Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Location
Randolph County
Endpoints
Glady to Durbin
Mileage
21.7
Roughness Index
2
Surface
Crushed stone, ballast, gravel
The West Fork Trail is a pleasant 21.7-mile trail that snakes its way through a remote
mountain setting and follows the West Fork River for most of its route. The soothing
rumble of the river complements the trail's serene environment. This is a great path
for biking, but the surface is primarily ballast left over from the rail corridor, so leave
your road bike at home.
The trail begins in the small community of Glady. Even though the trail appears
to be flat, you will find yourself on a gentle decline as the trail follows the river down-
stream from Glady. For the first 5 miles, the trail takes a higher route above the west-
ern side of the river and pops in and out of small groves of conifers, offering great
views of the surrounding hills.
The trail then levels out with the river and travels the remaining 17 miles to the
town of Durbin following the river southward. Meandering through the mountains,
the trail and the river make sweeping 180-degree turns through a tight valley surroun-
ded by steep hillsides.
