The best road cycling routes around Masontown

There are 5 road cycling routes available around Masontown in this guide, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. These routes are designed to showcase the region's rolling mountains and thick forests.

The region's picturesque views, rolling mountains, and thick forests make it enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Fall is particularly scenic for experiencing the vibrant foliage, while summer offers pleasant conditions for exploring the natural beauty. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult due to elevation changes, the broader Masontown area offers multi-use rail trails that are more suitable for beginners and casual riders. The Deckers Creek Rail-Trail, with a trailhead in Masontown, provides a gentle slope, and the Mon River Rail Trail System offers 48 miles of level, easygoing trails.

Yes, Masontown's road cycling routes are characterized by significant elevation changes, typical of the Appalachian foothills. For example, the Caperton Trail – Core Arboretum loop from Morgantown is a difficult 55.9-mile route with over 3,900 feet of climbing, offering a substantial challenge for experienced riders.

Absolutely. The road cycling routes around Masontown traverse a landscape of rolling mountains and thick forests, providing numerous scenic vistas. Many routes offer views of the Cheat River and the surrounding natural beauty. For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting nearby Coopers Rock Overlook, which is a short distance from some cycling areas.

Yes, several routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Roadbike loop from Pierpont and the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park loop from Uffington, both offering circular journeys through the local landscape.

Beyond the cycling, you can explore several natural attractions. Just outside Masontown, you'll find the tranquil Deckers Creek Waterfall and Blue Hole, a popular spot for summer swimming. Coopers Rock State Forest, located east of Morgantown, features impressive canyon overlooks like Coopers Rock Overlook and Raven Rock Viewpoint, offering stunning views of the Cheat River Gorge.

While the road cycling routes in this guide are geared towards more experienced riders, the area offers excellent family-friendly options on paved rail trails. The Deckers Creek Rail-Trail, accessible from Masontown, and the Mon River Rail Trail System are both level and easygoing, perfect for families. The Cheat Lake Park and Trail also provides a 4.5-mile paved path with scenic lake views.

The road cycling routes primarily utilize good small country roads that are generally paved and less traveled. However, the broader region, including some gravel routes, features mixed surfaces with significant portions of unpaved dirt and gravel roads, as well as crushed cinder rail trails. For dedicated road cycling, expect mostly paved surfaces with varied conditions typical of rural West Virginia.

Specific public transportation options directly to trailheads in Masontown are limited. Most cyclists typically drive to access the starting points of routes. For detailed information on local transit, it's best to check with local authorities or transportation services in Preston County or nearby Morgantown.

Parking is generally available at various access points for the rail trails and near the starting points of many road cycling routes. For instance, the Deckers Creek Rail-Trail has a trailhead in Masontown, and other routes often start from towns or parks where parking can be found. It's advisable to check specific route details for recommended parking locations.

Many of the multi-use rail trails in the region, such as the Deckers Creek Rail-Trail and the Mon River Rail Trail System, are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash. These trails offer a safer and more relaxed environment for biking with your dog compared to open roads with traffic. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and that you clean up after them.

Masontown and nearby towns offer local eateries and cafes where you can refuel. For a wider selection, Morgantown, which is a starting point for some routes like the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park – Hazel Ruby McQuain Park loop from Morgantown, provides numerous options for refreshments and dining. It's always a good idea to carry water and snacks, especially on longer rides.

Nearly 20 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Masontown's varied terrain. They often praise the region's good small country roads, which are less traveled, providing a serene cycling experience. Riders appreciate the blend of natural scenery and the challenging elevation changes that define the Appalachian foothills.