A solid climb in northern West Virginia out of Keyser.

Cycling Woodland Lane, West Virginia

Ride 4.7 miles gaining 1,756’ at 7% average grade.

This was our favorite West Virginia climb and one of our favorites of our 12 state fall colors 2020 trip.  The climb is very challenging, extraordinarily beautiful (at least during fall colors), and boasts a super cool finish in the heart of a windmill farm.  A word to the wise: be ready from the start!  After a very brief shallow entry, we hit 2.4 miles at 10.2% average, briefly exceeding 20%.

STEEEEEEP!

Road is a narrow two-laner with mild traffic.

“Woodland Lane is a very solid climb away from Keyser, West Virginia in the far northern part of the state.  In town to start, you begin over shallow grade which gradually steepens as you head west.  Just over a half mile into the ascent the road leaves town and dives into the thick woods and you ride through a tunnel of trees for much of the remainder of the hill.  The grade at this point also changes as it becomes quite stout and close to double digit on average.  The road swings through graceful curves on this section as well which you may not fully appreciate unless you also descend the route.  The tight roadway and tree cover makes for an interesting ride but the road carries little traffic most of the time.  The grade eases over the last mile or so before you finish at an unmarked summit.  Its sweeping turns and stout grade also create a quick an somewhat technical descent in spots. There is other interesting riding/climbing in this scenic area.”  (This quote is provided with the approval of John Summerson from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, pg. 100.)

Don’t judge a book by a cover -- this one is extremely scenic and epic.

PJAMM Adventure App with stats at the start.

Middle part of the climb.

Last half of the climb.

Mount Storm Wind Farm -- 132 wind turbines constructed in 2006.