98 miles 2+ hour ride
Possible Pit Stops Along the Way
- Blackwater Falls
- Tucker County Straights
- Swallow Falls
- Shopping in Oakland
- Lady of the Pines Church
- Shops in Thomas
Although this motorcycle ride technically dips into Maryland, it is still largely within West Virginia. The trip to Oakland, MD takes you by some of the prettiest Amish farms in Maryland. In addition to this, you will pass a few natural wonders. Here is the complete set of directions mapped out on Google that hits every stop I mention.
West Virginia’s most photographed location | Blackwater Falls
When you leave Golden Anchor Cabins you’ll head North on Rt 32. Just a few short miles up the road is Blackwater Falls State Park, near the town of Davis. I’ve got some awesome insider tips about Blackwater Falls State Park in another blog post so I won’t go in depth here but I at least wanted to mention you’ll be driving right by one of West Virginia’s top destinations on this route.
The Straightest Road in Tucker County
After traveling through Thomas, remember to follow WV-90 to encounter a unique stretch of road. Although you’re completely surrounded by woods and the hills are numerous, WV-90 is one of the straightest roads you will find in all of West Virginia before it opens up into farm lands at the Maryland line. WV-90 will take you to Gormania and briefly onto Rt 50 before continuing north into Maryland’s panhandle and our next destination, Oakland, MD.
Swallow Falls State Park
Oakland has a lot to offer visitors. Look up Swallow Falls State Park (I think it costs $5 for out-of-staters to get in). Although it is a few miles outside of Oakland, it is definitely worth a visit. There is a mile and a half hiking loop that takes you to Swallow Falls and Muddy Creek Falls. Both falls are very pretty and accessible. In the summer this is the preferred swimming hole for locals so don’t forget to bring your bathing suits!
Oakland, MD – Local Eats and Shopping
Our favorite restaurant in Oakland is Tomanetti’s. The owners typically run it themselves so the restaurant is always clean and the food is always fresh and delicious. My wife loves their seafood medley pasta and I typically get their Philly cheese steak pizza.
The Cornish Cafe is also awesome. They do the panini / wrap / homemade soups / coffee house thing. Because of the proximity to our cabins, we shop Englander’s Antiques and Schrock’s Country Store for cabin decor and furniture. Just out of town on Rt 219, Saffitickers is an Amish run ice cream stand with soft serve that is out of this world!
Visit the Smallest Church in West Virginia | Motorcycle Ride Ideas
Crossing back into West Virginia there is a cute chapel near Silver Lake called Our Lady of the Pines. They boast themselves as the smallest church in the USA. It is open to the public and definitely worth a stop and a selfie.
In order to travel back to the cabins, you will travel through the main thoroughfare of Thomas. Not only are there unique galleries and shops in Thomas there are inviting local restaurants. TipTop has great coffee and Purple Fiddle has not only great beer but live music as well.
If you’re looking for a cabin as part of your next motorcycle adventure, we would love to have you! Check our online calendar here for availability.
If you have any questions about vacationing with us, feel free to email me at goldenanchorcabins@gmail.com. You can also call me at 304-704-8764. I also send out a monthly newsletter where I keep all our guests up to date with what is going on at our cabins and the area. If you’d like to hear from us you can sign up for the newsletter here. Thanks so much for reading, we hope to host your next cabin getaway soon!
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Article written by Daniel Marsh. Daniel and his family have owned and operated Golden Anchor Cabins in Canaan Valley, West Virginia since 2014.
