FR 244

Gravel route from Canaan Loop Rd to WV-72, Parsons, Tucker County, West Virginia

Richford Road

Gravel route from Co Rte 35/15 to Co Rte 26, Parsons, Tucker County, West Virginia

McGowen Mountain Rd

Gravel route from County Rte 219/7 to Forest Rd 324, Parsons, Randolph County, West Virginia

"Ride up, ride down, loop it up with some of the gated, unimproved forest roads in the Fernow. Little traffic = some of the smoothest gravel you can find. "

Shavers Fork - Fernow Forest Route

Gravel route on 2nd St, Hendricks, Tucker County, West Virginia

"Starting in Hendricks, head west on the rail-trail to Parsons. At Parsons, turn left and head up "Quality Hill" through the Parsons neighborhoods, following Central Ave to Quality St to Jameson Ave to Long St. Though the map may say "Shavers Fork Rd", you'll follow signs for "Government Rd". The real Shavers Fork Rd follows the western side of the Shavers Fork river, and is a another great gravel road to ride. The Gov't rd has recently been paved in the first 1/4 mile or so, but turns to gravel shortly after leaving Parsons. There are a few swimming holes in the Shavers Fork off to the right (if heading south) along this stretch. Approximately 9 miles in will be the left-hand turn-off for FR 829, a beautiful forest road consisting of solid, chunky mountain pave with a grassy center median. Mind you, this is West Virginia, and the majority of elevation gain on this route is found on FR 829, which has some fairly steep pitches in places. That being said this route is equally as fun in reverse - climbing the smooth gravel surface of FR 701 though the Fernow Forest and bombing down FR 829 to the Gov't Rd. Once at the top of FR 829, you're now solidly in the Fernow Forest. Stop for a moment and take it all in, this is the experimental forest where modern forest management practices originated. Here, make a right turn on FR 701 to continue heading up the mountain. A short distance later you'll see a hard left on 701 (yes it splits in two!) but take the high road to the right to continue up on 701. Enjoy the smooth surface of the gravel here on the remaining gentle climbs and sweeping bends before starting the descent down along Elklick Run to the intersection of Brooklyn Heights Rd. Follow Brooklyn Heights Rd back towards Hendricks where you will cross the swinging bridge into Hendricks. Fun fact - Hendricks is a dry town after the saloons were run out of town in the logging heyday. The Saloon-ers set up shop across the river outside of town limits, establishing the now-gone town of Brooklyn Heights, with the swinging bridge the means of transport between the two. "