Last week, in collaboration with Visit Mountaineer Country, three Mountaineer Monster-routes launched in North-Central West Virginia. That alone is quite a mouthful. It concerns a part of the state of West Virginia, which will be known to many primarily because of the song ‘Country Roads’ (take me home).
Back to the bikepacking routes. These are of varying lengths and so offer something for everyone. They measure respectively 110 miles (175km), 270 miles (435km) and 465 miles (744km) and run through Monongalia, Preston, Barbour and Taylor Counties.
The new routes belong to the Signature Routes from Bikepacking Roots. They are designed for both a rugged weekend and a long backcountry tour, with unknown and virtually unexplored gravel roads as the main terrain.
Along the way, the cyclists take on the challenge of the ‘Mountaineer Monster’ cryptid scavenger hunt, a recurring theme linked to West Virginia's rich collection of local legends, 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 gorgeous forests, countless swimming spots and views to die for.
Mountaineer Country – from 110 to 465 miles
The shortest route is 110 miles, approximately 177 km, long and, like the longer variants, leads over rough roads. The middle option comes out at 270 miles, roughly 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 part of the gravel is coarse and deeply eroded. Some roads have scarcely been maintained for years. Along the way, the routes lead past swimming holes and wooded climbs, while the higher sections offer views over Mountaineer Country.
That calls for a bike and luggage that can take a beating. Check the current road conditions and any closures in advance.
Mothman and Bigfoot along the route
The route builders have incorporated local folklore into a cryptid scavenger hunt. Along the way, participants can search for references to Mothman, the Grafton Monster, the Snallygaster and Bigfoot.
You will find those especially in the longer routes as well.
You can ride all of these routes alone, or you can also choose to take part in a community event. Because there is a proper ‘Grand Départ’, a major event. That starts on 24 October 2026 at sunrise and therefore falls right in the run-up to Halloween.
De grand départ is a self-supported bikepacking race/ride over each of the available distances. Participants can maintain a ‘social pace’ here or go for the fastest time. All information for that, plus the most up-to-date routes, can be found via the link. You can via this form sign in.
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.
The Mountaineer Monster-bikepacking routes form only a part of the larger Mountaineer Gravel network, which currently comprises more than 40 routes and 1,500 miles of gravel roads, spread across seven regional hubs in North-Central West Virginia, including Morgantown, Bruceton Mills, Terra Alta, Rowlesburg, Grafton, Philippi and Belington. Cyclists can explore the full network at visitmountaineercountry.com/gravel-routes.
In the true gravel spirit, you are responsible for your own planning and will always need to check the weather, terrain conditions, access rules and potential closures in advance. It may well be the overly litigious US, but you still have freedom.
Will one of the Mountaineer Monsters soon be in your GPS? Or do you want to go and explore one of the other routes in West Virginia? Please do let us know how rough that gravel in West Virginia really is.
More gravel inspiration? Click here: gravel
