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 4244 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 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.
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.
I rode the Ohio River Trail from South Wheeling to Wellsburg Sunday, May 12 - about 20 miles each way - and enjoyed its varied views of Wheeling and surrounding area. Might have earned five stars, except for few deficiencies. (1) Just two restroom facilities along the entire trail. Just. Two. Potties. (2) Asphalt generally okay - some minor root damage. Also a nasty short stretch of Rt. 2 berm-riding north of town. (3) Trailside "areas of interest" signage deteriorated and nearly illegible. Also, few mile markers and no point-to-point distance signage. (4) Trail runs adjacent to several historic Wheeling neighborhoods - but if you didn't know they were there, you'd ride right past. Pretty good trail - needs maintenance and some TLC.
This trail map does not show how to navigate out of Pittsburgh… specifically the first few miles with a notable gap across Smithfield Street!
Unless you enjoy open trail along mostly highways & backyards I'd choose another trail. Only bonus to this trail is that it's paved. Definitely not scenic, bring lots of water on a hot day & lots of sunscreen as it's mostly sunny.
Read here: https://shinnstonnews.com/harrison-county-commission-reverses-course-on-rail-trails-electric-vehicles-ordinance/
Unless they've reversed the ruling, Harrison County (Shinnston end of trail) banned all e-bikes from their rail trails in February 2024.
Unless you know otherwise, start your ride in Marion County at Worthington. You can ride nearly all of the trail by looping back toward Shinnston on the trail and turning around at the Harrison County line and going back north. You'll probably lose about 2 - 3 miles of the rail trail but it might keep you from being fined or worse, going to jail.
Great little trail. I have been wanting to do this trail for a while but was closed, so glad it is finally open. There is still a lot little construction that you need to go around (Trail around area is marked very well by engineering tape). Trail only had a few small muddy areas that were easily avoided. Bring a flashlight/bike light for the longest tunnel. This is a hidden little gem of a trail.
I've been checking some of the local urban trails and this walk was next on the list. Some of the urban trails seem to push the concept of a rail trail but at least this trail does parallel an active railroad (the Cowen Subdivision). The trail is entirely paved and consists of two large loops that go around various balls fields. It does parallel the Buckhannon River a good bit and Buckhannon Riverwalk was the only name I saw listed anywhere. There is a spur that crosses the railroad and parallels it for a ways. It's a pleasant walk but unless you're in the area I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
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