Seasons
The best time to ride a motorcycle in West Virginia
The best time to ride a motorcycle in West Virginia is late May through October. Summer is prime in the high country, where it's often far cooler than in Charleston or Huntington, and fall color arrives early up high, often in late September and early October, ahead of the valleys. Winter is long in the mountains: the Highland Scenic Highway isn't maintained, and Canaan Valley gets heavy snow every year. Here is the year month by month.
- Prime months
- June to October
- Fall color up high
- Late Sept to early Oct
- Lowlands
- April to November
- Watch for
- Fog, rockfall, early snow
The short version
West Virginia's riding season follows elevation
West Virginia climbs from about 240 feet at Harpers Ferry, its lowest point, to 4,863 feet on Spruce Knob. That spread splits the season. The Potomac Highlands and the Monongahela National Forest have short, cool summers and long winters. The New River Gorge and the south sit in between. The Ohio Valley and the Eastern Panhandle are lower and milder, and ride from early spring into late fall.
So plan the high country for summer and early fall, and the lower regions for the shoulder seasons. That gives you the most riding months in a year.
Month by month
The best time to ride a motorcycle in West Virginia, month by month
| Month | High country | New River Gorge and south | Ohio Valley and Eastern Panhandle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Snow. High roads closed or unmaintained | Cold. Ice in shaded curves | Cold. A few dry days |
| February | Snow | Cold | Cold, mixed |
| March | Winter hangs on | Thawing. Potholes and gravel | Good days begin |
| April | Cold, late snow possible | Opening up. Rockfall after rain | Good. Spring storms |
| May | Opening up late in the month | Prime | Prime |
| June | Prime. Afternoon storms | Great. Storms | Warm and humid |
| July | Prime, cool up high | Good. Storms build fast | Hot. Ride early |
| August | Prime | Good | Hot |
| September | Great. Color starts late | Great | Good, better late |
| October | Color early, cold by month's end | Peak color. Bridge Day crowds | Prime |
| November | Cold. Snow possible | Cool. Hunting season | Good early in the month |
| December | Snow | Cold | Cool. Ride dry days |
General patterns, not a forecast. Every year is different. Check the forecast and WV511 before you ride.
Spring
Spring: late, rough and worth the wait
Spring comes late to West Virginia's mountains. The lower valleys and the Eastern Panhandle wake up in March and April, while snow can still fall up high into April. The Highland Scenic Highway and other high roads open up as the weather allows.
Spring is also the roughest time for pavement. Freeze and thaw leave potholes, rockfall from road cuts and winter's leftover gravel and cinders in the corners. Ride the first rides of the year with extra margin.
There's a reward. April and May bring wildflowers, waterfalls at full flow and ramp dinners in mountain towns like Richwood.
Summer
Summer: prime time in the high country
Summer is the best time for the Monongahela, Canaan Valley and the Highland Scenic Highway, which run far cooler than Charleston, Huntington or the Ohio Valley. Ride the high roads in July while the lowlands bake.
Storms build on most summer afternoons and can be violent. In narrow valleys they can cause flash flooding, including the deadly floods of 2016, so never ride into water over the road. Pavement under the trees can stay wet for hours after the sky clears.
Fog fills the valleys on cool mornings. Wait for it to burn off rather than riding blind into a curve.
Fall
Fall: early color up high
Fall color arrives early in West Virginia's high country, often turning in late September and early October on the Highland Scenic Highway, around Canaan Valley and on the Allegheny ridges, then working down into the lower valleys through October. The state tourism office publishes fall color reports each autumn, and they're worth checking.
Bridge Day, the third Saturday in October, shuts the New River Gorge Bridge to vehicles and packs Fayetteville, so plan around it or go for the spectacle. By late November, deer hunting season puts hunters on back roads, and the first snow can reach the highest roads. The best motorcycle roads in West Virginia guide lists the roads worth the trip.
Winter
Winter: real snow in the mountains
Mountain winters are long and serious. Snow piles up in Canaan Valley, around Snowshoe and across the high forest, WV 150 goes unplowed until spring, and shaded curves can stay icy for days. Most riders park the bike or head to the Ohio Valley and the Eastern Panhandle on dry, mild days.
Salt, sand and cinders build up in corners all winter and stay into spring. If you ride on a warm winter day, slow down for every shaded turn.
By region
Best months to ride, by West Virginia region
For laws, events and the bigger picture, see the West Virginia motorcycle rides hub.
| Region | Best months | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Monongahela and Pocahontas County | June to early October | No services, fog, early snow |
| Canaan Valley and Seneca Rocks | June to October | Cold, fog, weekend crowds |
| New River Gorge | May to October | Bridge Day closures, storms |
| Southern coalfields | April to October | Coal trucks, flooding |
| Ohio Valley | April to November | River fog, summer heat |
| Eastern Panhandle | April to November | Weekend traffic from the cities |
Plan it
Plan your West Virginia season with Rippin'
- Weather alertsRippin' sends weather alerts before you ride, and riders flag hazards like rockfall and gravel on the map. See road and weather alerts.
- Ride plansShare a ride card with departure time, route, fuel stops and RSVPs, which matters when the next gas is an hour away.
- Events by seasonFind bike nights, charity rides and fall festivals on the West Virginia motorcycle events page or under Meets in the app.
- Passport stampsGet a stamp for every town you ride through, from Harpers Ferry to Bramwell, and badges for places you've been. Both pay points.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
What is the best month to ride a motorcycle in West Virginia?
Late September into early October for color up high, or July for cool high-country riding while the lowlands are hot.
When is fall color in West Virginia?
Often late September to early October in the high country, then through October in the lower valleys. Check the state's fall color reports.
Can you ride a motorcycle in West Virginia in winter?
In the Ohio Valley and Eastern Panhandle on dry, mild days, yes. The mountains get heavy snow and ice, and some high roads aren't maintained in winter.
When does the Highland Scenic Highway open?
It isn't maintained in winter and opens up as the weather allows in spring. Plan on late May to October and check conditions first.
When is Bridge Day?
Bridge Day falls on the third Saturday in October. Vehicles are kept off the New River Gorge Bridge that day, and Fayetteville is packed.
Is spring a good time to ride in West Virginia?
In the lower regions, yes, from April. Up high, spring comes late, and potholes, gravel and rockfall are common early in the season.
Ride West Virginia in every season.
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