About This Route
North Fork Mountain Trail System in Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia, delivers 25 miles of expert-level ridgeline singletrack overlooking Dolly Sods Wilderness, parallel to the Appalachian Trail's West Virginia panhandle. Epic out-and-backs like the 15-mile Seneca Rocks traverse feature exposed shale slabs, 1,000-foot drops, and panoramic Allegheny views. USFS-permitted for bikes; stay off AT proper.
Safety Considerations
Extreme exposure on rim trails risks catastrophic falls; use Spotter app for partners. High winds (30+ mph) buffet ridges; postpone in forecasts. Black bears and bobcats; counter assaults with air horn. Lyme ticks rampant; doxycycline prophylaxis for multi-day. Remote; no bailout on 10-mile sections.
Essential Gear
POC Kortal Race helmet, 29er hardtail for efficiency, Fox dropper post, MSR emergency bivy, Katadyn filter.