Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Location
Harrison and Marion counties
Endpoints
Shinnston to Fairmont
Mileage
18.3
Roughness Index
2
Surface
Crushed stone, cinder, gravel
West Virginia's West Fork River Trail provides a snapshot of some of the most beauti-
ful scenery in this region. The trail's path was once used by the far-reaching Baltimore
& Ohio Railroad to deliver coal. Today's plans however, are to transport people and
link this rail-trail to the American Discovery Trail.
Shortly after its start in picturesque Shinnston, the trail reaches rippling West
Fork River and its cliffs and forests. Close to the Harrison and Marion county border,
you will pass an historical railroad bridge that spans the river. The trail travels through
some wooded passages, and then it opens up to a park where children play baseball
and softball and fisherman vie for the prized catch below the dam. A few miles bey-
ond that, you cross a railroad bridge and are returned to the wooded haven of the trail.
At the town of Norway, you have the option of going another half mile on to a
stunning wooden bridge, or you can continue past the bridge to the Mary Lou Retton
Youth Park, which offers recreational fields, parking, restrooms, and the West Virgin-
ia Miners' Memorial. Pay close attention for the turnoff for the park: As you head to-
ward the town of Fairmont, the turnoff is on the right. After turning off the trail, turn
