Some avid hikers believe this trail has the best scenery in the entire state of West Virginia. Drop 1 vehicle at the end of the trail at Smoke Hole Road (WV-28/11) and drop the other at the hairpin pull-off on WV-33, near the start of the trail. The trail also weaves along the northern flanks of Fork Mountain, ascending and descending through numerous coves and ravines. The climbs are fairly moderate for a big ride like this and the flat sections are very flowy with very little trail resistance at times, and at other times quite engaging and a good lesson in proper line choice. Located between Spruce Knob WV and Seneca WV, two of the best outdoor destinations in WV themselves, the NFMT is arguably the best mountain bike trail in the state. It’s best hiked south to north, because the opposite route begins with a difficult 2,000-foot climb. It’s best hiked south to north, because the opposite route begins with a difficult 2,000-foot climb.
Photographers love this trail because there are so many opportunities to get great pictures of West Virginia’s sweeping valleys. Experts suggest taking 2-3 days to complete the entire trail.The best times to hike the North Fork Mountain Trail are the summer and fall. It is often smooth, but does have rocky areas. Live like a West Virginia local whenever, wherever It’s the driest mountain in the Appalachian Mountains, and has an ecosystem filled with vegetation and wildlife that are unique to the region.Hikers and backpackers who love a strenuous hike with gorgeous views (almost the whole way!) Once you reach the rocky section of trail, be ready to pay more attention. The trail is one of the driest runs in the state with virtually no boggy terrain. Horses are prohibited. There’s not much water access on this trail. Some rock gardens will require raw speed to get through and others will require a technical approach, where you’ll only earn passage through the perfect line choice and the combination of body English and brake control. © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events At a Glance. Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events Hikers must carry their water. The trail is often along a steep hill, but the trail is plenty wide. There are also several side trails that are worthy of exploration, and even some that lead to hidden overlooks and unique quartzite rock formations that are reminiscent of western canyon country.Most of the riding follows flowy singletrack and doubletrack with fun options to swoop between berms on the sides of the trail. Live like a West Virginia local whenever, wherever © 2020 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. There are many things make the ridgetop North Fork Mountain Trail spectacular. Lots of hikers turn this into a 2-day hike to allow plenty of time to take in the spectacular scenery along the way. The North Fork Mountain Trail is an incredibly scenic 24-mile point-to-point trail that gains almost 3,000 feet of elevation along North Fork Mountain in the Alleghenies. You’ll follow this for 3.5 miles directly to the southern North Fork Mountain Trail trailhead, where you can park. Be sure to pack extra water, because there aren’t any hydration sources on the trail. North Fork Mountain is a quartzite-capped mountain ridge in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province of the Allegheny Mountains (or "High Alleghenies" or "Potomac Highlands") of eastern West Virginia, USA.Kile Knob, at 4,588 feet (1,398 m), is the mountain's highest point, and Panther Knob and Pike Knob are nearly as high. Located between Spruce Knob WV and Seneca WV, two of the best outdoor destinations in WV themselves, the NFMT is arguably the best mountain bike trail in the state.The NFMT travels across a rugged ridge that at times resembles the spine of a Stegosaurus with the amount of rocks that litter the trail. Then let’s not forget the last downhill. Turn right on Smoke Hole Canyon Road for about 12 miles.Then take CR 2/4 West, which will turn into FS 79. Some guides say 23.8, while others say 24.2 or even 24.7.This trail isn't for the weary-hearted or the un-trained. Rust blazes guide you from the trailhead at Sloan Bridge, but be aware that some trail markers are a good distance apart. Some of the rocks are pretty big, and the truly brave will look for those perfect rocks to wheelie up on and pop off of.Just as you get used to the rugged ride and start to look for the next technical stretch of rocks, the trail starts to descend into one of the best downhills in West Virginia. There are lots of rocks and high-speed descending. Tibble Fork. Zacks Fork Mountain Trail was designed by Jim Horton who is known for designing mountain bike trails which include the Warrior Creek Trail and Dark Mountain Trail. Pack some extra water before you head out. We focus on prompt, accurately scheduled service, and pride ourselves on following manufacturer's guidelines for servicing and rebuilding components. Runners and walkers are welcome! Located between the iconic Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks in West Virginia, the North Fork Mountain Trail is the premier mountain biking trail in West Virginia, and one of the best on the East Coast.