Explore the best rated trails in Bethel Park, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the West Penn Trail and Hoodlebug Trail . With more than 55 trails covering 5370 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.
From Mon River, it starts getting interesting about 4 miles out - as you start climbing higher elevation. Nice canopy covering a majority of the ride, so plenty of ferns, moss , etc. Deckers creek is beautiful, but read at the Masontown stop that it has a lot of mine drainage problems. The trail itself stays away from the small town(s)…..
A nice short break off of the armstrong trail
I rode this trail on my way back from RAGBRAI to check off West Virginia and maintain my fitness. It was perfect for that purpose. I rode it on a road bike with 28 mm tires, and they performed well. We started our journey downtown at Heritage Point. There isn’t dedicated trail parking, but there’s free parallel parking on the street next to the trail. We headed north first. We crossed under the 1848 suspension bridge and navigated through areas between buildings and woods. Further down, there are stretches of a couple of miles next to a road. The road was not busy, and it was entirely safe. There were many expansion cracks but few heaves. There weren’t many road crossings. We turned around after 8 miles, where there’s a structure that I suppose is used for loading coal onto barges. The trail was nicely paved, but we rode back and then to the southern terminus. South of heritage point it seemed there were more heaves in the trail surface. They were outlined with white paint. Much of the south part was not very scenic. It was about 3 miles to the trail terminus.
Rode only about 14 miles of it...7 out and 7 back last spring. Lots of walkers in the downtown area. It was clear and was well maintained when I was on it. Pretty flat on the section i rode. I'd ride it again.
Parked at Ebensburg. Did the loop and back to Ebensburg. Nice ride. A couple of areas were a little rough from the rain storms last week but overall in good shape. Will do it again!
My brother and I rode this trail last week (July 14-15). Our trip included not only the Mon River Trail North and South but also the Caperton Trail, a little of the Sheepskin Trail, the MC Trail (Marion County Trail) and few miles of the Deckers Creek Trail. We broke it up in 2 days as we wanted to take enough time to enjoy Prickett’s Fort State Park. I would encourage anyone to visit it as it was enjoyable. The fort is a reconstruction of the original from 1774. It provided a place for settlers to seek refuge from Indian attacks. Also, the original farmhouse built in 1859 by Job Prickett along with the Bray Blacksmith Shop are nearby. The folks explaining about the history were very good. There is a museum with a nice video show and a gift shop.
Day 1 of our trip started at the Van Voorhis Road Trail Head (almost MM4). (Note: The trailhead has additional parking on the other side but be careful as the road is not in good shape). We were staying at a B&B right there so it made things very convenient. Both days were in the 90’s however, we were riding in enough shade. We started south. The Monongahela River was next to us. Within in a few miles or so, the trail becomes the Caperton Trail (MM6). The trail transitions from crushed limestone to a paved surface. There are plackets located around explaining some history about Morgantown and Star City. These are always nice to read. You can see the monorail transit system for West Virginia University (WVU). Also, right off the trail there was an entrance to the Seneca Center where we found history of the old Seneca Glass Company. The center has local shops and restaurants and a bike shop. A branch for the Deckers Creek Trail will be next (MM10) and we rode a few miles of it. The elevation change is a bit steep but we did not encounter that in those few miles. We proceeded back south on the Caperton Trail for a mile or so at which it becomes the Mon River South Trail (MM11+) and crushed limestone again. The next 6 miles the Monongahela River is on one side and some rock formations with small water falls are on the other side. We saw a dam near Hildebrand (1 of 3 for the 2 days) and one train whistle stop stone marker. Mostly shady and at times felt pockets of cooler air coming through which made it better. Around MM17 we decided to stop and return back. Once we were at our starting point, we rode the Mon River Trail North to Point Marion to do a little of the Sheepskin Trail. A point of interest is the Fort Martin (Coal) Power Station which was something to see. (Note: No “Entering Pennsylvania or Entering West Virginia” signs – which we were hoping for). Rode around Point Marion for a bit and returned back to call it a day. 43+ miles.
Day 2, we drove to Prickett’s Fort State Park. The MC Trail (Marion County Trail) starts there and the trail is mainly in the shade and is paved. The enjoyable part is riding through the 1200-foot lighted Meredith Tunnel. The trail is around 3 miles. When we got back, we took time to enjoy Prickett’s Fort State Park. Afterwards, we started our trip riding north on the Mon Rail Trail South section (MM 29) to where we stopped the day before (MM 17). Crushed limestone and again the Monongahela River on one side and interesting rock formations with small water falls on the other. We stopped into The Junction Café (which is located in the state park) for something to eat after our bike ride. Day 2 was 31 plus miles.
Both days were fun with plenty to see especially with Prickett’s Fort State Park. The crushed limestone was small and very easy to ride. No big holes or gullies. We both have hybrids and we average between 8 to 10 MPH to just enjoy ourselves. Note: there were not many portable potties once you were off of the Caperton Trail. There was one at the Van Voorhis Road Trail Head.
I parked in Wellsburg and rode through town first. Very unkempt and Unmarked. Bumpy and just all around super unenjoyable. Headed back the other direction. While nicer, admittedly, it was still pretty unkept. 2/10 for being lackluster. At best.
I love this trail! The elevation is constantly changing. Couple that with many curves and you have a challenging trail if you are someone who rides a bit faster than most. You will encounter steep downhills that end with a 90deg turn, or sometimes a horseshoe turn. I am 79 and find this a great trail on which to hone your skills. And yet you meet the most interesting people enjoying nature at its best. I saw a man on a unicycle just going to town on the curves. Then I saw a woman in her 90s slowly pushing a wheeled walker along. Bless her and her determination to carry on. Keep moving!
Did 16 from Oakdale to Burgettstown. Ate at Paradise on the Trail. Allegheny County had black topped a bunch, which is great. Fantastic trail!!
About three miles east of Morgantown begins a steady 11-12 mile climb. Lots of shade, no facilities. Great ride but takes effort
38 miles round trip of shaded bliss. Nice wide track of crushed stone. No facilities except at Ft Prickett. Rode in 100 degree heat but was very comfortable.
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