Download All Routes in a single ZIP Package: PDF GPX GPS User Guide
01 River RunsThru It 196 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: TOURING BIKE-FRIENDLY
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 196 miles.
Lunch Stop: Apple Annie's near Morgantown, WV
Direction from Canaan Valley: NW, N, NE, CLOCKWISE
Comments: Something for big bikes, 2-up with some 1.5 lane twisty pavement to work up
appetites. This route leans more towards civilization.
02 Smoke Hole to the Knob 178 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: TOURING BIKE-FRIENDLY, DESTINATION- Spruce Knob, CURVY route.
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 179 miles.
Lunch Stop: Hollow Restaurant in Franklin, WV, and Ice Cream at Moe Fatz if desired.
Direction from Canaan Valley: S, SE CLOCKWISE
Comments: Suitable for any bikes but including 1.5 lane paved twisties. Includes Smoke Hole
Road as well as Moyers Gap & Sugar Grove. After lunch back on US-33 where a stop could
be made at Germany Valley overlook then a quick up and back run to Spruce Knob on the
paved road in/out before heading back to the resort. Much time can be taken at Spruce Knob
just walking the short trails and absorbing the fantastic views East and West.
03 Five Rivers Tour 94 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: SHORT, TWISTY
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 94 miles
Lunch Stop: Melanie's Family restaurant (but it's only 50 miles into the short 94 mile route)
Direction from Canaan Valley: N, NW, CLOCKWISE
Comments: Five rivers- Blackwater, Dry Fork, Black Fork, Shavers Fork, and Cheat. Back
Hollow Road to WV-72 (not suitable for large trucks!!!) A few miles north on WV-72 I have
included a sharp left onto River Road to follow the banks of the Dry Fork of the Cheat. This is
a tricky sharp turn and some may prefer to stay straight on WV-72 which is twisty itself but
you don't have this sharp left hand turn which may be difficult on a large touring bike. River
Road merges back onto WV-72 in about 5 miles so either way will keep you on the route. We'll
go through the community of Hendricks where the Blackwater River joins the Dry Fork and
creates the Black Fork ( about 3.5 miles in length I believe it's the shortest river in WV), the
Black Fork merges with the Shavers Fork just north of Parsons to create the Cheat which
ultimately meets its end at Point Marion Pennsylvania north of Morgantown, WV where it joins
the Monongahela River.
At Parsons we'll stay on WV-72 and just a bit north of town we'll drop off onto Holly Meadows
Road to the right. We'll follow this to Limestone Road which will head up the mountain and
eventually join Stemple Ridge Road. This will meet US-50 at which we'll turn right/east. I
added Melanie's Restaurant as a waypoint in case folks want a bite to eat or coffee and
Cathedral State Park is just across the road where one could stop and walk the trails among
the old growth hemlock trees.
· From there we double back west on US-50 and back to Stemple Ridge Road but at the
intersection with Location Road we will turn left onto Location Road and take it down into the
valley to St. George. You will not regret riding Limestone, Location, and Stemple Ridge
Roads, they are just incredibly beautiful.
· Once we arrive at St. George we will return to Holly Meadows Road until it intersects with
Horseshoe Run Road, we will stay on it until we come to Lead Mine Mountain Road, we will
take it, to the right. This road is a blast going up the mountain to it's terminus at US-219, there
we will take US-219 and WV-32 back to CVR.
04 Glady Fork Dry Fork 41 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: SHORT
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 41 miles
Lunch Stop: NONE
Direction from Canaan Valley: S, SW, CLOCKWISE
Comments: Beautiful relaxing, scenic views, rivers, takes WV-32 south to Harman and heads
west on US-33 to Alpine Lodge at Alpena and heads back north towards CVR but not before
crossing Glady Fork River and upper Dry Fork. Be careful on the road from Alpine Lodge to
the Glady Campground area as there can be a lot of fishermen and/or campers traveling the
road. This would be good for folks looking for a short ride or it could be combined with #03
above and still be less than 150 miles total with time for lunch in Davis or a stop at Blackwater
Falls State Park.
05 US 50 Lonely Road 254 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: TOURING BIKE-FRIENDLY, DESTINATION
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 254 miles
Lunch Stop: Capon Bridge at either El Puente Mexican Restaurant or Greg's Restaurant
(homemade and pie). Those wanting an earlier lunch can stop at Romney or for a later lunch
stop at Moorefield.
Direction from Canaan Valley: E, NE, CLOCKWISE
Comments: "US-50 the loneliest road and assorted splendor" Includes US-48, WV42, US-50,
WV29, Rt. 9, Magnolia Rd., Detour Rd., WV27 Smokey Hollow Rd., VA259, Christian Church
Rd., Ford Hill Rd, North River Road. There are beautiful churches worthy of photos along both
Christian Church Road and North River Road at Bean Settlement. North River Rd. to US-48,
then to Patterson Creek Rd. Exit, through Greenland Gap and up WV-42 twisty to US-48 and
back to CVR
06 Hacker Valley Challenge 217 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: TOURING BIKE-FRIENDLY, DESTINATION, EASY NAVIGATION FOR NON-GPS
Navigation difficulty: SIMPLE
Distance: 217 miles
Lunch Stop: Holly River State Park Restaurant, WV
Direction from Canaan Valley: W, SW CLOCKWISE
Comments: Lots of friendly, fun roads on this route. Holly River State Park Restaurant is one
of the favorite lunch stops for this edition of STAR. A side trip could be made to the Sago Mine
Disaster Memorial if desired.
07 Potomac River Ramble 239 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: TOURING BIKE-FRIENDLY
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 239 miles
Lunch Stop: Main Street Grill in Romney, WV
Direction from Canaan Valley: E, NE CLOCKWISE
Comments: Route includes four lanes, highways, back roads and a 50 cent toll bridge
crossing of the Potomac River to Oldtown Maryland. Passes by the historic Paw Paw Tunnel.
Runs down the mountain valley South via the beautiful Knobley Road to Petersburg and then
a run back up the flowing Jordan Run Road to the uphill twist fest of WV-42 before heading
back via four lane US-48 to CVR. Care should be taken in Paw Paw, WV, to keep at or under
the posted speed limit.
08 Whistle Punk 308 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: DESTINATION, TWISTY route.
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 308 miles
Lunch Stop: Whistle Punk Grill & Taphouse, East Main Street, Richwood, WV
Direction from Canaan Valley: W, SW, CLOCKWISE
Comments: An all day ride and good for the spirited rider as it's 308 miles total and 9-10
hours should be allowed to complete it. The county route section between Marlinton and the
Highland Scenic Highway via Woodrow and Williams River roads is one of my all time favorite
strips of blacktop in WV. US-219 between Elkins and Marlinton isn't bad either. Nor are the
roads headed back north, WV-20, WV-15, US-19. Along US-19 North of Flatwoods is Falls
Mill, a roadside stop with a beautiful waterfall on the Little Kanawha River. A back road route
through the backwaters of Stonecoal and Stonewall Jackson Lakes will deposit us at Horner
and US-48 for the mostly relaxed ride back to CVR.
09 Chris's Favorite 261 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: DESTINATION, TWISTY
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 261 miles
Lunch Stop: High's Restaurant in Monterey, VA
Direction from Canaan Valley: SW, SE COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: Called "Chris's Favorite" (Chris Shoop) as it includes the infamous "high crash
area signs." Route includes Snowy Mountain Road as well as the Blue Grass, VA valley both
of which will make you think you're in the Scottish Highlands. On the way to High's
Restaurant in Monterey, VA it will pass the Green Bank Radio Observatory, which is definitely
worth a stop. After Green Bank the twisty US-250 will rival US-33 which is on the way back. I
recommend High's for lunch, they have awesome pie too.
· Part 2 (below 133 miles) runs US-250 east to pick up VA-736 and 42, etc. to Ottobine, VA.
Here if one did not wish to ride up to the US-33 (high crash area) they could head west from
Ottobine to Briery Branch VA and on across the state line/pass to Sugar Grove and then pick
up US-33 at Brandywine for the ride back to CVR. Along the way back on US-33 from Franklin
folks will want to take in the view of Germany Valley. The overlook comes upon you quickly as
you are enjoying the twisties approaching you from the east.
10 Lost River-Trough 197 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: DESTINATION, TWISTY, EASY NAVIGATION FOR NON-GPS
Navigation difficulty: SIMPLE
Distance: 197 miles
Lunch Stop: Main Street Grill, Romney, WV
Direction from Canaan Valley: E, COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: "Lost River to the Trough via Grassy Lick" heads from CVR to Seneca Rocks then
to Petersburg where a stop could be made at Tri-County Powersports (MSTA STAR sponsor).
Then onto Moorefield and CR12 to Lost River State Park. From there we make our way up to a
fun road called Grassy Lick, which will take to Romney. A very nice lunch can be had at the
Main Street Grill but there are other fast food options, Sheetz and Dairy Queen. Points of
interest in Romney include the School for the Deaf and Blind on the North side of US-50, also
the Indian Mound Cemetery is interesting, it is on the west end of town also on the North side
of US-50. From Romney we will head south though the Trough, I often see bald eagles on
this road. This will pretty much go to Moorefield where I have us on the four lane US-48 back
to Davis and CVR.
11 Crazy 8's 254 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: DESTINATION, TWISTY, TOURING BIKE-FRIENDLY, EASY NAVIGATION FOR
NON-GPS
Navigation difficulty: SIMPLE
Distance: 190 miles
Lunch Stop: High's Restaurant in Monterey, VA
Direction from Canaan Valley: S, SW CLOCKWISE & COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: Go crazy on the Crazy 8's ride! This ride features some of the best curves in the
state. It makes a figure 8 pattern because honestly I don't know which direction is best on Rt
250! This ride will take you past the Green Bank Observatory, the Jefferson Baths in Warm
Springs Va and several other great locations along the way. It is a two lane paved ride with
plenty of turns and some nice long straights through the valleys. You will travel through
valleys, over mountains and follow along rivers through small towns and rural farms. There
will be several excellent views as you switch back up some of the mountains.
12 Long and Easy 191 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: DESTINATION, TOURING BIKE-FRIENDLY, EASY NAVIGATION ROUTES FOR
NON-GPS
Navigation difficulty: SIMPLE
Distance: 191 miles
Lunch Stop: Greenbrier Grille or The Dirt Bean, Marlinton, WV
Direction from Canaan Valley: S, SW COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: Take a long and easy cruise through scenic West Virginia! This route showcases
some of our less twisty, wide open roads. All paved two lane with scenic beauty around every
bend. The route features Seneca Rocks, the Green Bank Observatory and other historic sites
along the way.
13 Paved Adventure 199 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: DESTINATION, ADVENTURE (EASY, PAVED)
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 199 miles
Lunch Stop: The Bluegrass Mercentile, Blue Grass, VA. Check their facebook for specials
and menu
Direction from Canaan Valley: NE, SW CLOCKWISE
Comments: Ready for adventure, but not ready for gravel? No problem. The Paved Adventure
route is for you! This route is paved and features some off-the-beaten-path lane and a half
paved or chip and sealed roads that wander through the mountains of West Virginia. It
features rolling farm county, scenic views, Seneca Rocks and Seneca Caverns!
14 Thrilla Over 33 178 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: CURVY, DESTINATION, TOURING BIKE-FRIENDLY, EASY NAVIGATION FOR
NON-GPS
Navigation difficulty: SIMPLE
Distance: 178 miles
Lunch Stop: Wood Grill Buffet, located at 1711 Reservoir Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
540.432.9303
Direction from Canaan Valley: SE, OUT-AND-BACK
Comments: Since we don't have a specific Lunch Ride for STAR this year, Keith McCrea
provided this simple route via US33 to The Wood Grill Buffet in Harrisonburg, VA. An MSTA
area has been reserved, and members receive a buffet discount between the hours of 11:00
and 1:30.
15 Beginners ADV 114 MAP GPX
RouteType: ADVENTURE
Navigation difficulty: REQUIRES A GPS THAT SUPPORTS TRACKS- NO ROUTE OR PDF
AVAILABLE
Distance: 114 miles
Lunch Stop: Cheetah B's, Petersburg, WV
Direction from Canaan Valley: E, NE COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: Take a scenic adventure consisting of graded gravel road, lane and a half lane
chip and seal and paved lane and a half and two lane. This route passes over Dolly Sods and
then follows the Potomac river into historic Petersburg. From there it meanders through some
of the most beautiful farm country through valleys and over mountains. Route passes through
a natural mountain pass and also by a unique waterfall that can be seen from the roadside
(marked on the gpx file). This is an easy to intermediate adventure route, the only challenges
are the maintained gravel roads.
16 iMAT ADV Loop 1 184 MAP GPX
RouteType: ADVENTURE
Navigation difficulty: REQUIRES A GPS THAT SUPPORTS TRACKS- NO ROUTE OR PDF
AVAILABLE
Distance: 184 miles
Lunch Stop: The Bluegrass Mercentile, Blue Grass, VA. Check their facebook for specials
and menu
Direction from Canaan Valley: E, S, SW CLOCKWISE
Comments: Get an exclusive look at the iMAT route system that will be featured in the
July/August issue of RoadRunner Magazine! Loop 1 is a mix of gravel, pavement and some
dirt roads with a mild stream crossing or two. Enjoy some of the most epic, scenic beauty on
the East Coast! Features of Loop 1 are views like Bear Rocks on Dolly Sods, the famous
FR75, Smith Mountain Road (Also known as "the gate road"), Spruce Knob (the highest point
in West Virginia), gorgeous rolling farm country of Bluegrass Virginia, the popular Middle
Mountain Road and much more!
VERY IMPORTANT: Smith mountain road is a county road that runs through farms pastures,
watch for cows, do not spook them. You will likely need to dismount your bike, ride through,
and close at least one, if not more gates. Please leave gates open that are left open and ones
that are closed left closed. Leave the gates as you find them.
Gas: Available with detour at the end of Smith Mtn Rd by going to Seneca rocks (~60mi) Gas
stop for longer range bikes at Bartow (~125mi)
Note: If the seat time is daunting half the ride can be ridden and paved scenic roads will take
you back to CVR with minimal planning.
17 iMAT ADV Loop 2 222 MAP GPX
RouteType: ADVENTURE
Navigation difficulty: REQUIRES A GPS THAT SUPPORTS TRACKS- NO ROUTE OR PDF
AVAILABLE
Distance: 222 miles
Lunch Stop: Snowshoe Mountain- Some dining options may only be available certain days so
view the web link and call the establishment you are interested in to ensure operating hours.
https://www.snowshoemtn.com/things-to-do/dining/the-village
Direction from Canaan Valley: SW COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: Get an exclusive look at the iMAT route system that will be featured in the
July/August issue of RoadRunner Magazine! Loop 2 is a mix of gravel, pavement and some
dirt roads . Enjoy some of the most epic, scenic beauty on the East Coast! Features of Loop 2
are Bickle Knob overlook tower, Cass Scenic Railroad, Snowshoe mountain top resort, Top of
Allegheny battlefield and more!
Lunch: Snowshoe Mountain- Some dining options may only be available certain days so view
the web link and call the establishment you are interested in to ensure operating hours.
https://www.snowshoemtn.com/things-to-do/dining/the-village
Gas: Fuel range needs to be around 120 miles safely. Fuel stop at The base of Snowshoe
mountain is around 112 miles from Canaan. Return trip fuel stop at Bartow is much closer,
however it's around 111 miles back to Canaan so if you made it to Snowshoe you SHOULD be
able to make it back.
18 iMAT ADV Loop 3 128-158 MAP GPX
RouteType: ADVENTURE
Navigation difficulty: REQUIRES A GPS THAT SUPPORTS TRACKS- NO ROUTE OR PDF
AVAILABLE
Distance: 128-158 miles
Lunch Stop: Mama Mia Pie and Pasta https://mamamiapieandpasta.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mamamiapppizzeria
Direction fromCanaan Valley: E, NE COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: Get an exclusive look at the iMAT route system that will be featured in the
July/August issue of RoadRunner Magazine! Loop 3 was hands down the favorite route of
Florian and Steve from RoadRunner. It is primarily gavel and paved mix. Scenic beauty and
surprises await around every corner. Some of the highlights include The Sinks of Gandy,
Government Road and Olsen Tower. The primary route bypasses two challenge sections that
are not for the faint of heart. The Canyon Rim Road and Canaan Loop both feature gnarly
rock bed roads with multiple stream crossings and mountain scenery like you will not
experience anywhere else, if you decide to accept the challenge!
Gas: Available in Elkins, Parsons, Thomas and Davis along the route marked on the GPX file.
Time: Expect ride to take 5-7 hours depending on stops
Note: For those adventurous the Sinks of Gandy is a mountain stream that goes under
ground the opening can be seen clearly from the hike outlined on the GPX file. This IS private
property so be respectful. In the past I have encountered a ranch hand (or owner?) who told
me as long as they owned it they have no intentions of keeping the Sinks from anyone as it is
a natural wonder. It is private property and a cow pasture, enter at your own risk.
19 iMAR ADV Loop 1 215 MAP GPX
RouteType: ADVENTURE
Navigation difficulty: REQUIRES A GPS THAT SUPPORTS TRACKS- NO ROUTE OR PDF
AVAILABLE
Distance: 215 miles
Lunch Stop: Snowshoe Mountain- Some dining options may only be available certain days so
view the web link and call the establishment you are interested in to ensure operating hours.
https://www.snowshoemtn.com/things-to-do/dining/the-village
Direction from Canaan Valley: W, SW COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: The iMAR Route system is a mix of easier gravel and pavement that takes you on
a ride through nearly the same area as the iMAT route system but it is less challenging and
utilizes some other great adventure roads. Loop 1 of the iMAT will take you on a ride through
some of the state's most scenic areas. Roads vary from gravel roads, that were formerly
railbed, following along the river to mountain top paved roads. This ride will take you to
Snowshoe and through Cass Scenic Railroad as well as Top of Allegheny battlefield.
Gas: Fuel range needs to be around 120 miles safely. Fuel stop at The base of Snowshoe
mountain is around 117 miles from Canaan. Return trip to Canaan is around 98 miles so if you
made it to Snowshoe you SHOULD be able to make it back fine.
Time: Expect ride to take 9-11 hours depending on stops
20 Crazy 4-8's 145 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: DESTINATION, TWISTY, TOURING BIKE-FRIENDLY, EASY NAVIGATION FOR
NON-GPS
Navigation difficulty: SIMPLE
Distance: 145 miles
Lunch Stop: High's Restaurant Monterey, Va http://www.highsrestaurant.com/menu.html
Direction from Canaan Valley: S, SW COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: Go crazy on the Crazy 4/8's ride! This ride is the northern half of the longer Crazy
8's ride. It features some of the best curves in the state. It is a two lane paved ride with plenty
of turns and some nice long straights through the valleys. You will travel through valleys, over
mountains and follow along rivers through small towns and rural farms. There will be several
excellent views as you switch back up some of the mountains.
21 Honestly 125 MAP GPX
RouteType: INTERMEDIATE ADVENTURE
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 125 miles
Lunch Stop: Lil' Moes, Phillipi, WV https://www.facebook.com/little.moes/
Direction from Canaan Valley: NW CLOCKWISE
Comments: As they say- honesty is the best policy. Well, this ride is honest. It is an
intermediate adventure ride that will take you through gravel roads, paved lane and a half
roads rolling through farm country and a few sections of dirt road with exposed rock bed as
well as former railbed (as is evident by repurposed rail bridge). The scenery is quite diverse, it
is rolling farm country, rocky river valley, mountain streams and honest exposure to
impoverished rural Appalachian areas. The mixture of scenic beauty and poverty is a sobering
socioeconomic journey that leaves one with introspection.
Gas: Phillipi Sheetz (60mi)
22 Road to Tom's 129 MAP PDF GPX
RouteType: SHORT, DESTINATION, TOURING BIKE FRIENDLY
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 129 miles
Lunch Stop: Oakland, MD, there are many good restaurants to choose from for those not into
culinary adventures of selecting a restaurant Uno Pizzeria and Grill is always a good bet.
Direction from Canaan Valley: N, NW, CLOCKWISE
Comments: The Road to Tom's is just that! This is a route to Tom McKee's home, a
motorcycle collector and friend of route maker Brian Holmes. Through this friendship the
MSTA has procured exclusive access to Tom's personal collection of over 20 show condition
vintage motorcycles including antique Harley-Davidsons and even some more unique
motorcycles such as a rotary engine Suzuki and an antique Henderson. In addition to
motorcycles Tom also has a nice collection of vintage memorabilia.
A visit to Tom's will assuredly keep you entertained as he has a vast knowledge of classic
motorcycles, experiences with unique individuals in the sport and industry and a passion for
motorcycles like few possess. Hours Tom is available will be made known at STAR. The route
takes you to his home so please be respectful and abide by the hours he is available to show
his collection. You will check in at his home and he will have provisions to lead you to his
collection.
Click HERE for an explanation of Route Type and Navigation Difficulty
Note: These routes are available for MSTA STAR attendees only-
please do not share them with others