Rail-Trails of North Central WV(Morgantown)
09-25-23, 09:09 PM
#1
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Rail-Trails of North Central WV(Morgantown)
Any advice or tips on the above rail-trails(Mon River/Caperton/Deckers Creek). I will be staying in a hotel in downtown Morgantown and going north on the Mon River one day, south on the Mon River the next day, and then Deckers Creek the final day. Usually can do 50+ miles in a day.
10-14-23, 02:55 PM
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Stayed at the Marriott on the Waterfront. Very nice hotel and easy access to the trails. Also easy to walk to various eating establishments in town. All the trail surfaces are very good. No erosion of any kind. The trail south was perfect all the way to Fairmont. You get to ride through the Meredith tunnel and visit Prickett's fort and see various locks to control the water height. The trail north is not as long or scenic. There is a very impressive coal fired electric generation station along the river. You can ride into PA, to Port Marion. I also did a drive up to Cheat lake to ride it's trail. Very short but nice and scenic. The last day was up Decker's creek and that was the best part of the trip. 1000 foot climb and then coasting all the way back. Their is a huge limestone operation half way up that boggles the mind. And their are various information signs explaining how they are bringing the creek back to life after the acidic water from abandoned mines killed all wildlife.
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10-14-23, 08:40 PM
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appeared to be a great trip
Decker’s Creek trail is on our list
not a fan of long gradual climbs - but trail appears to be interesting and scenic
might start around mile 3 - near a Springhill Suites motel … ?
been a while since I’ve been to Morgantown
Decker’s Creek trail is on our list
not a fan of long gradual climbs - but trail appears to be interesting and scenic
might start around mile 3 - near a Springhill Suites motel … ?
been a while since I’ve been to Morgantown
Last edited by t2p; 10-14-23 at 08:45 PM.
04-09-24, 09:16 AM
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did the Deckers Creek trail late match
started ride with a short part of the Caperton trail on the Mon River past the dam (primarily for a warmup and to check out the surrounding area) - then to and up the Deckers Creek trail
long (long
) gentle climb with very few breaks - but the outstanding rock formations and creek with rapids and small waterfalls were a worthwhile reward
no porta johns or water on the trail - next time might bring a filtration system to get water from the creek (?)
( curious if later in the year porta johns will be located at any of the parking areas / trailheads ? )
many good choices to eat / drink in Morgantown near the trails - some located next to the bike path (some are closed on Sundays however) ; we ate at Mountain State Brewing ( great beers and food
)
this was one of our fav rides
started ride with a short part of the Caperton trail on the Mon River past the dam (primarily for a warmup and to check out the surrounding area) - then to and up the Deckers Creek trail
long (long
) gentle climb with very few breaks - but the outstanding rock formations and creek with rapids and small waterfalls were a worthwhile rewardno porta johns or water on the trail - next time might bring a filtration system to get water from the creek (?)
( curious if later in the year porta johns will be located at any of the parking areas / trailheads ? )
many good choices to eat / drink in Morgantown near the trails - some located next to the bike path (some are closed on Sundays however) ; we ate at Mountain State Brewing ( great beers and food
)this was one of our fav rides
Last edited by t2p; 04-09-24 at 09:32 AM.
04-09-24, 09:29 AM
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04-10-24, 12:53 PM
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There is a restroom at:
Deckers Creek Trail: Masontown Trailhead
Sand Bank Rd
Masontown, WV 26542
It is slightly off the trail. Across from the shelter is a foot bridge that goes to the restroom.
Paste these coordinates into Google Maps: 39°33'12"N 79°48'08"W
Deckers Creek Trail: Masontown Trailhead
Sand Bank Rd
Masontown, WV 26542
It is slightly off the trail. Across from the shelter is a foot bridge that goes to the restroom.
Paste these coordinates into Google Maps: 39°33'12"N 79°48'08"W
04-10-24, 07:49 PM
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bathrooms were closed at McQuain Park (maybe they open in April ?) - and no portajohns so had to duck behind some trees
Cooper’s Rock State Park was also closed - it’s a good walk from the entrance to the overlook - so plan to check it out next visit to the area
