Name: Gauley Headwaters EPIC
Rating: 5.0

“IMBA EPIC Ride in the Slatyfork backcountry.”

— Robin Bruns

GPX File

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features -none-

Overview

This route, designated an IMBA EPIC, is a challenging backcountry ride on the Monongahela National Forest that includes the best trails on the Tea Creek Trail System.

Description

The route begins with a climb up Mine Road 219/1 to Tea Creek Trail #454, passes the shelter, then crosses over on Gauley Mtn. - Tea Creek Connector #413 to Gauley Mountain Trail. The ride gets challenging with a turn onto Red Run Trail #439, a climb up Right Fork Tea Creek Trail #453 and all the way to the top of Tea Creek Mountain Trail #452. Past the rock garden is a long downhill. There is a new bridge on Williams River Trail to get across Tea Creek.

At Tea Creek Campground, there is a chance to stop to refill on water before passing the campsites to get to Bannock Shoals Trail #446. There is climb up Saddle Loop Trail #448 then Turkey Point Trail #447 over to Boundary Trail #449. Then, Bear Pen Ridge Trail #440 connects back to Gauley Mountain Trail. There is doubeltrack again on Mine Road 219/1 up to Props Run Trail. The ride ends with a descend on Props Run Trail down to the Elk River Inn and Restaurant.