There’s something about West Virginia that just calls to riders. Maybe it's the way the mountains roll on endlessly like a wrinkled-up map that nobody ironed. Or maybe it’s the fact that you can ride for hours and not pass a single big box store or stoplight. For riders like me—who traded two wheels for three to stay in the wind without constantly playing chess with steep, hairpin curves—it’s a haven of quiet beauty and seriously underrated roads.

As a longtime rider turned Can-Am Spyder enthusiast, I’ve come to appreciate West Virginia’s backroads and byways for what they truly are: motorcycle heaven with a mountain view. Whether you’re cruising a classic Harley, tackling twists on a sportbike, or gliding on three wheels like I do now, the routes through West Virginia deliver some of the most jaw-dropping, soul-refreshing scenery east of the Mississippi.

Let’s dive into a few of my favorite routes—some better known, others still hiding in plain sight—and sprinkle in a few places to grab a bite or kick up your boots at the end of a long ride.

The Seneca Rocks Scenic Byway (Route 33/28)

Ride Overview

If you've never ridden through the Seneca Rocks area, you're missing a magical slice of Appalachia. Route 33 snakes its way east from Elkins, joining Route 28 and hugging the mountains in a way that feels more like flying than riding. This route is famous for its sweeping curves, dramatic elevation changes, and panoramic views of Seneca Rocks—a jaw-dropping wall of Tuscarora quartzite that juts up like nature’s version of a victory sign.

You’ll ride past spruce forests, sleepy hollows, and charming old farmsteads that remind you life doesn’t always have to be so fast-paced.

Where to Eat

The Front Porch Restaurant in Seneca Rocks is a fan favorite. It’s casual, family-run, and serves up the kind of comfort food you dream about—think pizza fried chicken, gravy-smothered mashed potatoes, and homemade pies that somehow taste like your grandma baked them.

Where to Stay

Yokum’s Vacationland is part old-school general store, part rustic lodging, and part campground. It’s right at the base of the Rocks and offers everything from primitive cabins to rooms with balconies facing the cliffs. You can wake up, sip coffee, and watch climbers scale the rock face like little ants with ropes.

The Midland Trail (Route 60)

Ride Overview

This historic route stretches across the entire state, from Charleston to White Sulphur Springs. You’ll cruise past rivers, waterfalls, and bridges that make even jaded riders pull over and snap a picture or two. It's part scenic, part historical, and all twisty goodness—especially around Hawks Nest State Park.

Route 60 includes a lot of winding switchbacks and mountain grades, so if you’re riding two-up or just switching to three wheels like me, it's a good idea to take your time and savor the ride. This was one of the first long-distance routes I tackled after getting my Spyder, and it made me feel like I had wings again.

Where to Eat

Secret Sandwich Society in Fayetteville is a must-stop. The burgers are wild—try the “JFK” with house pimento cheese and pickled onions—and the craft beer list is exactly what you want after a long ride.

Where to Stay

For something a little fancy and a lot cozy, check out The Historic General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg. It’s charming, haunted (maybe), and filled with antiques that practically whisper stories. Great spot to clean up and take your boots off.

Route 20 Through the New River Gorge to Hinton

Ride Overview

Now this one? It’s a sleeper hit. Route 20 takes you from the cool mountain town of Fayetteville down into Hinton, following the mighty New River. This road runs along ridgelines and riversides, giving you the kind of sensory experience you only get in West Virginia. In spring and fall, it's a kaleidoscope of color.

The best part? It’s lightly traveled and chock full of sweeping curves—not the tight kind that'll leave you praying to the pavement gods, but the kind that make you lean, smile, and repeat. For riders who prefer to avoid heavy tourist traffic and see more trees than taillights, Route 20 is the ticket.

Where to Eat

Kirk’s in Hinton is a true Appalachian diner—cheap, cheerful, and the place where the waitresses call you "hon" and pour the best coffee this side of anywhere.

Where to Stay

Bluestone State Park Cabins offer a rustic but comfortable stay. You’ll get killer views of the lake, and if you’re riding with a group, the multi-bedroom cabins make a great base for exploring the region.

The Highland Scenic Highway (Route 150)

Ride Overview

Often called the "best kept secret" in West Virginia, the Highland Scenic Highway runs through the Monongahela National Forest and offers up nearly 50 miles of elevated, pristine riding. At over 4,500 feet, it’s literally and figuratively a high point in the state’s road network.

What makes Route 150 unique is the total lack of commercial development—no gas stations, no restaurants, just mountain views, wildlife, and you. It's a place to be present, to let the wind and silence clear your head. This road is perfect for early morning riders who want to catch the sunrise burning off mountain mist.

Where to Eat

Before heading out, grab breakfast at Dirtbean Café in Marlinton. It's got great coffee, hearty breakfast burritos, and a cool biker-meets-mountain-town vibe.

Where to Stay

Book a room at Marlinton Motor Inn—it's budget-friendly, has parking for trailers if you’re hauling bikes, and is close to the start of Route 150.

Backcountry Bonus: Smoke Hole Road and South Branch Valley

Ride Overview

Want to feel like you discovered something nobody else has? Take the detour through Smoke Hole Road. This one-lane, winding marvel cuts through the mountains near Petersburg and leads you along the South Branch of the Potomac River. There are sections where the rocks overhang the road and you feel like you're sneaking through a secret passageway. It’s remote, it’s rugged, and it’s unforgettable.

This is not a fast ride—it’s slow and technical in places, and better suited for riders comfortable with narrow roads. I took my Spyder through here last fall and laughed out loud more than once. It was that good. Like finding a trail on accident that turns out to be better than the one on the map.

Where to Eat

Mullin's 1847 Restaurant in Petersburg is an unexpected gem with hearty meals, historical charm, and seriously good pie.

Where to Stay

South Branch Inn is motorcycle-friendly and centrally located. It’s clean, quiet, and a great launching point for exploring Grant and Hardy counties.

Rolling Through the Mountains, One Mile at a Time

Whether you’re on two wheels or three, West Virginia’s backroads offer a kind of peace that’s hard to explain but easy to feel. There’s something grounding about riding through places where the landscape hasn’t changed much in 100 years—where the people are kind, the food is real, and the air smells like adventure.

For me, swapping a cruiser for a Can-Am Spyder opened up a whole new riding life. I get to enjoy these roads with less stress and more presence. And that’s what riding’s all about, isn’t it? Being here, in the moment, chasing the curves and collecting mountain miles one bend at a time.