Overall Route Rating
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4.5 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.5
8 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jun 30, 2004

Rider Reviews

WVrider
187 McR Points
July 2, 2014
I know it's difficult to get over into WV from…
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Guest
June 18, 2013
I would say that most everything West of…
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Written Directions

- Off of I-95's exit 152 in Dumfries Virginia, you'll find VA SR-234. Start this route by heading north on VA SR-234 and drive about 15 miles on 234 and in to Manassas, VA. Look for the intersection of 234 and Wellington Rd/Richmond Ave.
- Turn lef

Scenery

Excellent scenery. Wonderful Virginia rolling hills and farmland; beautiful mountains and streams in the West Virginia Potomac Highland Region. Photo contributed by a visitor in July 09: "Enjoying the ride on Rt. 55." Update provided by "Wojo" in July of 2013: "This route will traverse several different ridges of the Allegheny mountain range. From Moorefield to Franklin, there are numerous vistas and several overlooks as well as stopping points to view the headwaters of one of the branches of the Potomac river. Seneca Rocks is the highlight of this route. It's 900 foot rock walls are popular with climbers and several areas are available for viewing."

Drive Enjoyment

A variety of long sweeping curves, tighter turns and twisties, and long gorgeous cruising. Coming back to Virginia from Seneca Rocks, WV (through three mountain ranges) on US-33E is wonderful. On one mountain pass, you will conquer a 120 degree switch-back with an immediate 30 to 40 degree uphill climb!! What a rush!!! Update provided by "Wojo" in July of 2013: "The entire route is made for motorcycles. Every realm of riding is covered and the pavement is all in fine shape. Especially fun are the curves and switchbacks from Franklin to Brandywine."

Tourism Opportunities

Great scenic overlooks to take in ... bring your camera!!! Many little towns with eateries, gas, etc. I get 45 mpg from a 3.6 gallon tank and had no problem getting gas every 100 miles or so. When you get to Seneca Rocks, you've got to stop by the Monongahela National Forest and take in a beautiful park and very interesting Seneca Rocks discovery center. There you can picnic, hike, or get crazy and do some world class rock climbing. I also recommend you check out Smoke Hole Caverns as it has the world's largest Ribbon Stalactite, a free wildlife museum, restaurants, motels and other accommodations. Update provided by "Wojo" in July of 2013: "There are plenty of places to stop along the way with mostly mom & pop operations. Particularly at the junction of Rt 33/28/55 at Seneca Rocks, there is a stopping point for food, drink, gas and rest. A clear view of Seneca Rocks complete with coin-operate binoculars available. There are plenty of side trips to take off of this route. Lost River, Smoke Hole Caverns, Cass & Green Bank are other areas to be explored. During fall foliage, this route will be spectacular! With a little planning, this could easily be a 2 days trip. Cabins abound along the route in Cabins, WV. Google the town for lodging availability."

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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WVrider
July 2, 2014
187 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I know it's difficult to get over into WV from the area noted, however for a greater scenic experience, get to Harrisonburg, VA and take U.S.33 all the way over and check out Seneca Rocks, then backtrack a short distance and ride up Spruce Knob (Highest point in WV) it is now paved all the way to the top. Then when you come back to Rt.33 to south of Rt.28 till you meet up with U.S.250 where you will turn left (East) on 250 and take it back over the mountains, through Monterey, VA all the way to Churchville, VA where you can take Rt.42 north back to Harrisonburg. Awesome scenic ride !
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Guest
June 18, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
I would say that most everything West of interstate 81 is absolutely amazing/spectacular. I say this even after I had just ridden the BRP and Deal's Gap so I do have some business making that assertion. The roads are great, well maintained and there are several mountain sections with great twisties. Everthing to the east of interstate 81 (on this particular ride) is 'meh' at best. Some cool farm land but it leaves much to be desired. there is a descent section however that intersects skyline drive that give you a few glimmers of hope, but at that point your so close to the start of "the good stuff" that you'll hardly care you passed through that section. One critic to this trip I would add is Smoke Hole Road, which is about 10 miles north of Seneca Rock. DEFINITELY worth the detour. If you live anywhere near here though it is worth the trip even if your in a compromising sport bike position (like i was) :)
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Guest
June 4, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
I started in Harrisonburg, taking 33 west out to Seneca Rocks and back, and what a ride! There is switchback on 33 going into WV where the view just opens up and you can see the entire valley! Truly awe-inspiring. 33 east is a main road with some heavy traffic with very few opportunities to pass, so if you get stuck behind a slow-poke (as I did), you're stuck until you get back into Harrisonburg. But nonetheless, fantastic ride!
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3 riders found this road review useful