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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usagiyo11
44 McR Points
June 9, 2013
Absoluuutely love this road! Stayed in Elkins,…
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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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Guest
February 15, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Rt 33 provides exquisite twists and turns, drops and climbs, with extreme views and vistas. It is an uncommon road for the eastern US. Start at the old town of Harrisonburg, Virginia and climb into some of the most desolate mountainous wilderness of E. West Virginia. Continue on to Seneca Rocks with some of the most stunning rock formations east of the the Rockies.

Update from West Virginia’s Road Ranger (July 31st, 2020): Route 33 is in good shape from all the way into Virginia. Mind the throttle on the big straight at the base of the Virginia side.
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7 riders found this road review useful
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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4 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
June 6, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Absolutely the finest ride I have taken! I started a Seneca Rocks and headed east toward Harisonburg. The combination of deeply beautiful scenery and really excellently engineered roads (especially in WV) make this route motorcycle heaven. There are a bunch of 180 degree turns going up 9% grade. I was giggling with rapture for most of the ride. Do this ride.
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4 riders found this road review useful