Seek Scenic Thrills
Winter might have dragged its icy feet on the way out this year, but it doesn’t stand a chance against springtime in the Potomac Highlands. As green foliage unfurls with a flourish, it can be hard to plan your first scenic foray—Grant County has so many!
Start the season off right with a fresh perspective: from the driver’s seat of a rumbling motorcycle or poised atop mountain bike pedals.
Take the Scenic Route
It can be a hassle to plan a ride that has great mountain views, winding roads made for cruising, and perfect pit-stops where you can kick back, collect souvenirs, and refuel on fresh grub. Thanks to Ride the High 5, all the planning has been done for you.
These motorcycle routes loop from the hills of the Monongahela National Forest to the hollows of Smoke Hole Canyon—meaning you’d be hard-pressed to find a greater snapshot of small-town Appalachia and untamed wilderness.
Park your wheels in Petersburg when you’re ready to linger awhile. Discover our unique flavor of local charm at The Station Cafe, then peruse the South Side Depot Gift Shop. Head upstairs to admire the work of local artists at South Side Studios, and finish up at the Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau to learn more about what Grant County has to offer. No one has more enthusiastic recommendations than the locals, so feel free to spark up some conversations.
Savor Some Thrills
Find a ride truly unlike anything you'll experience elsewhere in the Mountain State in the Monongahela National Forest, where you can bike to your heart’s content. Mountain bikes are permitted on most roads and trails in the forest, except for designated wilderness and botanical areas.
The North Fork Mountain Trail is a favorite among all outdoor hobbyists, but especially cyclists. This 23.5-mile ridgeline isn’t for the faint of heart—you'll tackle rugged, narrow, and rocky terrain. But when all is said and done, tires mud-streaked and skin sun-kissed, the panoramic views from the 200-foot cliffs will be more than worth your while.
If you’re still shaking off the wintertime slump or need something more beginner-friendly, there are plenty of laid-back loops among the forest’s 800-plus miles of trails. Even the gentlest of cruises will offer an unforgettable glimpse of the Potomac Highlands that will leave you yearning to return—and we’ll welcome you back with open arms!
Folks say it’s about the journey, not the destination, but here in Grant County, you don’t have to choose—they’re both worth every second. Join us in the Potomac Highlands, where hikers and bikers alike can enjoy our greatest views.