Cramming over 3,500 feet of climbing into just 24 miles, this route out, over, and back over the Eastern Continental Divide (just 25 miles west of Elkins, WV), offers abundant mountain scenery along with a hearty climbing challenge.
Starting from the Harman Public Library parking lot on US 33, begin climbing the western approach through high mountain meadows lined with wildflower caches. The route tops out at the Divide just 3.6 miles into the ride and spectacular panoramas stretch across Monongahela National Forest both north (to Spruce Knob) and south (to Roaring Plains).
The backside of the climb rewards with a stunning descent into a deep valley that crisscrosses Seneca Creek en route the turnaround at Seneca Rocks. Before U-turning, take a break on the front porch of Harpers Old Country Store and enjoy impressive views of the razorback, quartzite face of Seneca Rocks to the east. Refill your bottles before the return trip; the bulk of the climbing and the steepest uphill grades (including a 3.5-mile stretch that averages 10 percent) await on the ride back up the Divide.
-Mapped by David Orlando
TO TRAILHEAD: From Morgantown, WV, head south on I-79 for just over 50 miles and take exit 99, heading east on US 33/US 119. Continue 60.5 miles to Harman, WV and the start of the ride.
