West Virginia faces loss of bike trails in wilderness bill

# Option 1 (24 words):
The West Virginia Wilderness Bill threatens to eliminate mountain bike access to over 50 miles of trail in Monongahela National Forest including Dolly Sods North.

# Option 2 (23 words):
New wilderness designation could close over 50 miles of mountain biking trails in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest; WVMBA urges riders to contact representatives.

By Jeff Barber
January 25, 2008 Last Updated: June 1, 2026

Singletracks may earn commissions from affiliate links and/or receive products from manufacturers for review. Read our editorial guidelines here.

Congress is introducing the West Virginia Wilderness Bill next week and according to the West Virginia Mountain Bike Association (WVMBA) it could spell the end of bike access to more than 50 miles of trail in the Monongahela National Forest. Mountain biking is not permitted in wilderness areas so the designation would spell an end to mountain bike use in areas like Dolly Sods North, and Roaring Plains West.

It’s hard to believe that ‘W’ would allow great mountain bike trails so close to his house in D.C. to be closed – seems like he should just veto the bill already 😉 Seriously though, if you’d like to voice your opinion on this bill contact your West Virginia Congressional Representative ASAP!