01/18/26

-Wardensville Wildlife Management Area, WV

-George Washington National Forest

-Wilson’s Cove Trail/Fire road to the WV/VA line, continuing on Racer Hollow Camp Trail/Fire road.

Parking: at the end of Waites Run Rd is a Fire road/Wilson Cove Trail on the left. There is very limited parking at the end of the road. I fit my small rig facing out on the right shoulder. A car parked on the shoulder on the left facing out.

The fire road going up on the left of Waites Run Rd is a bit steep, narrow, rutted, and has low hanging growth. It’s a short climb to a nice clear parking circle just before a closed gate. The rest of the road/trail from this point is lovely.

The video starts at the parking circle at the gate.

It was a chilly day, in the low 30s, no wind. I rode Simon and ponied Pip. 10ish miles. Some stops to explore. Some trotting and cantering. Pip on and off line.

At the gate is a sign stating “road open Oct through Dec”. There is also a posted map on the right hand side of the gate.

Shortly after the gate there is a right hand turn onto Old Mailpath Trail. This is well marked with some benches, an old fire pit, a bulletin board, and an empty map box.

A car pulled up and parked right as I was heading out onto the trail so I trotted on past this area on the way out. I took a peek on the way back out and I’m excited to use it to make a loop in a future ride.

Continuing on is the state boarder, WV and VA. It’s marked by a map and sign posts. A trail breaks off to the left going towards Vance’s cove. I have ridden to this point from Paddy’s Cove.

On the way out I trucked on past here because a cyclist had just passed going that way. I did take the time to get some images of the signs on the way back though.

Next time I hope to take that Old Mailpath trail to make a loop.

Most of the ride was gently rolling, not very rocky for the general area, and wide, cleared, maintained paths.

This is such a fun area to explore!