Woodly's Great Gravel Adventure

Join Us

Join us for the second annual Woodly's Great Gravel Adventure on Saturday, September 19, 2026!

About the Race

• Presented by: Woodly's Great Gravel Adventure is presented by the Mountain State Forest Festival, one of the largest and oldest festivals in West Virginia.
• Event Timing: This year's 88th annual event will be held September 26 - October 4.
• Cultural Landmark: The MSFF is a real cultural landmark that showcases WV in all its autumn glory.
• Visit: Visit Mountain State Forest Festival | Elkins, WV to see all that the MSFF has in entertainment, food, and events while in town for the ride!

Race Route

• Scenic Drives: The race will traverse through the beautiful Cheat-Potomac District of the Monongahela National Forest.
• Headquarters: Race headquarters will be stationed in Stuart Recreation Area nestled along the banks of the Shavers Fork River.
• Location: Stuart Recreation Area is 7 miles east of Elkins and was built in 1937 by CCC labor.
• Local Amenities: Known to locals as Stuart's Park, the area provides great hiking trails and excellent fishing.

Aid Stations

• Location: 2 aid stations will be along the course.
• Access: The short course will pass only one aid station.
• Food and Drink: We recommend bringing appropriate fuel and drinks.
• Weather Alert: Please monitor the weather and dress accordingly. Elkins weather can range from hot to snow in the autumn season.

Package Pick-Up

• Start Time: Package pick-up will begin Saturday, September 19 at 8:00 AM.
• Location: Pick-up will be at Stuart Recreation Area in the small pavilion.
• Change from Last Year: (we were in the large pavilion last year, the small pavilion is a little past the large in Stuart's Recreation Area).

The Start

• Starting Point: All riders will begin at the Small Pavilion in Stuart Recreation Area.
• Course Direction: Riders head out of the park to Forest Road 91 and turn left on Shaver Fork Road.
• Aid Station Access: All riders will continue approximately 16 miles to the first aid station.
• Staggered Starts: Long, medium, short and e-bike riders will start at staggered times.

Course Details

Short Course

• Course Overview: The short Course will continue along Shavers Fork road until reaching the first aid station, approximately 16 miles.
• Return: At this point, you will turn and go back to Stuart Recreation Area for a total of 33 miles.
• Route Link: Tentative course is posted here. Click here for: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53598614?privacy_code=9FmkGxzNAnA49KPVGykAeBXJexGSZzAp

Medium Course

• Starting Point: The Medium Course will follow the short course until the first aid station.
• Forest Entry: At this intersection, a sharp right turn will be made onto Forest Road 828 to enter the Fernow Experimental Forest.
• Paved Roads: Continued riding will take you through various intersections leading to paved roads.
• Completion: Total distance for Medium Course is 48 miles. Course is posted here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53599343?privacy_code=JCHJNuC8ct14apg3jiZSMLhraOVlulDk

Long Course

• Route Overview: The Long Course will follow the short and medium course into the Fernow Forest.
• Trail Length: After traveling on forest road 701 for a short ways, a right turn will be made onto forest road 324 towards McGowen Mountain.
• Intersection Points: The course involves returning to specific intersections and continuing to the second aid station.
• Total Distance: Finish line for a total of 75 miles. Long Course is posted here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55908392

E-Bike Route

The E-bike route will begin at the Stuart Recreation Area and follow similar paths as the Medium Course.

• Starting Route: The route will turn left onto Shaver Fork Road and continue until reaching the aid station at the Clifton Nail Road intersection.
• Loop Back: At this point, the e-bike route will follow the medium course loop back to the Stuart Recreation Area for a total of 48 miles.
• Link: Click here for: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53599343?privacy_code=JCHJNuC8ct14apg3jiZSMLhraOVlulDk

Registration Benefits

All riders will receive a meal and t-shirt with registration and a ticket to the Forest Festival Kickoff Party and Chili Cook-Off (scheduled from 4-8 pm September 26th in Elkins). Additional meals and t-shirts can be purchased.

Prizes

• Categories: First, second, and third finishers for male and female open riders for the long course will receive a cash prize.
• Selection: All winners from each category will have prize table selection.

Lodging and Camping

• Campsites: Stuart Recreation Area has individual camping sites that must be reserved for tents and campers.
• Reservations: Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov Stuart Recreation Area, Monongahela National Forest - Recreation.gov
• Group Site: A group campsite is available first come, first serve for $5.00.
• Nearby Options: Bear Heaven Recreation Area has campsites available for $5.00. Monongahela National Forest | Bear Heaven Campground | Forest Service

Local Lodging

Other local lodging can be found by visiting Elkins-Randolph County