EOM Wild Toad Loose Ends

[spklbuk]

Sunrise over Williams River Campsite 30.

Wait. Is that a different worthy stead waiting patiently? Looks like someone went mid-week camping AGAIN!!!

Mounted up and cruising Woodrow Road. I am running this leg in reverse of the EOM proposed mapping.

USFS has dolled up the whole area for Labor Day Weekend.

Camera sucks but the scene is stellar.

Marathon at Edray is now Kwik Stop.


Edray road is in excellent shape. Narrow and loopy but with a good surface ALL the way through.



Clover Lick on the Greenbrier River is a cool stop and gawk spot.

Well placed signage marks the route along Edray Road.

Clover Lick spiders weave nice webs!

But the non-stop scenery ain't much to look at.



I have ridden all Wild Toad back road miles over the last two weeks and I'm very happy to report the entire route is in great shape for motorcycle travel. It is a good ride. I hope all who partake have a safe and prosperous ramble.

Stay tuned. More loose ends remain. Previews of coming attractions forthcoming…

[spklbuk]

I was running the route in reverse and when I came out onto WV66, I was so close to Cass it seemed a logical bike break.

Walked around a bit.




May have even broached the restricted guided tours only area near the shop seeking a Shay steam engine.

As close as I dared as there are restricted tour areas and there are explain yourself to a WV Natural Resources officer restricted areas.

But I was treated to a ringside seat as this bad boy switched from land to rail. Fascinating. Some amazingly powerful hydraulics at work.

[spklbuk]

If Wilder Toads are being sought, I picked up Back Mountain Road CR1 north out of Cass to Durbin. FJR riders, you might want to leave this one for Adventure bikes. It's doable on an FJR but less than ideal and involves a couple miles of gravel in and out.

WV92/US250N led me to the south end of Cheat Mountain and I had my sights set on lunch with a view.






Yep.

[spklbuk]

Motored a bit farther out the ridge and walked the scenic area trail. Finally I had to put my phone away and just soak up the environs and hike. Beyond words.

Yes. These woods are really that shady dark.





The 2 mile or so gravel road into Gaudineer is solid surface when dry and in remarkable condition. I'm guessing the south end of Cheat Mountain did not receive the deluges that much of the region has. If you are a bold 1-up FJR rider with gravel experience, it is probably doable, but please take some company along. I wouldn't touch it 2-up. It is definitely big adventure bike runnable when dry. If it's been raining, adventure bike pilots should consider what tires they are running and rely on their best judgement

[spklbuk]

On the southbound leg of my loop and 50 highway miles upstream from Cass, I caught up to that elusive Shay engine in Durbin. Roll coal roll…for real!

[spklbuk]

Obligatory Green Bank Observatory pics anytime you happen by.




And found a diamond in the rough in Dunmore at the intersection of WV28/WV92/US250

The young lady proprietor has talent! And personal fruit pies!! Stop and have a bite!!!

I went with a baked in-house pepperoni roll and chocolate chip cookies and onward to a picnic. First soda I've had in months so I figured it should good one as it was a special occasion. My early birthday lupper...

[spklbuk]

Knowing the water from this mountain spring was waiting and within striking distance of camp got me through a long day of scouting.

Turned in early but not before the food and trash were hung with care for the bears to play with.

Last loose end waited until the next day. Trusty pony saddled early and ready to ride!

Well I woke up this mornin' and had them Cranberry blues. No way better than along FS86 by the Williams River.



And over the mountain to the Cranberry River.






@Blind Squirrel, given the degree of flood damage Cranberry area roads are in remarkable condition. I did not follow your exact route, opting for FS80? Instead of FS101? but covered much of the terrain.

My statement that you will earn your way through on a Tenere still stands. Critical ditches have been pulled and culverts replaced so it's good there. They left a lot of places unrepaired that are less critical.

The trickiest part is the newly graded roadbed. The dirt is decently packed but loose gravel is everywhere and in soft spots it's deep, loose and front wheel swallowing. I made it through with a 60 pound camping load but spent a lot of time slogging in first gear.

I wouldn't ride through in wet weather. I would think about my tires in dry weather; 90/10 - pass, 80/20 - maybe, 50/50 - mo' better.

Be safe and enjoy.

[fontanaman]

Very pretty country Jim. Thanks for sharing!

[Hppants]

Enjoyed reading this report - and thinking about going to see those spruce trees!

[spklbuk]

Enjoyed reading this report - and thinking about going to see those spruce trees!

Wikipedia has a nice Gaudineer blurb.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaudineer_Scenic_Area

It is an officially designated natural treasure. Spiritual.

Given your propensity for thorough exploration, it may take all day! Time well spent.
Pack a lunch and hiking footwear. Definitely time lunch at the overlook. Jaw dropping.

Here's a nicely produced video preview s'il vous plaît.



Gaudineer Trail intersects the Allegheny Trail at the virgin timber site.
https://wvtourism.com/company/allegheny-trail/
A nice out and back however far jaunt. Trail is marked. Off trail...young spruce and rock bars can swallow the most intrepid hiker!