Spice Run Wilderness

The "Mill Run Campground – Spice Run Wilderness loop from Burnsides" is listed as a moderate 31.9 miles (51.3 km) route with 744 feet (227 metres) of elevation gain, estimated to take 3 hours and 51 minutes. However, it's crucial to know that touring cycling is strictly prohibited within the Spice Run Wilderness itself, which is a designated wilderness area. This means the named route is not suitable for bikes. Instead, the broader Monongahela National Forest offers a vast network of gravel and bikepacking routes, traversing rugged Appalachian terrain with high spruce plateaus and deep river valleys, providing excellent alternatives for cyclists. You'll find diverse surfaces, from smooth gravel to challenging forest tracks, often winding through lush forests of oak, hickory, and maple, with rhododendron lining the waterways. Many routes feature significant elevation changes, so be prepared for a good workout.

When planning your cycling trip in the Monongahela National Forest, prioritize permitted routes like the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail or explore the extensive Mon Forest Gravel and Bikepacking Route Network. These resources provide mapped routes for various skill levels and durations, from day rides to multi-day bikepacking adventures. Remember that many areas are remote with limited to no cell service, so carrying offline GPS maps and informing someone of your itinerary is highly recommended. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions and potential wildlife encounters.

While the Spice Run Wilderness is protected for its natural conditions and solitude, the Monongahela National Forest as a whole is a premier destination for gravel and touring cyclists in West Virginia. Its nearly million acres offer a unique blend of challenging terrain and stunning natural beauty, including historic rail-trails and charming mountain communities. The Mon Forest Gravel and Bikepacking Route Network, with its 66 mapped routes, stands out as one of the largest curated systems in the Eastern United States, connecting twelve mountain towns and offering routes like the challenging 594-mile Mon Circuit 600.