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Bike trails in Morgantown, WV
West Virginia is actively diversifying its economy away from coal. Given the State's natural beauty, one initiative that has proven effective is converting former rail corridors into recreational "rail-trails." Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, features 3 connected rail-trails - Deckers Creek, Mon River and Caperton Rail-Trails - totaling 48 miles (and growing). Popular for biking, walking, jogging, and cross-country skiing, this trail network has been a key factor in the economic renewal of the area.
Location: Morgantown and Star City, WV (Marion, Monongalia,
and Preston Counties) (See map)
Distance: Various, see links below
Surface: Asphalt, compacted limestone
Nearby Places of Interest: West Virginia University
Support and Advocacy:
Mon River Trails
Conservancy
Bike Shops/Rentals:
Wamsley
Cycles
(sales, service, rentals)
Pathfinder
(sales, service)
Below are overviews of the 3 trails, with links to full-page descriptions and photos. The trail network is paved for 8 miles in Morgantown and Star City, the remainder is compacted limestone - mostly well-maintained and easy to ride. Trailheads provide parking, some include restrooms, water and bike fix-it stations. Interpretative signs along the way tell of the trail's history and ecology.
Deckers Creek Trail - This 19-mile trail follows Deckers Creek and the Scenic Rt. 7 Byway. The first 2.5 miles in Morgantown are paved, the remainder is crushed limestone.
Mon River Trail - This trail is composed of two sections (6 miles north and 18 miles south), connected by the Caperton Trail in the middle. It follows the Monongahela River on compacted limestone, mostly easy to ride.
Caperton Trail - The fully paved 5.5-mile trail is a connector between the Mon River Trail north and south sections, and connects to the Deckers Creek Trail in the middle.
Calling itself the "Heart of Mountaineer Country," Morgantown is the county seat of Monongalia County, home of West Virginia University, and birthplace of the late Don Knotts. The Don Knotts Statue at the Metropolitan Playhouse is a popular spot for photos with "Barney Fife." We enjoyed the trails, but heavy traffic in town near the University was difficult.
More Biking:
Bike-West Virginia
- More information about biking in West Virginia
Related Resources:
Mon River Trails Conservancy - Rail-Trail Info
Visit Mountaineer Country - Morgantown
WV Rail-Trails.org
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