(MORGANTOWN, W.VA., JAN. 14, 2025) – Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau (VMC), the official destination marketing and management organization for North Central West Virginia, is proud to announce the launch of Mountaineer Gravel, a groundbreaking project aimed at transforming the region into a premier destination for gravel cycling and outdoor adventure.

The Mountaineer Gravel project is the largest initiative VMC has undertaken in the last eight years and represents a major step forward in positioning the region as a leader in outdoor tourism. Spearheaded by VMC in collaboration with experts such as David Landis, owner of Village-to-Village Trails (V2V Trails), West Virginia University's Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), and numerous local trail and outdoor recreation partners, the project already consists of 28 existing world-class mixed-surface cycling routes spanning over 1,000 miles of public property across Visit Mountaineer Country’s service area.

“We’ve long recognized the unmatched outdoor assets of North Central West Virginia and the need to showcase these assets in an impactful way,” said Susan Riddle, president and CEO of VMC. “With David Landis’ expertise, we finally have a packaged collection of gravel biking routes that appeal to cyclists of all levels and highlight the region’s scenic landscapes, local businesses and hidden gems.”

The 28 trails, ranging from 5 to 75 miles and featuring rugged terrain and significant elevation, provide cyclists with diverse experiences that range from scenic day rides to challenging bikepacking adventures. The routes are designed to offer a mixture of gravel roads, dirt trails, and primitive roads, capturing the natural beauty of the Appalachian region while also creating new economic opportunities for local communities.

Landis, an internationally trusted voice in the gravel biking community, played an instrumental role in the project’s development. Through extensive fieldwork, local engagement, and expertise, Landis identified the best trails in the area and curated them into seamless itineraries with a local lore. His work also included comprehensive documentation, high-quality photography, and GPS mapping, ensuring a user-friendly experience for riders.

Mountaineer Gravel routes are available on the Ride with GPS platform, where cyclists can access detailed maps, route information, and connect with a community of riders. Seven regional hubs, including Morgantown, Rowlesburg, and Grafton, serve as starting points, offering key services such as lodging, dining, and local attractions.
The project is already drawing significant attention, and VMC plans to expand the initiative further, with additional routes and infrastructure improvements to enhance the visitor experience. The Mountaineer Gravel project aligns with VMC’s broader mission to attract more visitors to the region, create new economic opportunities, and promote sustainability through responsible tourism practices.

“This project is not just about tourism – it’s about quality of life and creating lasting, positive change for our communities,” said Riddle. “By enhancing and promoting our outdoor recreation assets, we’re providing high-quality experiences and contributing to the halo effect of tourism, where our surrounding areas will benefit from this investment.”

The launch of the Mountaineer Gravel project follows a multi-year commitment from VMC to develop and maintain these routes which will ultimately consist of 35 trails and eight trailheads. Future initiatives include a bikepacking race in 2025 and sponsorship of the West Virginia Gravel Series. With these efforts, VMC is laying the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous outdoor tourism economy in West Virginia.

To explore the routes and join the Mountaineer Gravel community, visit www.visitmountaineercountry.com/gravelroutes/ or follow the project on social media at @MountaineerGravel.