is settling in along the Williams River.
Crossing the Williams
Location: 38.323747, -80.216847
Early morning views of the Williams River.
Start here
Location: 38.301186, -80.108185
You shouldn't have any trouble finding the highway.
Rest Stop
Location: 38.182339, -80.252037
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is open Thursday through Sunday until 4:30 p.m. Oct. 27.
Signage in the parking lot
Location: 38.299031, -80.103636
No need to bring a map on this ride.
Allegheny Mountains
Location: 38.292092, -80.240021
Expansive views greet you at the top of the climb.
Cold weather riding
Location: 38.330817, -80.147066
Northern views
View along the northeastern section
Location: 38.316407, -80.135307
Views along the northeastern stretches of the highway.
Black Mountain
Location: 38.258132, -80.237961
High atop Black Mountain
Eastern views
Location: 38.240337, -80.232468
Views from Black Mountain.
Atop Black Mountain
Location: 38.233326, -80.250321
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