Explore the best rated trails in Fairmont, WV, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Sheepskin Rail-Trail and Greene River Trail . With more than 37 trails covering 4245 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.
Rode eastern 17 miles east then west (Smithurg to Wolf Summit). Generally well maintained. Only two washouts at driveways. Minimal pot holes, etc. The eastern most tunnel is severely washed out from water running back through the tunnel but passable. Our tandem bike has 2.5 inch tires and at 10 to 15 mph, our typical speed, it was like riding a vibrating machine. Did not feel out of control from too deep of stone or tires slipping side ways off big stones if I watched vigilantly and chose trail tracks carefully. But having to be so watchful of the trail detracted from the ride. Decided to skip the rest of the trail for now. They really need to find stone for the trail that is more appropriate for biking.
Read previous reviews—true! It’s a tough climb but do-able, especially on a sunny day. Good canopy cover, surface was smooth. No bathrooms, no real access to town except Morgantown trail head at park.
We ( recumbent trike & e-bike) headed West from the Kiwanis park. Turned around after 9km as the surface was really tough on the trike. There’s 2 good wheel tracks for bikes, but the trike had to ride partially in the coarse trail ballast. Scenic area with farm views and a huge windmill farm in the distance.
I headed out of Pittsburgh Point State Park 8/6/2024 for a day ride to Homestead and back. I quickly ran into large homeless encampments along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail portion of the GAP. No one approached me but the trash, the smell of urine and tents almost on the trail were discouraging and I ended my ride and drove home. I might suggest anyone planning to ride that section of the GAP check the current conditions before proceeding. From what I found online once I got home was that it does not appear to be a short term problem. Other riders have commented on open drug use and the concern for unleashed dogs. I could not find a go around from local riders’ comments.
While I thought it was very pretty and relaxing, while walking with my friend on the trail we came across some spots in the bridges that had holes that you could see through to the ground. Also the boards were very weak and one of the bridges made a loud creaking sound like if it could fall down. I just don't want anyone to get hurt so hopefully someone will fix these issues. Otherwise the area is pretty.
I rode the section from Dunbar to the GAP; except for the part by the railroad it's very pretty. But, today anyway, it was super soft. Like they'd laid a lot of sand & gravel and not packed it. A fine ride, but the softness made it hard going
Rained yesterday but trail was in good shape, headed towards Ellenboro then back. Rode the other direction to Cairo. It was a Friday so some of the stores not open. Continued for 2-3 miles past Cairo almost to the next tunnel. This section is not as maintained as the park area but was very rideable. Very enjoyable We do have fat tire /full suspension which does help in some of the areas close to Cairo but would not be a deal breaker without.
Enjoyed this ride. Easy,crushed gravel and pavement. Lots of nice informational signs about the coal towns. Rode Monogah to Shinnston. About half mile in if going from Monogah to Fairmont there is a mud slide that is impassable.
As a WV Native and a fairly avid cyclist I’ve ridden a lot of trails. The Greenbrier River Trail. All of the connecting trails in North Central WV (Mon-River, MCTrail, Deckers Creek) and even the C&O + GAP from DC to Pittsburgh.
While each trail has their pros and cons, *most* rail trails at least have a surface made for hiking or cycling (admittedly, the C&O is often a muddy mess, but I digress..)
The North Bend Trail is excellent for its length, the tunnels, and the overall beauty of nature. But the trail surface is mostly thicker chunky gravel, not the crushed limestone which makes a good trail.
In July 2023 I rode the trail from Parkersburg to Clarksburg one day and Clarksburg back to Parkersburg the next. The thick gravel made for a bumpier ride than every other trail I’ve ridden. On the second day I bumped into somebody who asked if the entire trail was like the chunky gravel they were currently experiencing. When I indicated that most-but-not-all of it was like that, they indicated that they would only ride a few miles and then call it quits and find another trail to enjoy. I couldn’t blame them.
All in all, the length of the trail is its main benefit. But the ride just isn’t smooth. If the surface is ever changed to crushed limestone I’d probably ride it annually. But in its current state, I don’t have a lot of desire to ride it again. The decision to use regular gravel and not crushed limestone was a poor decision.
For those hiking or cycling on a mountain bike with shocks, you won’t notice much. But for those riding a gravel or other hybrid bike without suspension, prepare for your arms to have a workout as the non-stop vibrations will surely impact your ride.
very nice trail enjoy it very much being close to home, hope it can be exdendent more and reopen access at the Greene Cove Yacht Club.
One of the top 10 bucket list rides in the US, easily. And when combined with another, the C&O Canal, you can cycle on dedicated bike paths for 330 miles from DC to Pittsburgh. The 150 miles of the GAP ribbons through pristine forest, past former railway towns being resurrected by all the cycling tourists using the trail.
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