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We were thrilled to learn of a rail-trail in Morgantown West Virginia.
If Rail Trails were rated, this one would be a five-star.
The Mon River Trail System is actually three trails that connect. If not for the paved center portion, you would never know when one trail ends and the other begins. The five-mile paved portion that goes through the city limits is named the Capterton Trail. The unpaved northern portion is named the Mon River Trail North, the unpaved portion going south is called the Mon River Trail South. Total length of the trail is 29 miles; from Prickett's Fort State Park to the WV-PA State Line.
It's amazing to think that a trail in the state of West Virginia, whose nickname is "The Mountain State", is as flat as any trail we've ever ridden. It runs right beside the Monongahela River, and there is a very slight grade up-river.
The Monongahela River runs North through this area and it has two locks. We were fortunate enough to be at the southern-most lock when a barge was going through pushing flats of coal. The lockmaster graciously invited us inside the gate and allowed us to see how the lock system works. We thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated his hospitality so much.
There is another trail that can be accessed near the end of the Mon River Trail South named the MCTrail. It runs from Fairmont to Pickett's Fort State Park. The southern-most place to park for the Mon River Trail South is also at the State Park.
For further information about the trail, check out
Mon River Trails.
Views from the Mon River Trail
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