Photo: Coketon - Railroad Grade
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Coketon - Railroad Grade ...
A largely undeveloped gravel bike trail outside of Thomas and Hedricks.
Most of the descend occurs in the 5 1/2 miles from Douglas, roughly 900 feet drop which works out to be an over 3% average grade, with a maximum grade of 3.75%.
It's much steeper then locomotives are engineered to safely climb, which is 2% or less, preferably less then 1.5%. It took at least two locomotives paired together climb, and heavy riding of the brakes down it and at least once in 1910s an out of control train crashed into the gorge below.
While not steep compared to many mountain roads, it's still a fun ride down and a good climb back up. Probably best done on a mountain bike, as the railroad gravel is fairly course on it
Taken on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Monongahela National Forest.
More about Monongahela National Forest...
Spanning the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Monongahela National Forest sprawls across 900,000 acres of diverse landscapes. Its lush forests, rolling hills, and rugged mountains create a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With abundant trails, including those in the designated Cranberry Wilderness, hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching are popular pursuits. The forest offers primitive and roadside camping, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. While embracing its wilderness charm, it's important to note that limited cell service adds to the authentic back-to-nature experience. From the Allegheny Plateau to mountainous terrains, Monongahela National Forest beckons adventurers to explore its untouched beauty and embrace the outdoor splendor of the Appalachian region.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monongahela_National_Forest
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