Biking Rail Trails
West Virginia has more than
375 miles of nearly-level trails that have
been converted from abandoned train
rail paths and are popular with hikers,
bikers and horseback riders.
Greenbrier River Trail, Pocahontas County
Two of the most popular rail trails are
operated by West Virginia State Parks.
One is the North Bend Rail Trail that
goes 72 miles from I-77 near Parkersburg
in Wood County to Wolf Summit in
Harrison County. The other is the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail that follows
along one of the most remote areas
in the state and lies adjacent to the
Monongahela National Forest, Seneca
State Forest and Watoga State Park in
Pocahontas County. Both trails are open year-round.
Prickett’s Fort State Park in Marion County is the starting point for the popular
Mon River Trail, beginning with the three-mile MC Trail that connects the park to
the Mon River Trail in Fairmont. Firsttime
bikers on this trail will appreciate
the recent improvements to the parking
area and accessibility to the trail that
leads them to the Morgantown city
limit about 17 miles away. The flat, even
grade provides perfect conditions for
beginners who want to enjoy the biking
experience without having to deal with
steep hills or bumps in the road. Along
the way, bikers can stop and enjoy
businesses, residential neighborhoods
and towns while visiting scenic settings
they might not have visited otherwise.
For a rail trail listing and map,
www.WVTourism.com/RailTrails.