Morgantown, WV Bike Trails

Rail-Trail Network... Safe, Off-Street Biking, 48 Miles & Growing

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.

Morgantown Bike Trails, bike West Virginia, BikeTripper.net

Biking Map... Morgantown Area Trails

View Larger Map external

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 external

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

3 Connected Bike Trails in Morgantown, WV

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, Morgantown WV, West Virginia biking, BikeTripper.net

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.

Starts at Hazel Ruby McQueen Park where it connects to the Caperton Trail.
Scenic creek views include Deckers Creek Waterfall.
2% uphill grade adds some challenge
Hazel Ruby McQueen Park and Marilla Park have restrooms, otherwise limited access to facilities along the trail.

View details, parking, 50+ photos

Mon River Trail, Morgantown WV, West Virginia biking, BikeTripper.net

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.

Mon River Trail North (6 miles) starts at the juncture with the Caperton Trail at Edith Barill Riverfront Park and runs north to the Van Voorhis Trailhead, and ending at Pennsylvania State Line. Here the trail connects to the Sheepskin Trail - continue one mile to the Point Marian Park trailhead.
Mon River Trail South (18 miles) starts at the juncture with the Caperton Trail and runs south, with trailheads at Uffington and Opekiska Rd. The trail ends at Prickett's Fort State Park, where it links to the Marian County Trail.

View details, parking, 50+ photos

Caperton Trail, Morgantown WV, West Virginia biking, BikeTripper.net

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.

A more urban trail, running past West Virginia University and Morgantown's Downtown, through the Wharf District, and past businesses along the riverside.
Scenic river views, parks and restaurants are along the trail.
Parking at Edith Barill Riverfront Park, Star City Trailhead, Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, and Mountaineer Heritage Park.

View details, parking, 30+ photos

Some Views at Morgantown

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.