Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Homes and businesses are accessible around the Morgantown Rail-Trail System.
This stretch of trail, which follows a former CSX rail line, comprises three seg-
ments with three different names. The middle section, the Caperton Trail, named after
a former West Virginia governor, is a paved 5.5-mile route within the city of Mor-
gantown. This trail parallels the river past retail businesses, the university, industrial
areas, and the back decks of eateries that cater to trail users.
The Mon River Trail North is a crushed-stone trail that starts a half mile north of
Star City, a small town north of Morgantown. It ends abruptly after 2.7 miles, when
you reach a bridge that has not been restored. When fully developed, this section of
trail will extend 4 more miles to the Pennsylvania state line, where it will one day
connect with trails near Point Marion, Pennsylvania.
The Mon River Trail South begins where the paved trail becomes crushed stone
at the southern edge of Morgantown. From there, it meanders for 17.8 miles to Prick-
etts Fort State Park. The Mon South lazily winds along the many twists and turns of
the Monongahela, and it is a delight to travel through this wooded riparian landscape.
The Decker's Creek Trail is the gem of the system. Beginning at the confluence
of the Monongahela River and Decker's Creek at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, the trail
stretches 19 miles to the southeast, gaining 1000 feet as it climbs out of the Mononga-
hela River valley. The first 2.5 miles of the Decker's Creek Trail are paved, passing
through an unremarkable urban landscape in Morgantown. But all that changes after
the trail turns to crushed stone and passes under Interstate 68. As the ascent begins,
you enter a rural landscape distinguished by hemlock, rhododendron, and a smattering
of residences. But the most memorable feature of this landscape is Decker's Creek
itself. Because of the steady grade, the trail passes a series of dramatic rapids and wa-
terfalls as the creek noisily rushes headlong toward the Monongahela.
