Last week, in collaboration with Visit Mountaineer Country, three Mountaineer Monster-routes launched in North-Central West Virginia. That alone is a mouthful. So it’s about a part of the state of West Virginia, which will be known to many primarily for the song ‘Country Roads’ (take me home).
Back to the bikepacking routes. These are of different lengths and so there is something for everyone. They measure 110 miles (175km), 270 miles (435km) and 465 miles (744km) respectively and run through the Monongalia, Preston, Barbour and Taylor Counties.
The new routes are among the Signature Routes From Bikepacking Roots. They are designed for both a solid weekend and a long trip through the backcountry, with unknown and actually unexplored gravel roads as the main terrain.
Along the way, the cyclists take on the challenge of the ‘Mountaineer Monster’ quest to find cryptids, a recurring theme that ties into the rich collection of local legends from West Virginia, including Mothman, the Grafton Monster, the Snallygaster and Bigfoot, adding a playful layer to the demanding terrain.
The beauty of the Mountaineer Monster lies in the challenges and rewards: plenty of climbing through beautiful forests, countless swimming spots, and views that will make your fingers curl in delight.
Mountaineer Country – from 110 to 465 miles
The shortest route is 110 miles, approximately 177 km, and, like the longer variants, it travels over rough roads. The middle option is 270 miles, approximately 435 km. The full Mountaineer Monster covers 465 miles, approximately 748 km, and is designed as a multi-day adventure.
According to the route announcement, a large portion of the gravel is rough and eroded. Some roads have barely been maintained for years. Along the route, the routes pass through swimming holes and wooded climbs, while the higher-lying sections offer views of Mountaineer Country.
That requires a bicycle and packing that can withstand rough handling. Check the current condition of the roads and any closures in advance.
Mothman and Bigfoot along the route
The route builders have incorporated local folklore into a cryptid quest. Along the way, participants can look for references to Mothman, the Grafton Monster, the Snallygaster en Bigfoot.
You will especially find that in the longer routes.
You can drive all these routes on your own, or you can also choose to participate in a community event. Because there is a real ‘Grand-Départ’, a big event. That starts on October 24, 2026 at sunrise and thus falls exactly in the run-up to Halloween.
The Grand Départ is a self-supported bikepacking race/ride over each of the available distances. Participants can keep a ‘social pace’ here or go for the fastest time. All the information for that, plus the most up-to-date routes, can be found via the link. You can register via this form Sign up.
Seven gravel hubs in West Virginia
The Mountaineer Monster is part of the larger Mountaineer Gravel network. That now includes more than 40 routes and over 1,500 miles of gravel, spread around Morgantown, Bruceton Mills, Terra Alta, Rowlesburg, Grafton, Philippi, and Belington.
Of Mountaineer Monster–Bikepacking routes The Mountaineer Gravel network is just one part of the larger network, which currently includes more than 40 routes and 1,500 miles of gravel roads across seven regional hubs in North Central West Virginia, including Morgantown, Bruceton Mills, Terra Alta, Rowlesburg, Grafton, Philippi, and Belington. Cyclists can explore the entire network visitmountaineercountry.com/gravel-routes.
In the true gravel spirit, you are responsible for planning yourself and you will always have to check the weather, terrain conditions, access rules and possible closures in advance. Although it may be the extremely cautious USA, you still have some freedom.
Will one of the Mountaineer Monsters be on your GPS soon? Or do you want to explore one of the other routes in West Virginia? Let us know how rough that gravel in West Virginia really is.
For more gravel inspiration? Click here: gravel
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.