Adventure Cyclist....

Almost Heaven:  The West Fork Trail

If you’re looking for a unique biking adventure in wild and wonderful West Virginia, head to the Pocahontas County town of Durbin to ride the West Fork Trail.

Many cyclists may know the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail, which is nearby. The lesser-known 26-mile West Fork Trail runs along the West Fork of the Greenbrier River, before it joins the East Fork in Durbin to form the Greenbrier River. Durbin is located about 35 miles southeast of Elkins in the east central part of the state.

Like it’s longer neighbor trail, the West Fork runs on an old railroad grade. Lots of local volunteer work has turned the West Fork Trail into a quieter alternative to the sometimes-busy Greenbrier River Trail.

The driving force behind the West Fork Trail has been Durbin resident Frank Proud. He’s put Durbin on the map with bikers, including opening a bike shop (Durbin Route Outfitters), a small B&B (Greenbrier Inn), and spearheading a huge 2002 Durbin Days event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the town’s train station.

The trail starts (or finishes) at the Durbin train station, which is well worth a visit before or after a ride. Station highlights include some wonderful historic pictures of Durbin and the surrounding mountains, as well as the opportunity to ride an historic train called The Durbin Rocket into the mountains on popular excursions.

The trail runs out of town and immediately parallels the West Fork of the Greenbrier River. Because it’s a railroad bed, the grade is negligible (though leaving from Durbin means a slight 1% elevation gain). Highlights along the way include: beautiful mountain and valley scenery (wildflowers in the spring, cooling shade and temperatures in the summer, and fall colors); potential wildlife sightings, like deer, egrets, owls, and more; some great swimming holes; and simple solitude where few bikers have pedaled (yet).

The West Fork Trail ends (or can begin) in the small town of Glady, where there are several parking spots for shuttle vehicles. State Route 44 (mostly dirt and gravel) is the easiest way to shuttle between Glady and Durbin, though many bikers are already using this and other backroads to form a loop of 55 miles or so (thus avoiding the need for a shuttle). Proud’s eventual goal is to ‘link’ the West Fork Trail with the Greenbrier River Trail, making for a possible 122-mile adventure that includes biking, hiking, and a train ride!

Resources:

*Durbin and the West Fork Trail: (304) 456-5469 or www.destinationdurbin.com
*Pocahontas County: (800) 336-7009 or www.pocahontascountywv.com
*West Virginia: (800) CALL WVA or www.callwva.com
*Greenbrier River Trail: www.greenbrierrivertrail.com
*Elk River Touring Center: (304) 572-3771 or www.ertc.com
*Snowshoe Mountain: (877) 441-4FUN or www.snowshoemtn.com