Morgantown is known as the home of West Virginia University, the inspiration for a Joni Mitchell song and the birthplace of Don Knotts. And it's also known for its wonderful trails: the Mon River Rail-Trail System. The nexus of this 45-mile trail system is Hazel Ruby McQuain Park in downtown Morgantown. Located adjacent to a restored railway station, the park is a vibrant hub of local activity, with a steady stream of walkers, runners, skaters and cyclists. The rail-trail that runs through the park-stretching 6.5 miles to the north and 19.5 miles to the south-hugs the Monongahela River, one of a few American rivers that flows north. The "Mon" eventually arrives in Pittsburgh, where it joins the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River.
This system of trails, which follows a former CSX rail line, comprises four segments, each with their own name.
The Mon River Trail North has a crushed-stone surface and begins in Star City where the Mons River Rail-Trail
Caperton section ends. The trail travels along the river for 6 miles to the Pennsylvania state line, where it connects to trails in Port Marion.
Park in Star City at the Edith Barill Riverfront Park.
Paved trail to the Morgantown city limits; smooth, wide cinders to the state line. Don’t hesitate to continue on north into Pennsylvania to Point Marion. The trail is significantly rougher, but was OK on our tandem (700 x 1.25” wide tires @ 80 psi). It’s ...
one day i was feeling rather good enough to bike the caperton trail from star city north to the wv/pa state line. approx. 6.5 miles. i started at the star city park & began to take pictures. at a steady slow pace, as to take in the views & to rest, i ...
My wife and I look to travel and often do multiday cycling on Rail Trails. While attending a triathlon in Morgantown earlier this Spring I happened to notice that several Rail Trails started at the same point in Morgantown down by the Wharf area (at the ...