Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail:
West Virginia
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Description:
The Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail-Trail, also called the Cranberry Rail-Trail, is named for the Cranberry, Cherry, and Gauley rivers it travels along or across. It begins in downtown Richwood, immediately behind the visitors center, which is housed in the old passenger and freight railway depot. For the first 6 miles of this trail, you travel through town and adjacent to residents' yards. Don't be deterred by the occasional litter-strewn yard or dog that gives chase: The trail here parallels the beautiful Cherry River and is well worth the trip for the view.
Shortly after the trail crosses WV Route 55 in Holcomb, it enters Monongahela National Forest. Here, the route-now a more dedicated trail-becomes much easier to follow, with no road crossings or private property abutting it, and only the roar of the rushing water to keep you company. A beautiful waterfall on the right is visible from the conveniently located viewing platform.
After you cross the Cranberry River, the trail takes you through the curving, 640-foot Sarah's Tunnel, which is pitch dark at its center. One mile beyond the tunnel, you arrive at the trail's end. There are plans to extend the trail another 10 miles into the forest, but until that happens, please adhere to the no trespassing signs. For a longer visit, cabins are located next to the trail once you enter Monongahela National Forest. As with most trails in West Virginia, the Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail-Trail is breathtakingly beautiful. However, the surface can be a difficult due to protruding tree roots and rocks; be prepared for thick, sticky mud just after the winter thaw.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Richwood Trailhead, from the only traffic light in Richwood, take WV Route 39 south (downhill) and stop at the old railway depot. The trail is the gravel/dirt path behind the depot.
The Holcomb Trailhead is the recommended starting point for this trip through Monongahela National Forest. The Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail-Trail crosses WV Route 55 on the east side of the Cherry River (if you are coming from Richwood, look for the trail before the bridge over the river). You can park at the trail entrance on the north side of the road.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Not at all a Bike Trail
By jpbeck in May, 2010
What a horribly maintained bike trail. If the town of Richwood wants to compete for tourism dollars, this trail is not going to make it happen for them. We started at Holcomb, rode close to a mile and returned to our truck. The surface was not at all what a bicycle trail should be. The gravel was road type gravel, way to big to ride on with a bicycle. The ride was bumpy and way too rough!!. We went back to the truck to possibly begin our ride back towards Richwood, and that part of the trail too was impassable. The grass was waist high and the muddy. I would not recommend this trail to anyone.
NOT MAINTAINED IN THE SUMMER
By nelsonB in July, 2008
I note that a prior reviewer rode this trail in Jan 08. I recently went on this trail (summer 08) and found grass as high as my shoulder and a small lake blocking the path several miles north of Holcomb. Water runs parallel to the trail in many places and floods the trail.

A MUCH better trail is the Greenbrier that runs from Lewisburg to Cass, WV.
Loved this trail on my First visit!
By erhett in January, 2008
People in the area were gracious and deserve your huge respect and great manners. I started at the Trailhead sign at CR39 bridge. This end of the trail would be considered rougher in spots by riders who want a perfect surface. I didn't see a perfect surfuace anywhere but it certainly was quite rideable just a little more coarse than a perfect trail. Starting at Fenwich is better and starting at Hocomb is better than that. I personally loved it all but did have to get off the bike and get muddy for short distances. No Tears! Right back on and having a ball. The Cherry River was not as visible as I would have liked due to tree growth but still had many sweet veiws from the trail. When you see a concrete structure that resembles and little light house - you are starting up he Gauley River and will encounter a number of places to go off trail to see the River. Please do so. Take a camera, fishing rod, and lunch. The surface got smoother here. You will cross the Cranberry in a few more miles and be fairly close to the tunnel. Alot of folks turn around here and return. The few muddy places on the trail showed animals tracks. I went all the way to the Adkins Store where I got drinks and food and rested for the return trip. Nice people there. I pushed it too hard to get to this point and found my return trip was tiring. Got some water from the Folks near the Cranberry bridge. By the time I got back it was dark and I was whipped. I hadn't ridden for a while.
A few precautions need mention on this trail. I didn't encounter many people on the trail - Make sure you have great tires and know how to change/fix a flat. Finding help might be a real problem. This area is remote, beautiful and just a little more ruff, not much at all.
In my opinion if you pass on doing this trail - you are missing a great one! I loved it. Go early and take your time.
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