Find the top rated hike trails in Ellenboro, whether you're looking for an easy short hike trail or a long hike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a hike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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!
This trail has much improved and is open to Lost Creek, the “single track “ area is not bad at all. Wife and I started at Va park and went to Lost Creek, turned around after a stop and the little convenient store and heading back 19.8 total miles and no issues. We both ride fat tire e-bikes and in our mid 60’s
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.
Nice for walking and biking. I’m glad they have a paved and off-road option. If you split off from the paved trail, you can find your way to the river front. The abandoned buildings do have squatters so I would recommend staying on the paved trail if you are by yourself. There are pull up bars and exercise stations throughout the paved course as well.
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.
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.
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.
This trail is a nice ride and friendly people on trail. Very clean and maintained.
Not a bad ride, however needs cleaned up. It does go through some areas that are in need of attention. A lot of trash on the path.
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