Coal Heritage Trail (US-52 / WV-16)
The Coal Heritage Trail National Scenic Byway follows US-52 from Bluefield north to Welch along Elkhorn Creek, then transitions to WV-16 north through McDowell and Raleigh counties for a total of 187 rugged miles across 13 counties to Ansted. The ride alternates between tight creek-valley two-lanes with switchbacks up and over ridges and sweeping valley stretches through former coal-camp communities. Pinnacle Rock State Park, the Bramwell National Historic District, and a concentration of surviving company stores and miners' housing make this WV's most historically distinctive motorcycle route.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Goodman
The starting point of the Coal Heritage Trail, a small Mingo County community that sets the tone for the coalfield communities ahead.
Gilbert
A mid-route town in the heart of the southern West Virginia coalfields, worth a pause to take in the deep river hollow setting.
Hometown Cafe
A local diner in Gilbert offering a good stop for a meal before continuing through the southern coalfields.
Marathon
Reliable fuel stop at the Calico area, a practical mid-route fill-up before the longer stretch toward McDowell County.
Pinnacle Rock Overlook
A roadside viewpoint near Pinnacle Rock State Park offering a broad look over the rugged McDowell County ridgelines.
Midway
The final stop on the route, a quiet community that marks the end of this journey through West Virginia's coal country.
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Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
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