Canaan Valley and the Forks of Cheat


This is a gravel loop that covers some of my favorite parts of West Virginia, the open spaces of Canaan Valley and the forests and peaks of the Cheat River Basin. The 'Forks of Cheat' indicate the network of tributary streams of the Cheat River.

We started in Davis and entered Blackwater Falls Park. The roads quality deteriorated quickly and there were two miles of very rough 4WD track, the toughest stretch of the whole loop. Then the horizon opened up when we arrived in Canaan Valley, with mostly smooth paved roads.


The ride then dives down towards the Cheat River at Gladwin Valley (there is a campsite). Then we climbed up Sully road on a ridgeline, and down again towards Alpena. Another long ascent brings up to Bickle Knob (amazing views). A couple miles before the peak we spent the night in Bear Heaven campsite. Make sure to explore the nearby short rocky trail.


After plunging down Bickle Knob, the the ride follows the Shavers Fork on a dirt road. The final climb is a mellow track up the amazing Blackwater River Trail back to the towns of Thomas and Davis. The Blackwater Trail was the steepest railroad in the US.

60% gravel, 5% easy single track.

All images below:

Canaan Valley

Blackwater River Falls

"Riding" tough terrain in Balckwater River Falls Park

Stopping to enjoy the view

Blackwater River Valley

Barn Red Barn

Abandoned Gas Station in Canaan Valley

Refueling in the shade

A well deserved break

Spare bike

Fields

Mechanical

Golden Light

The last rays of light for the day

The Fire Master

The Average Road

Morning view from Bickle Knob

More Average Roads

Road road road

Colorful Barn

Pink ball purple trampoline

Blackwater River from the final trail


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