Explore the best rated trails in Sissonville, WV, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Elk River Trail (Coonskin Park) and Elk River Trail (WV) . With more than 13 trails covering 193 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.
My daughter n I parked at Ivydale and headed north on the trail, 3 miles up this BEAUTIFUL trail there's pick-nic table under the watchful eye of a gi-normous wooden carved Bigfoot! Five star attraction!
Easy to get to just south of Whitesville, WV; cross Clear Fork at Vest Road for nice parking at the trailhead. Raleigh County did a good job; the bed looks to have larger aggregate underneath a smooth but already hard-packed crushed stone the whole way. Very gentle slope the complete way.
Sights to see are many bridges, farms, tall hills besides the trail, and I even disturbed a flock of wild turkeys, that, yes, contrary to WKRP, they can fly (but very slowly). The waterfall was dry, due to our drought, but should be good again after the snows.
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.
First bridge on trail from parking lot by Thomas do it center. Bridge is rotting on the edge on both sides of bridge. Its dangerous because weeds are growing hiding some of the rotten areas of bridge. Also the trail from thomas do it center to 4th avenue needs to repaved or repaired. I ride my bike on trail and it is a very bumpy ride. If I am riding from spring valley to town I usually ride 160 to town and bike trail back to spring valley. One trip riding on the trail is enough for me.
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.
Short Trail app 4miles ,black top through town, then chip gravel through the woods along the elk river, nicely shaded and just a slight grade, 1/2 way on the trail is a clean and well maintained outhouse, ….a very nice part of the elk river trail system.
The best part of this trail is the Nottinghams's Market. Mr/Mrs Nottingham makes chili dogs, chocolate shakes and has a great deal of provisions. It's a must stop! Very gracious and has many items if you are in the middle of the trail.
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.
I rode this 72 mile trail from east to west (gradual downhill grade) with 3 of my girlfriends. It was quite thick gravel but the downhill grade helped keep your momentum up to make it not completely exhausting pushing through the thicker stuff. It will rattle you pretty good and we were glad to come to the end. We went in late September and rode in a 60 degree cold drizzle the whole way. Nice feather in our caps!
I ran the Southside Trail starting at the parking lot (across the bridge from Thurmond). I ran out 3.25 miles and came back.
The trail had some water/mud covered sections. These sections weren't long (10-20 yards), but I had to stop and walk around the mud. I had to do this approximately 10 times during my 3.25 miles.
This was closer to trail than rail trail. There were sections with more larger rocks, stumps, roots to be dealt with. Expect to be paying attention to the ground as much as the scenery.
We camped on Elk River in Gassaway. Did out and back rides on the trail from Gassaway (end/beginning) down to near Ivydale then started from other end (Hartland) up to just shy of Ivydale. No services, one old convenience store near trail in Duck. Surface is crushed stone and in very good condition. Hardly saw a soul. Lots of deer. Be sure you bring what you need with you. Follows river quite closely all the way.
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