Travel through Elkins and Parsons on this Scenic Loop | Motorcycle Rides in West Virginia
Here is the complete set of directions mapped out on Google including the bypasses I call attention to.
71 miles – 2 hour ride
Possible Pit Stops Along the Way
- Alpine Lodge and Restaurant
- Kelly Mountain overlook
- Downtown Elkins
- Old Rt 219 (old road to Kerens)
- Elkins Raceway
- Fat Olives
- Alleghany Highlands Trail access
- River Road detour
I’m going to start with a quick trip. The shortest loop I can think of that will still satisfy all of my road trip desires is from Golden Anchor Cabins to the small towns of Elkins and Parsons. From our main property head south on Rt 32 and then turn right onto Rt 33 in Harman heading for Elkins.
Outstanding Food and Beautiful Views on Rt 33
The first stop on my list is Alpine Lodge and Restaurant. Located right off of Rt 33 and locally owned and operated, they are a great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. My wife and I have always found the restaurant to be impeccably clean and the food to be outstanding, especially their seafood specials.
Also on Rt 33 just down the road from Alpine is another restaurant, The Forks Inn at Kelly Mountain. They serve possibly the best dinner in the state. I mention them here because while they will probably not be open while you’re traveling through, they have an unparalleled view of the Otter Creek Wilderness Area and Bickle Knob from their parking lot.
From Kelly Mountain, it is a short drive down Rt 33 to the town of Elkins.
Things to do in Elkins | WV motorcycle ride pit stops
Downtown Elkins has much to offer in the way of entertainment. Here are some of the best things to do in Elkins:
- Mountain Rail’s Train Depot – In the heart of town this train depot is the starting point of many of Mountain Rail’s train excursions. Jamie and I had a blast the last time we rode. Don’t forget to stop by their great welcome center and gift shop. There is also a train museum just a few hundred yards down the sidewalk along the railroad tracks worth stopping in.
- Delmonte Market – This market offers products created by artisans and companies from around West Virginia. They have unique gift items, gourmet foods, retro-styled toys, home decor, holiday decorations, Candleberry candles, gourmet coffee & teas, unique jewelry and more.
- Gandy Dancer Theatre – Located on the Beverly Pike, The Gandy Dancer is West Virginia’s ONLY Branson-style dinner theatre. They perform a wide range of music and offer specialty seasonal shows along with their standard performances.
- Beander’s Restaurant & Tavern – If you’re looking for some live entertainment, great American-style food and tons of craft brews on tap, Beander’s is the watering hole for you. They have live music every weekend, trivia night on Wednesdays and 50 cent wings on Thursdays.
Rt 219 – take this old byway option | motorcycle ride through WV byways
When you leave Elkins and head towards Parsons I recommend taking old Rt 219 rather than Rt 48. While there is nothing wrong with 48, since the completion of Rt 48’s 4 lane highway, Rt 219 became a very quiet road that essentially parallels the highway. It is perfect for an afternoon of sightseeing and it takes you by the next place worth stopping at.
Elkins Raceway | Thunder in the Mountains
Rt 219 has an exciting secret tucked away that is known only to the locals. If you’re in the area on a Saturday night through the warm months, you have to check out Elkins Raceway. This 3/8 mile dirt track is packed with local fans on the weekend. Starting at 6:00, they race Dirt Super Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks and Mini-Wedges with the feature race sometimes ending near midnight. Things get loud, dirty and fun here!
Next Stop – The Town of Parsons
Rt 219 will take you through the open rolling hills of Randolph County into the steeper mountains and winding roads of Tucker County and the town of Parsons. In Parsons there are a few places definitely worth a stop. Fat Olives has not only great pizza, wings and beer but also outside seating options by the river. This is my favorite restaurant in Tucker County and I try to talk my wife into stopping by every time we are in Parsons.
A walk around the park
Another one of our favorite things to do when we are in Parsons is just take a simple walk by the river together. As soon as you cross the bridge on 219N turn right on Nursery Bottom Road and park in the Allegheny Highlands Trail parking lot then walk the Forest Service Rd that divides the meadow from the trees. This area is maintained for public use so feel free to use the grass paths as well and explore the tree nursery. This is a great place to stretch your legs after a ride!
Route 72 and the River Road
From Parsons, you can drive to Thomas and down Rt 32 to bring you back to Golden Anchor but you also have the option of picking up Rt 72 South. This road very pretty and paved but be warned, it it very tiny and has lots of switchbacks. You can also use the River Road to avoid some of the twistiest parts of Rt 72 (my personal preference).
This is the shortest ride of my biker-friendly ideas but it will still give you a taste of the area. But there at several other rides to consider as well. Check out our full list of motorcycle rides in West Virginia here!
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. Finally, you can always see all our current cabin availability and book your stay online at https://guest.rezstream.com/search/golden-anchor-cabins. 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.
