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Reported: October 2023

Caperton Trail, Morgantown, WV...

Part of a 48-mile rail-trail network

The fully-paved Caperton Trail runs for 5.5 miles between Star City and Morgantown as part of the 48-mile rail-trail system in the Morgantown area. It serves as a connector between the north and south sections of the Mon River Trail, and In the middle it links to the Deckers Creek Trail - seamlessly linking to each. This is a more urban trail, running past West Virginia University (WVU) and its Core Arboretum, near downtown restaurants and shopping, through Morgantown's Wharf District, and past businesses along the riverside. Detailed map and photos below.)

Biking Map... Morgantown Area Trails

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Location: Morgantown and Star City, WV (See map)
Distance: 5.5 miles
Surface: Asphalt
Trailhead/Parking: Edith Barill Riverfront Park, Star City Trailhead, Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, Mountaineer Heritage Park
Nearby Places of Interest: West Virginia University, WVU Core Arboretum, West Virginia Botanic Garden

Support and Advocacy:
Mon River Trails Conservancy

Bike Shops/Rentals:
Wamsley Cycles (sales, service, rentals)
Pathfinder (sales, service)

Caperton Trail... Comments and Photos

Edith Barill Riverfront Park to Hazel Ruby McQuain Park

Edith Barill Riverfront Park in Star City has parking, restrooms, playground, picnic tables, and boat/kayak/canoe launch. To the north from here, the Caperton Trail connects to the Mon River Trail. To the south, it runs into Morgantown along the Monongahela River. After passing under US 19 and past a water treatment facility, the trail runs past West Virginia University and through the WVU Core Arboretum, a botanical garden and forest preserve open to the public. This is a wooded area with some shade. Several access points to 3 miles of hiking trails are located off the bike trail.

Entering Morgantown, the trail parallels an elevated track, the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system which connects WVU's 3 campuses to downtown (free to students and university employees, nominal fee for others). The trail runs past downtown Morgantown with street access at several points to restaurants, shops and WVU. Again passing under US 19, the trail arrives at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park.

Hazel Ruby McQuain Park to Mountaineer Heritage Park

Hazel Ruby McQuain Park has parking, restrooms, picnic area, walking paths, docks and boat launch, kayak launch. The Amphitheater is a popular entertainment venue. As the Caperton Trail continues, approaching Deckers Creek is a link to the Deckers Creek Trail. Across Deckers Creek, the trail enters the Wharf District. Once a rundown industrial area, it's been redeveloped into a popular destination with trailside restaurants, parks and shopping. Continuing to Mountaineer Heritage Park, the trail passes the Morgantown Marina and Waterfront Place with Marriott Hotel and Event Center, and a playground. The "Singing Tree of Diversity" is an artwork celebrating the strength of community.

Mountaineer Heritage Park to Trail End

Mountaineer Heritage Park has parking and is a pleasant green space along the river with benches. From here, the trail passes the Morgantown Lock and Dam, one of nine navigational structures along the Monongahela. Approaching trail end is a commercial area along US 119, with the backs of businesses lining the trail. A bridge crosses Cobun Creek, then past a water treatment facility the Caperton Trail ends and the Mon River Trail (south) begins.

More Information and Resources

More Biking:
Morgantown-Overview
- Mon River Trail
- Caperton Trail
- Deckers Creek Trail

Bike-West Virginia - More information about biking in West Virginia

Related Resources:
Mon River Trails Conservancy - Rail-Trail Info