Starting the historic town of Franklin, situated in the Allegheny Mountains on the eastern edge of the Monongahela National Forest and along the South Branch of the Potomac River. Franklin is within short distance of several of West Virginia's most celebrated state and national parks, including Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and Smoke Hole Canyon and this route visits all of them.
The route follows the South Branch Potomac River to the hamlet of Upper Tract, here you'll take a left onto Smoke Hole Road.
Smoke Hole Road is a popular motorcycle route following the South Branch Potomac River along a rugged rocky canyon in the Spruce Knob - Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. There are lots of twists and turns and elevation changes on this 17 mile, two way country road as you make your way to the North Fork South Branch Potomac River.
You'll find Smoke Hole Caverns a short distance from crossing over the North Fork South Branch Potomac River. Here you can take a 45 minute guided tour for $17.00. The history of Smoke Hole Caverns is tied to the Seneca Indians who used the front section of the caverns to smoke wild game. The slow-burning wood fires sent clouds of smoke swirling out into the valley. The scene was so common that early settlers called the place Smoke Hole. The many rooms and secluded nature of the Caverns were also the ideal place for early settlers and immigrants to make corn whiskey after the Civil War. The clean cold stream that flows through the Caverns was perfect for “moonshine” and it is estimated that perhaps as many as 20 stills operated at one time!! An original still remains on display today complete with its story.
Follow the course of the North Fork South Branch Potomac River for 13 miles to Seneca Rocks.
Seneca Rocks is a large crag and local landmark and one of the best known scenic attractions in West Virginia, the almost vertical cliff attract rock climbers from all over the world. Seneca Rocks are located near the confluence of Seneca Creek and the North Fork South Branch Potomac River. The village has several rock climbing operations that offer guiding and rock climbing courses. Both the village and the famous rock are part of the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area within the Monongahela National Forest. Seneca Rocks is the location of the historic Sites Homestead built in 1839, as well as the Seneca Rocks Visitor Centre.
I have suggested a coffee stop at Yokum’s Store, a family run business since 1923. Next door to Yokum’s is another historic family run business; Harper's Old Country Store was built back in the year 1902 and has served as a general country store for many generations and to this day is still run by the Harper family. Many antiques and old features can be seen inside Harper's Old Country Store, so the interior looks much like it did when it originally opened.
The route now follows the path of Seneca Creek on the WV55 at Harmon you take the right fork WV32 North heading for Davis. As you leave the town of Harmon, you can stop at the Day-Vandevander Mill, also known as the Old Mill at Harman. This is a historic grist mill. The original structure was built about 1877, and is a morticed and tenon, hand hewn post and beam structure. The property includes the original mill pond and tail race. It is open as a mill museum where you can learn about and watch the milling process; you can even buy some freshly milled flour. The mill derives its power from two water turbines, using the water from the Dry Fork of the Cheat River in a very picturesque setting.
Just after crossing Red Creek the route takes the WV72 Dry Creek Road. This is a very narrow and twisty road with lots of elevation changes. A caution road sign can be seen at the beginning of the road warning of narrow road and sharp curves for the next 15 miles. Take note of the warning but enjoy the next 15 miles of this exhilarating road.
The next stop is for lunch in the quaint city of Elkins.
Elkins in West Virginia embodies what a mountain oasis looks like. There are numerous first class eateries to choose from including all of the fast-food outlets. This mountain city on the tip of the Monongahela National Forest boasts a vibrant culture of arts and tradition vividly seen in its art galleries. The city has a long history of railroads and logging, but the community has preserved the beauty of its natural surroundings.
The first half of the return route after lunch is in a more open landscape with fewer twists and turns using the US250. At Huttonsville, the twists, turns and elevation changes return as you get closer to the Allegheny Mountains again.
The town of Durbin is a town that railroads built, left behind & is now slowly being resurrected again by the love of old railways. The need to move timber out of the mountains & workers into the area motivated the building of the railroad. The Chesapeake & Ohio brought the first passengers in 1902. The next year, the Western Maryland reached south from Elkins, making Durbin a railroad junction for freight & passengers. Today you can take a ride on the steam powered Durbin Rocket on its 2 hr, 5.5 mile beautiful scenic run along the Greenbrier River. or maybe just stop for a relaxing coffee.
A few miles out of Durnin the route takes you further into the mountains and you'll reach the highest point of the route, 1200 m or 3937 ft above sea level.
Next comes Germany Valley Overlook.
Germany Valley is one of the most picturesque locations in the state. Known for its extensive cave system, with dozens of caves documented, it was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1973 by the National Park Service. This 10-mile-long valley is named for the German families who first settled here. German language, culture, and folklore have persisted well into the late 20th century in parts of Pendleton County. Germany Valley, despite its name and the German ancestry of many of its residents, generally is not considered one of those places.
At the overlook you will also see an historical marker stating: In Germany Valley is the site of Hinkle's Fort built in 1761–1762. It was the only defence of the South Branch after Fort Upper Tract and Fort Seybert were destroyed by Shawnee Indians under Killbuck, April 27–28, 1758.
From this magnificent outlook, it is just a 10 minute ride back into Franklin.
Enjoy.