Between Md, & WV in and around the Deep Creek Lake area you can't go wrong. Lots of nice roads to ride. I will be there 4th of July myself. It will be somewhat crowded for western MD, but nothing like what you are used to in OC.

 

Thank You for the ideas and rts. I think we will head out west and check out WV area. Sounds like that is just what we are looking for.

 

Not sure how major a road you're looking for, or to avoid. But you may also wish to consider heading NW into PA via Westminster and Gettysburg. From there almost anyroad north west or even south is darn pretty and mountaish. Rt 30 from Chambersburg west, 74 NW from Carlisle, almost anything with squiggles on the map is fun.

 

The area you originally planned to visit has some DYNAMITE motorcycle routes + the scenery is GORGEOUS. I led a HOG ride there last year + I have some brochures left over which lay out 5 different routes in the area including Claw of the Dragon. We did Back of the Dragon (VA16 between Tazewell + Marion) + it's also a great route. If you'd like the brochure, PM me with your address + I'll mail it.

 

I don't want to belabor the point but when you get down toward Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Smoke Hole, Dolly Sods and on toward Cass it is like going back in time. I head that way every chance I get.

 

Troopfire, can you throw up a route to see all those areas using Deep Creek Lake as the origin? Was considering a trip there using Deep Creek as a base.

 

Yes, will get back with you this evening

 

://www.google.com/maps/dir/McHenry,+MD/Davis,+WV/Dolly+Sods+Wilderness,+Dry+Fork,+WV/Smoke+Hole+Caverns,+County+Route+28%2F7,+May

Tuck, this should get you started. Grab a map and on your way south you can take some short side trips if you like. Such as the Fairfax Stone which is the headwaters of the Potomac River. A small spring that comes out of the ground and which is the Potomac. Cathedral State Forest in WV. One of the last remaining stands of virgin Hemlock trees. Black Water Falls. Black water lodge is there. The lodge is rustic but very nice. Black water canyon is there also. On down to Seneca Rocks you will drop about 2500 feet in elevation. Stop at Harpers store (old time) and have a sandwich on the front porch. You could check out Smoke Hole caverns and or head up to Dolly Sods.
Head down and then up hill to Spruce ****. Spruce **** at 4863 feet is more like Canada then WV. If you have time head on down to Cass. Cass is an old logging town, the old steam powered Shay locomotives which used to bring timber off the mountain now take people up to the top. Snowshoe ski resort is nearby. And on and on. Highland Scenic Hwy is another attraction. Cass is in Pocahontas County which has the highest average elevation east of the Mississippi. Mornings and evenings will be chilly there. I love these areas it is like stepping back in time. Hope you get to go. Take your time and enjoy it.

 

lots of good suggestions here. i was going to suggest the cumberland area. also, if you want to take a trip to west virginia, the new river gorge area is really nice from I 64 up through rainelle and up to gauley bridge area or up to charleston and back toward cumberland

 

another cool place in w.v. is tigart lake state park , place has blue water like the keys , deep creek is cool but 4th of july thats place will be busy but if you do go check out the honi honi bar