By Scrabblehounds in October, 2011
Wanted to find a flat trail that was paved because of all the rain we've had lately. Noticed this rail trail come up on geocaching.com because of all the new caches placed nearby...so off I headed. This trail was great but I'm sure glad it wasn't too hot today, not much shade along the way! I will be headed back soon to finish the trail with my dog.
By Trail Jogger in May, 2011
I rode the Greater Wheeling trail today and found it to be surprisingly better than I had anticipated. Don't judge the trail by the industrial areas that you drive by to get to it because it is far more scenic. Park at the Pike Island lock and dam, which is located at 40-09.203N and 080-41.881W, and follow the paved trail south toward the I-70 and I-470 bridges. There are particularly nice stretches with great river views including the impressive dam itself. You will likely see several barges working their way upriver as you ride. And what surprised me most was the abundance of deer - they apparently come down out of the hills to drink at the river so have a camera ready. I've ridden over 1,500 miles of rails-to-trails and the Greater Wheeling trail has far better signage than any others that I've ridden. Most of the signs relate the history of the area and of local business and are actually interesting to stop and read. You can continue south through the riverfront area downtown but the signage stops at the I-470 bridge. There isn't much to see south of there although you can ride to the southern terminus at 48th and Water Streets located at 40-02.004N and 080-43.737W. From the dam to this point and back is 15.7 miles. From there you can head over to the Hempfield Viaduct located at 40-04.393N and 080-42.648W. Originally built in 1904 for the B&O railroad, it is certainly a highlight of the trail. Those who continue east will find the eastern terminus near 40-02.813N and 080-39.843W although this is approximate as I didn't ride that far east...I just wanted to see the riverfront and the viaduct. If you just want to see the viaduct, park near 40-03.964N and 080-41.604W as it is only a 5-minute ride from there and would be extremely creepy just after sunset.
Any trail with riverfront scenery, a dam, a tunnel, and great signs deserves at least four stars!
By oneguy in May, 2011
May 7, 2011, GREAT NEWS!! Started a ride North from Wheeling Heritage Port and discovered that I could ride all the was to Wellsburg.. The Brooke Pioneer Trail is now complete. The trail is completely paved and very flat.