Explore the best rated trails in West Virginia, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Greenbrier River Trail and Mon River Trail. With more than 73 trails covering 4467 miles you’re bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
As a WV Native and a fairly avid cyclist I’ve ridden a lot of trails. The Greenbrier River Trail. All of the connecting trails in North Central WV (Mon-River, MCTrail, Deckers Creek) and even the C&O + GAP from DC to Pittsburgh.
While each trail has their pros and cons, *most* rail trails at least have a surface made for hiking or cycling (admittedly, the C&O is often a muddy mess, but I digress..)
The North Bend Trail is excellent for its length, the tunnels, and the overall beauty of nature. But the trail surface is mostly thicker chunky gravel, not the crushed limestone which makes a good trail.
In July 2023 I rode the trail from Parkersburg to Clarksburg one day and Clarksburg back to Parkersburg the next. The thick gravel made for a bumpier ride than every other trail I’ve ridden. On the second day I bumped into somebody who asked if the entire trail was like the chunky gravel they were currently experiencing. When I indicated that most-but-not-all of it was like that, they indicated that they would only ride a few miles and then call it quits and find another trail to enjoy. I couldn’t blame them.
All in all, the length of the trail is its main benefit. But the ride just isn’t smooth. If the surface is ever changed to crushed limestone I’d probably ride it annually. But in its current state, I don’t have a lot of desire to ride it again. The decision to use regular gravel and not crushed limestone was a poor decision.
For those hiking or cycling on a mountain bike with shocks, you won’t notice much. But for those riding a gravel or other hybrid bike without suspension, prepare for your arms to have a workout as the non-stop vibrations will surely impact your ride.
I rode the Ohio River Trail from South Wheeling to Wellsburg Sunday, May 12 - about 20 miles each way - and enjoyed its varied views of Wheeling and surrounding area. Might have earned five stars, except for few deficiencies. (1) Just two restroom facilities along the entire trail. Just. Two. Potties. (2) Asphalt generally okay - some minor root damage. Also a nasty short stretch of Rt. 2 berm-riding north of town. (3) Trailside "areas of interest" signage deteriorated and nearly illegible. Also, few mile markers and no point-to-point distance signage. (4) Trail runs adjacent to several historic Wheeling neighborhoods - but if you didn't know they were there, you'd ride right past. Pretty good trail - needs maintenance and some TLC.
Unless you enjoy open trail along mostly highways & backyards I'd choose another trail. Only bonus to this trail is that it's paved. Definitely not scenic, bring lots of water on a hot day & lots of sunscreen as it's mostly sunny.
Read here: https://shinnstonnews.com/harrison-county-commission-reverses-course-on-rail-trails-electric-vehicles-ordinance/
Unless they've reversed the ruling, Harrison County (Shinnston end of trail) banned all e-bikes from their rail trails in February 2024.
Unless you know otherwise, start your ride in Marion County at Worthington. You can ride nearly all of the trail by looping back toward Shinnston on the trail and turning around at the Harrison County line and going back north. You'll probably lose about 2 - 3 miles of the rail trail but it might keep you from being fined or worse, going to jail.
Trail is now open from end to end after bridge construction. Nicely paved trail. The entry spur to the new bridge over Ohio River is still closed.
I've been checking some of the local urban trails and this walk was next on the list. Some of the urban trails seem to push the concept of a rail trail but at least this trail does parallel an active railroad (the Cowen Subdivision). The trail is entirely paved and consists of two large loops that go around various balls fields. It does parallel the Buckhannon River a good bit and Buckhannon Riverwalk was the only name I saw listed anywhere. There is a spur that crosses the railroad and parallels it for a ways. It's a pleasant walk but unless you're in the area I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
I rode this 72 mile trail from east to west (gradual downhill grade) with 3 of my girlfriends. It was quite thick gravel but the downhill grade helped keep your momentum up to make it not completely exhausting pushing through the thicker stuff. It will rattle you pretty good and we were glad to come to the end. We went in late September and rode in a 60 degree cold drizzle the whole way. Nice feather in our caps!
We were in Bridgeport today and decided to check out the trail starting from the east end. There is no parking right at the trailhead but there is parking across North Virginia Ave at a small park area. After crossing N Virginia and Water St there is a nice metal footbridge across Simpson Creek and after a short walk on Railroad St you are at the trail. The entire trail is nicely paved and just an overall pleasant experience. We were there in mid-March and the area was covered with the green leaves and yellow flowers of lesser celandine which were very pretty. There were a few people on the trail and it was relatively quiet. The trail goes up and down some and is near an active railroad which appears not to get a lot of use. After about 3/4 mile you reach the Bridgeport City Park which looks very nice and has a trail around it also. Of course you could park at this end and start also. No where along the trail is it named and some places have it listed as the Bridgeport City Park Trail. Only four stars because it's so short. If you're in the area and want a quick little walk, give this a try.
I started at the Trailhead sign in Russellville and headed north. There is an a gravel section suitable for parking near the Trailhead sign. I will point that there were "No Parking" signs here. I believe it meant "No Parking" on the grass area, but it was ambiguous. I went ahead and parked there anyways without issue.
I ran north all the way to the Trailhead sign in Nallen. The path is mostly flat, well maintained, and very suitable for running. I ran a faster "tempo" run without issue.
I ran the Southside Trail starting at the parking lot (across the bridge from Thurmond). I ran out 3.25 miles and came back.
The trail had some water/mud covered sections. These sections weren't long (10-20 yards), but I had to stop and walk around the mud. I had to do this approximately 10 times during my 3.25 miles.
This was closer to trail than rail trail. There were sections with more larger rocks, stumps, roots to be dealt with. Expect to be paying attention to the ground as much as the scenery.
From Nallen 9 miles to the second bridge crossing is wide smooth trail that follows the River with only slight grade.
Very remote area of WV with beautiful mountains and no crowds. You won’t meet very many people on this trail. Good for bicycles or walking. At any age.
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