Explore the best rated trails in Fairmont, WV, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Great Allegheny Passage and Mon River Rail-Trail System . With more than 39 trails covering 4626 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.
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.
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.
My wife and I rode the whole trail and we didn't see any Indians. Lol. Awesome trail except it needs work where it crosses rt 31.
I am happy to report that the Allegheny Highlands Trail is 100% open and in great shape. We departed Hendricks not fully knowing if the trail was open, closed or just in very rough shape. We were delighted to find out that the trail was not only open all the way but the smoothest part of the trail was where the bridge construction was. The repair to the trail is complete and there is a nice layer of crushed stone to take you through where the construction site was. From Hendricks to Hambleton, the trail is paved but has quite a few cracks and ridges. Nothing too bad and very passable. The rest of the ride from Hambleton to Elkins is a mix of pavement and crushed stone and the trail is excellent shape the whole way. There a few parts with high grass and vegetation that crowds the trail but again, nothing that hinders passage. The thing I loved most about this trail is the variety of towns and countryside. It is truly a ride through the back yard of Americana culture and a window to way people live in rural America. The town of Parsons had some great little restaurants and be sure to grab a cup off coffee at The Sunrise Coffee Company. Elkins was a great place to stay the night and offered great food and a free concert in the park with Top Shelf performing. Great band!
After finishing this trail I was surprised to see that it received a 2 star review. While this is not a well groomed urban trail nor a remote back country ride, this trail offers a pleasant ride through the back yard of America with wonderful little towns along the way and absolutely beautiful countryside. The wild flowers alone were a spectacular addition and the small towns offered us a place to grab some lunch along the way. The best part of all is that the trail exists for our enjoyment and is absolutely free to anyone who wishes to wander its path. That alone deserves more than 2 stars.
After riding from Elkins to Hendricks, we decided to extend our ride and take on the uphill ride to Thomas. We throughly enjoyed a rainy day ride through the canyon and on into the town of Thomas. The climb is constant but never that difficult. The trail, while rough at times was doable on a Trek FX3 with 40mm tires. However, I would recommend suspension for the downhill ride. Our hands were quite numb from the vibration of the rocky trail with no suspension on our bikes. Overall, the trail was a great addition to our ride that day and added a challenging 10.7 miles up and a very easy coast back to Hendricks. Great scenery along the way with waterfalls, deep canyon ravines, coke ovens and the wonderful town of Thomas. I think in order to fully appreciate this ride you need to start in Hendricks for the ride up the canyon to Thomas to fully deserve the very easy downhill ride back to Hendricks. After traveling from Elkins, we thoroughly enjoyed the remoteness of Blackwater Canyon and constant sounds of the river below. The trail is rocky but well maintained for the most part and high grass was not an issue at all. This trail has been on my list for years and was well worth the wait.
Great segments with bike shop in the middle right on the trail. A few porta potties on the route were nice.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
The GAP trail was amazing. The nicely maintained 150 mile trail along the Pennsylvania mountains and rivers and then the descend into the Cumberland Valley was the best! We took it easy planning to only ride around 30 miles a day staying in Airbnb’s along the way. We rode it in 5 days and spend an extra day in Cumberland and did a 15 mile out and back along the C&O. We rented bikes ahead of time with the Golden triangle in Pittsburgh. they fitted the bikes out for us and provided a shuttle ride back to Pittsburgh for the bikes and us. We are looking forward to doing more trails in this area.
Did all 72 miles from West to East, over 3 days. Some tunnels were dry and others so wet had to walk bikes. 4 miles of pavement but most is gravel, grass, mud or dried dirt. One downed tree we had to lift bikes over. Hybrid bike recommended. Few bathrooms of other riders.
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