Originally Posted by
axolotl
FWIW, google maps claims it's 52.2 miles from DC to Purcellville, and 38.1 miles from Purcellville to Front Royal.
From the junction of the Custis to the end of the W&OD is 42 miles. Add 5 miles for the Custis and you're at 47. I bike commute 28 miles of it each way every day, so I know every root pop and pothole on the trail
Originally Posted by
Harutz
Thanks.
I was actually planning to ride to Purcellville out of D.C. originally.
I was excited to find out there was a trail running that way.
It shouldn't be too hard to find a backcountry road down to Skyline Drive from there. It's only 40 miles.
Skyline Drive entrance is off of 522. Not really backroads. I'd probably cut toward Bluemont, and get to the RT 17/Rt 50 intersection and cut SE toward I66. Just before you get to I66 Rt 55 is on the right and that will run you right into Front Royal. SNP is about 1 mile from the intersection of 55 and 522.
Basically climb the Mt on Rt 7 from Purcellville and take Blue Ridge Mountain road south to 50, left turn there, go to the bottom of the hill and right on 17 to 55 then right on 55 into Front Royal. Most all of it has good shoulder except BR Mountain road which is two lane but heavily used by cyclists. Mt Weather for FEMA is off that road if you wonder what all the Govt fences and cameras are.
You're in my neck of the woods then