Explore the best rated trails in Clarksburg, WV, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Sheepskin Rail-Trail and Greene River Trail . With more than 37 trails covering 409 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.
very nice trail enjoy it very much being close to home, hope it can be exdendent more and reopen access at the Greene Cove Yacht Club.
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.
Road the Green River Trail today from the Southern access point to the Northern Terminus (as stated in the description there is no parking at the Northern terminus)and back for a total of 14 miles. Trail is in great shape and very well maintained. Trail was a nice mixture of wooded trail and river side overlooks. A nice feature of the trail are the info stations along the route. Don’t miss the statue north of the Northern access point. Was pleased to see working bike maintenance station at both the Southern Access Point and at the Access Point located at the 5 mile mark. Trail was dry even with the rain we have been receiving the last week.
After going out and back on the MC Trail (only a five mile round trip but totally worth it!), I connected to the Mon River Trail.
Starting at Pricketts Fort, I only went about six miles or so to just beyond the dam before heading back to the trailhead.
That twelve mile ride on a cloudy, late October Saturday afternoon were plenty enough to get awesome views of the Monongahela River, its dam, homes (some stately; some not so much), and dazzling fall color. Plenty of photo ops await!
The trail is hard packed dirt, covered in a layer of golden leaves, and despite rain earlier in the day, it was still smooth, fast, and navigable. I would say it was almost as smooth as asphalt.
I would suspect that because of the continued threat of rain, I pretty much had the trail to myself. My shoes and bike got mud splattered, but it was worth it. The Mon River Trail (South) is worthy of your time, and worthy of its status as a Rails-to-Trails Hall of Famer!
I have never enjoyed a 2.5 mile trail more!
On a late October Saturday afternoon I was absolutely enthralled with this trail. I started at the Pricketts Fort trailhead and was immediately in awe of the spectacular autumnal colors: red, orange, yellow and gold!
The tunnel was fun and interesting, but the highlight was what Mother Nature created with the colorful trees, glistening Prickett creek. and the chirping birds.
The asphalt trail is in perfect condition and is easy to ride. I actually saw a couple of preschoolers enjoying it on their bikes with their families.
Be sure to do this in conjunction with the Mon River Trail to enhance your experience on these Hall of Fame trails!
I’m looking forward to seeing this trail continue to its potential at 10 miles. It was a nice walk from the Trailhead park. It’s not quite peak leaf season yet…but the leaves are turning.
We camped on Elk River in Gassaway. Did out and back rides on the trail from Gassaway (end/beginning) down to near Ivydale then started from other end (Hartland) up to just shy of Ivydale. No services, one old convenience store near trail in Duck. Surface is crushed stone and in very good condition. Hardly saw a soul. Lots of deer. Be sure you bring what you need with you. Follows river quite closely all the way.
The Harrison South has had a bunch of improvements over the last several years. Mile markers (Mile 1 is near the VA Park, Mile 11 is near the Lost Creek Trailhead). The trail is much wider closer to the VA Park. A new shelter was just built near the VA Park Trailhead. Closer to Lost Creek, the trail is very grassy and is often single track. A bridge is out between mile 4 and 5 as of October 2023.
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