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Deckers Creek Trail
Reported: October 2023
Deckers Creek Trail, Morgantown, WV...
Part of a 48-mile rail-trail network
Deckers Creek Trail starts in Morgantown at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, at the confluence of the Monongahela River and Deckers Creek. Popular for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing, the trail parallels Decker Creek and the Scenic Rt. 7 Byway east to Reedsville. For 2.5 miles within Morgantown city limits the trail is paved, then crushed limestone for the remainder. Well maintained, it's easy to ride but also uphill with a 1,000 foot gain (2% grade) over the 19 miles to trail end. The uphill grade is not difficult to ride but does provide a workout over a long distance - returning is a more leisurely downhill ride. (Detailed map and photos below.)
Location: Morgantown to Reedsville, WV
(See map)
Distance: 19 miles
Surface: Asphalt (2.5 miles) and compacted limestone
(16.5 miles)
Trailhead/Parking: Hazel Ruby McQueen Park,
Whitmore Park, Marilla Park,
Breakiron Road (Mellon Chapel), Masontown and Reedsville
Nearby Places of Interest: West Virginia
University, Deckers Creek Falls
Support and Advocacy:
Mon River Trails
Conservancy 
Friends of
Deckers Creek
Bike Shops/Rentals:
Wamsley
Cycles
(sales, service, rentals)
Pathfinder
(sales, service)
Biking the Deckers Creek Trail... Comments and Photos
In town, although near residential areas, restaurants and shops the trail is mostly buffered from the surroundings except for a few areas. Once outside city limits, there is limited access to facilities - bring snacks and water. The trail becomes very scenic, running through woodlands with creek views and rock outcroppings. Because the creek flows downhill, rapids and falls can be seen. Benches and rest stops are located along the route. There are several trailheads with parking, but the only restrooms are at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park and Marilla Park.
We biked two sections: (1) the paved section of trail from Hazel Ruby McQuain Park past Marilla Park (about 2 miles), and (2) an unpaved section at Mellon Chapel. Then, we visited a couple of trailheads and Deckers Falls.
Trail at Morgantown (paved) - 2 miles
Hazel Ruby McQuain Park to Marilla Park
Hazel Ruby McQuain Park along the Monongahela River in Morgantown is a shared trailhead with the Caperton Trail, with parking, restrooms, picnic area, walking paths, amphitheater, and boat and kayak launches. From the park, Deckers Creek Trail starts near the Deckers Creek Bridge and runs along the creek, running under bridges at several roads and past a dog park dog park. Trail art is displayed on the walls under some bridges. Although this is in town, it's well buffered from the surroundings with just a few glimpses of homes and businesses until emerging into a residential and business area nearing Marilla Park where the trail parallels Powell Ave. from the trail, the Greg Good Bridge (a wooden boardwalk) crosses the creek to Marilla Park.
Marilla Park to Green Bag Rd.
Marilla Park lies in Sabraton, a neighborhood within Morgantown. The 45-acre park has parking, restrooms, picnicking, playground, rec center, playing fields, tennis courts, and pool. Past the bridge the trail continues parallel to Powell Rd. then crosses Deckers Creek Blvd. (1/4 mile, roadside parking area). From here the trail enters a commercial area, running next to business enterprises for about one mile.
Our ride ended here, at Green Bag Rd. From this point the trail continues along the creek and parallel to Earl Core Rd., part of the Scenic Rt. 7 Byway.
Trail at Mellon Chapel / Breakiron Rd. (unpaved) - mile 6
The trail here is more rural and scenic with creek views and rock outcroppings. Some homes can be glimpsed through the trees approaching Breakiron Rd. The trailhead is parking only.
More Trailheads
Deckers Creek Falls - mile 12
View is from the Decker Creek Falls overlook off Scenic Rt. 7, not from the trail. Parking, covered picnic tables. (30 sec. video)
Trail at Masontown - mile 13.5
The trailhead is located at the Sand Bank Rd. trail crossing. Parking, covered picnic pavilion.
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
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