Motorcycle Rides Through the Gorge

The fresh air and West Virginia’s country roads are calling your name! Get ready for the first annual Southern West Virginia Bike Rally on May 21-25 in Fayetteville. 

About the SWV Bike Rally

Enjoy a long weekend of biking through southern West Virginia, taking in the area’s back road beauty during the SWV Bike Rally. According to the event coordinator, Bob Harrington, the two main events for this weekend will be the Ape Hanger Charity Poker Run on May 23, and the Fayetteville Memorial Day Parade on May 25. The poker run will take riders through Gauley Bridge, into Summersville and back up Route 60, finishing under the New River Gorge Bridge. Bikers will also participate in the Memorial Day parade with patriotic flags. There will be live entertainment throughout the weekend including performances by the Long Point String Band, Hit and Run, Creek Don’t Rise, Groundhog Gravy and more. Harrington urges people to start planning now because lodging is already selling out! The schedule is still expanding, so make sure to stay up-to-date by regularly visiting the event website. 

Rides Through the Gorge

While you wait for the Southern West Virginia Bike Rally, take a cruise through the New River Gorge on some of these popular motorcycle routes.

One of the longest motorcycle routes in West Virginia, the National Forest ride totals 195 miles. Starting and finishing in Fayetteville, this trip goes through two of West Virginia’s Coolest Small Towns — Fayetteville and Lewisburg. Enjoy local cuisine at the end of your journey or make it a weekend adventure and book a cabin in the New River Gorge. Catch beautiful views on this tour as you ascend up the Appalachian Mountains. There are many spots on this ride that are perfect for stretching your legs. Experience unique flora at Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, learn about the history of Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park or capture a snapshot of the picturesque New River Gorge Bridge.  

The National River ride begins and ends in Beckley, and takes you along the river lowlands of the New, Gauley and Meadow Rivers. As you travel along this 123-mile path, take in the view of the Glade Creek Grist Mill — a favorite spot of photographers — at Babcock State Park and explore the famous Prince Depot. 

The Coal Heritage North ride also begins and ends in Beckley. This panoramic drive will lead you across the New River Gorge Bridge and down Gauley Mountain. As you explore this 129-mile loop, observe where the New and Gauley rivers meet and admire the beauty of Cathedral and Kanawha Falls. 

Lastly, catch a scenic glimpse of the New River Gorge while following the Hairpin Adventure from Charleston to Lewisburg. Stretching 180 miles, this ride takes you through Glen Ferris and Gauley Bridge, both featuring breathtaking roadside waterfalls. From there, experience the stunning landscapes of the New River Gorge from the top of Hawks Nest State Park in Ansted.

Whether you choose to follow a specific path or let the road take you somewhere new, the journey through southern West Virginia will not let you down! But before you head out on your ride, make a pit stop by the New River Gorge Harley-Davidson shop in Hico and grab some information from us at the New River Gorge Conventions and Visitors Bureau.