Greater Wheeling Trail:
West Virginia
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Description:
The Greater Wheeling Trail starts at Pike Island Locks and Dam, and provides an urban escape and an opportunity to soak up local history and modern industry in this historic city.
The entire trail is flat and paved, and beautiful signs along the route provide a self-guided tour of Wheeling's historical past. At its core is the Ohio River, the powerful and one-time lifeblood of the city's manufacturing industry. This trail travels under the massive bridge spanning the river and connecting Wheeling with Ohio and the rest of the west. Barges still go up and down the river, and with good timing and patience you can watch one progress through the series of locks.
A couple miles from the start and just before the Wheeling Convention Center is a colorful playground. If you are traveling with children, stop in to play on the monkey bars, or simply sit back and enjoy some quality people-watching from one of the trail's many benches or from one of the eateries nearby. If you pick the right place, you will be rewarded with a splendid view of the river, wildlife, and many trail users.
The trail is in constant use by people of all ages. Multiple residential neighborhoods (as well as a Wal-Mart) border the trail, so you will likely see locals walking or riding to purchase groceries and supplies. Students, particularly elementary school children on their way to school, use the trail, too.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To get to the starting point from downtown Wheeling, travel north on River Road and look for Pike Island Locks and Dam on the left. The parking lot is in front of the dam. The endpoint is located at the intersection of 48th Street and Water Street in downtown Wheeling.
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Seasonal Restrictions:
none
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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Heritage Port Issues
By low_and_slow on September 06, 2009
Riding the Wheeling Heritage trail itself is nice, but watch out if the Wheeling Heritage Port is busy with a festival or an event… The place can be quite bike unfriendly… The main trail along the Ohio river goes right through this Port area, and it’s difficult to get around the Port area when an event is going on. I been stopped by the city Police and told to get off my bike and turn around, not being allowed to continue on while an event was going on at the Heritage Port area. The reason I’m writing this review is because again just recently my friend and I were harassed by event participants for just trying to get through the trail there while an event was going on. I’m personally going to start to avoid this Heritage Port area, and turn around before I get to this problem area.
Easy on feet and eyes
By m campbell on September 07, 2004
"This largely straight and flat trail has pleasant views of the ""old Ohio River"" and interesting views of old town Wheeling, WV. The trail goes through town. There are many interesting side stops. It's very safe and clean. There's little or no wildlife."
Beautiful Wheeling & Ohio River
By Rebecca Fitzgerald on June 20, 2001
"Wheeling has a beautiful trail! Wheeling to my surprise was a Beautiful City. The trail takes you thru industrial (but Clean) areas, thru a nice city river front park area & beautiful new & old residential areas - all along the Beautiful Ohio River. The north end of the trail is Pike Island Dam & Locks. You can watch boats & barges go in & out of the locks. A fun few eateries along the way that serve outdoors."
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Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Pike Island Locks and Dam, Wheeling to 48th and Water Street, Wheeling
Counties: Ohio
Trail Length: 14 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Mountain Biking, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6015540

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