New River WV - input needed
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 580
Likes: 341
From: Too far east
New River WV - input needed
Looking at doing a weekend ride from southeast OH to the New River area in WV. Went into Mapquest and being routed on 60 to 61 to 19. Anyone familiar with the area able to tell me if there’s a better route? Also looking for recommendations for someplace to stay overnight in the (somewhat) general vicinity. Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I've never been on RT 61 before but I have taken RT 60 and it's a curvy, scenic road.
Not knowing exactly where you're coming from but if you take either I-64/I-77 into and thru Charleston you can then access RT 60, which will take you towards RT 19 (watch for signs to Anstead).
If you're not interested in scenic riding/driving, check the drive times going to Beckley and then onto Fayetteville. It's a longer drive but it's nearly ALL freeway miles or limited access highways and there are toll booths between Charleston and Beckley.
The New RIver Gorge Bridge is on RT 19, north of Fayetteville and south of Summersville.
I've never stayed in Fayetteville but I have stayed at at the La Quinta in Summersville a few years ago and they had a Bob Evans and a Mexican restaurant(s) within walking distance.
Every October they have a "Bridge Day" and it's usually very crowded, and frankly a cool ride on an open vehicle!
Hope this helps.
Not knowing exactly where you're coming from but if you take either I-64/I-77 into and thru Charleston you can then access RT 60, which will take you towards RT 19 (watch for signs to Anstead).
If you're not interested in scenic riding/driving, check the drive times going to Beckley and then onto Fayetteville. It's a longer drive but it's nearly ALL freeway miles or limited access highways and there are toll booths between Charleston and Beckley.
The New RIver Gorge Bridge is on RT 19, north of Fayetteville and south of Summersville.
I've never stayed in Fayetteville but I have stayed at at the La Quinta in Summersville a few years ago and they had a Bob Evans and a Mexican restaurant(s) within walking distance.
Every October they have a "Bridge Day" and it's usually very crowded, and frankly a cool ride on an open vehicle!
Hope this helps.
Last edited by 2AMGuy; Jul 15, 2020 at 10:18 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
If you like lots of 25mph and under curves, that is an excellent route. I rode 61 from Montgomery to Oak Hill last Sunday. You will miss the good riding on Rt 60 if you go that way however. Rt 60 from Gauley Bridge to Hico is very scenic. It even has a web page Check out https://www.the-talon.com/. You can drop down Rt 19 to Fayetteville/ New River area from Hico. I'd probably look for lodging in Beckley as it gives you more choices in hotels and dining, but there are good places in Fayetteville as well. Bridge Day has been cancelled this year due to the 'rona and we are currently under a mandatory facemask order from Lyin' Jim. Several other good rides in the area. Let me know if you need a route for a day ride while you are in the area.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 1,902
From: East Coast, USA
I've ridden down to the area on my motorcycle to whitewater raft the New River and the lower Gauley river. I stayed at the outfitter River Expeditions and tent camped. They have various lodging options. I met some nice people there and I'd certainly stay there again. They have a saloon, grill, pool and other amenities on the property.
https://raftinginfo.com/lodging/
https://raftinginfo.com/about-us/facilities-amenities/
https://raftinginfo.com/lodging/
https://raftinginfo.com/about-us/facilities-amenities/
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 580
Likes: 341
From: Too far east
Thanks for the quick responses y’all! Back on Mapquest trying to dial this in and wishing I had a week instead of a weekend....WV is blessed with great riding, especially this SE portion of the state it seems!
I’m 3 hrs from Charleston if I take the quickest route from home - thinking I’ll do that. Then get on 60 and ride it thru Gauley Bridge to Hico (can’t wait to ride The Talon). Jump on 19 and ride it down to Beckley where I’ll stay overnight. Get up the next morning and reverse my route.
Can’t wait to see the New River Bridge - it’s been decades since I floated under it in a rubber raft!
Again input would be appreciated especially if there’s any big ‘misses’ to my plan.
Thanks again.
I’m 3 hrs from Charleston if I take the quickest route from home - thinking I’ll do that. Then get on 60 and ride it thru Gauley Bridge to Hico (can’t wait to ride The Talon). Jump on 19 and ride it down to Beckley where I’ll stay overnight. Get up the next morning and reverse my route.
Can’t wait to see the New River Bridge - it’s been decades since I floated under it in a rubber raft!
Again input would be appreciated especially if there’s any big ‘misses’ to my plan.
Thanks again.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
Just a couple thoughts. If you want, pick up Rt 60 in Charleston somewhere west of the state capitol building. It's a pretty ride up the river through Charleston. For your return, you could take Rt 61 back out of Oak Hill and pick up the Interstate at Marmet. Or pick up Rt 16 in Fayetteville and come out in Chimney Corner in the middle of the Talon. Some cool waterfalls on 16. If you are really adventurous, look at Rt 3 out of Beckley. Crosses some of the most rugged parts of coal country and steeped in history. Ride it to the end and take Rt 10 into Huntington or pick a route north anywhere it intersects with Rt 3.
Last edited by DuraGlide; Jul 16, 2020 at 08:40 AM. Reason: Added adventure
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,462
Likes: 57,017
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Rafting on the New River is one of the great adventures I've done ... What a blast ... I always remember this commercial as I had a Jimmy identical to this one :>)
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
Thanks for the quick responses y’all! Back on Mapquest trying to dial this in and wishing I had a week instead of a weekend....WV is blessed with great riding, especially this SE portion of the state it seems!
I’m 3 hrs from Charleston if I take the quickest route from home - thinking I’ll do that. Then get on 60 and ride it thru Gauley Bridge to Hico (can’t wait to ride The Talon). Jump on 19 and ride it down to Beckley where I’ll stay overnight. Get up the next morning and reverse my route.
Can’t wait to see the New River Bridge - it’s been decades since I floated under it in a rubber raft!
Again input would be appreciated especially if there’s any big ‘misses’ to my plan.
Thanks again.
I’m 3 hrs from Charleston if I take the quickest route from home - thinking I’ll do that. Then get on 60 and ride it thru Gauley Bridge to Hico (can’t wait to ride The Talon). Jump on 19 and ride it down to Beckley where I’ll stay overnight. Get up the next morning and reverse my route.
Can’t wait to see the New River Bridge - it’s been decades since I floated under it in a rubber raft!
Again input would be appreciated especially if there’s any big ‘misses’ to my plan.
Thanks again.
Last edited by 2AMGuy; Jul 16, 2020 at 01:51 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,520
Likes: 270
From: Wellsboro, PA
Just got home today from riding in WV for a couple days with a couple friends. 2 nights in hotels, 2 meals in 2 different restaurants, gas stops, breaks, etc. Never wore a mask, and nobody ever said anything. Don't worry about the mask if you don't wanna wear it.
