Overall Route Rating
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4.7 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.7
12 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Feb 28, 2007

Rider Reviews

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Guest
February 15, 2011
Rt 33 provides exquisite twists and turns, drops…
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Guest
June 6, 2010
Absolutely the finest ride I have taken! I…
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Written Directions

Start your route in Harrisonburg, VA. All you do is take US-33 west into WV and on to the route's endpoint - Elkins, WV. If you continue on US-33 heading west you'll eventually reach I-79 but this stretch of US 33 is not as fun as it's all 4 lane highway with long curves and slower hill climbs.

Scenery

This ride never fails to enchant and thrill me. There's always something new to see. Trust me you won't catch it all the first time because driving it the first time will consume most of your energy.

The scenery can be anything from looking up from the valley floor to looking down from atop a mountain peak. Crisscrossing several blue ribbon trout streams and passing through two national forests (the George Washington and the Monongahela), both set on the west side of the Appalachian mountains, brings out a sense of just how small we really are. There are some sharp turns and few straight-aways. This a scenic trip so don't plan on breaking any land speed records .

Road Quality: 4

Have you ever driven down an 8% grade hill only to be relieved to have made it to the bottom and survived the 25 mph turns that switched into and out of the mountain side on the way. This road is thrilling at times but not dangerous. Experience and bike control are needed, but patience are much more in demand. The road is a bit narrow at times so keep your eyes forward.

Roadside Amenities:2

Camping is always better on a hill top over looking Seneca Rocks, it's a sheer rock wall that jets straight up from a mountain side where horse-back riding is available to the top, where a look out stand awaits. But if you prefer to hike or climb it it's there too. Pull-overs abound and caverns await just a few miles from the main route. Fill up with gas before you start and make sure you bring a camera because looking down at the valley floors will take your breath away.

Drive Enjoyment

Have you ever driven down an 8% grade hill only to be relieved to have made it to the bottom and survived the 25 mph turns that switched into and out of the mountain side on the way. This road is thrilling at times but not dangerous. Experience and bike control are needed, but patience are much more in demand. The road is a bit narrow at times so keep your eyes forward.

Tourism Opportunities

Camping is always better on a hill top over looking Seneca Rocks, it's a sheer rock wall that jets straight up from a mountain side where horse-back riding is available to the top, where a look out stand awaits. But if you prefer to hike or climb it it's there too. Pull-overs abound and caverns await just a few miles from the main route. Fill up with gas before you start and make sure you bring a camera because looking down at the valley floors will take your breath away.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Share Your Comments ( 12 )
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usagiyo11
June 9, 2013
44 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Absoluuutely love this road!

Stayed in Elkins, WV and took WV-33E past Seneca Rocks, Judy Gap, Franklin onward to Rawley Springs (just short of Harrisonburg).

The Franklin to Rawley Springs section is to die for! Very Challenging. On top of the world views. Lots of opportunities for passing because of the shoulder lanes.

I will definitely make this an annual trip. Switching my stays between Elkins, WV (Blackwater Falls, Seneca Rocks area) and Harrisonburg, VA (Shenandoah National Park - Skyline Drive)
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Pluggy
November 1, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Standard
Route 33 from Elkton into Harrisonburg is also a good ride. Coming down the mountain into the valley there's a beautiful view, particularly in the Fall.

This road has less RV traffic than most in that area. Enjoy it.
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3 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
May 27, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Rode all around the Seneca Rocks National Park, and even stayed there in a log cabin! Absolutely Beautiful area! Highly recommend! Rode the Monongahlea, some of the most beautiful scenery and even witnessed some wildlife crossing the road. Our group decided it was worth the ride, a hidden treasure, that we were not expecting!!
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3 riders found this road review useful