I AGREE with the latest prior post: "One of the more challenging rail trail rides because there were sections where the surface was covered with large gravel which was extremely bumpy", the longest stretch was between mile 18 to 19. There were other short rough sections but they were manageable." However there were MANY other sections that were much easier, that allowed for enjoying all the varied natural scenery including MANY scampering deer and rabbits. Between Ellensboro (mile 33) and mile 0 there were 5 tunnels, 2 of which are long/dark enough that having a good light is all but essential. The floor of 4 of the tunnels was very wet and slippery (perhaps due to a major rain the previous day), so a slow ride is prudent. The 5th (longest tunnel, ~mile 16) fortunately was where the road bed has been substantially improved with a compacted fine crushed gravel that made for a DELIGHTFUL ride to the beginning of the trail (mile 0).

Hopefully the roadbed will continue to be improved, if only for those sections that have the large/chunk gravel. If this happens, this rail trail will become a 5 Star "must do".

One of the more challenging rail trail rides because of the varied trail conditions.
The trail deserved a three star rating because there were sections where the surface was covered with large gravel which was extremely bumpy and threatened to flat your tires. We literally rode the edge, or off the edge of the trail for short periods to avoid the chunky gravel. Bikes with road tires would need to walk these sections. While the large gravel was used to patch the trail surface on many damaged areas along the trail, the longest stretch was between mile 18 to 19. There were other short rough sections but they were manageable.
The first mile of trail on the Parkersburg end, navigates past a horse farm through tall grass and ends in a random gravel lot behind a self storage facility. There is no trailhead parking here. Cut through the self storage buildings to access route 47. Once on route 47, it's an easy road ride to Parkersburg.
There were a couple other short sections where the trail crossed through grassy fields and doesn't look like a trail. You may wonder if you're still on the trail. While these sections are a little weird, it was easy terrain and actually added to the adventure factor.
While the inconsistent terrain brought some challenges, the scenery and wildlife more than made up for it. The forest along the trail is absolutely beautiful. The trail is flanked by rivers and streams which was home to abundant wildlife. We saw otters, turkeys, snakes, hawks, rabbits and many deer...one which bolted across the trail just a few feet in front of us.
By far the coolest scenery on the trail are the tunnels. The air temperature was a sweltering 94 degrees so the tunnels were a welcome respite. The tunnel acts as a natural air conditioner so we were very pleased to ride through seven tunnels between Pennsboro and Parkersburg. The trail surface inside of the tunnels was wet and a little muddy. There were also ruts and puddles which you can't see without a light. It was never so muddy that you couldn't ride through, it was just that you would slip and slide a little.
Overall, a little more challenging than most rail trail rides but it added to the whole experience.

It’s a great trail. Been riding it since the beginning. The elitists need to tone it down though. People like to enjoy the scenery and shouldn’t have to worry about getting ran into or yelled at by the Strava segment obsessors.

What a great trail of crushed limestone…great climb up from Cumberland at 660’ to about 2,600’ at the Eastern Continental Divide, then a slow decline the rest of the way to Pittsburgh. Great B&B’s along the way in Meyersdale, Rockwood, Confluence…Ohiopyle State Park is one of a few terrific places to stay for the night and take a day off for whitewater rafting. Also take a moment for a bit of hiking or even a trip to see Falling Waters, a Frank Lloyd Wright home built on a waterfall. Only went as far as West Newton this time around but will be back to do it again. Many also start at Pittsburgh and finish at Cumberland enjoying a 24 mile downhill ride into town. Many choices for food and shelter.

Only a few places towards the shinnston end are not blacktop very nice ride do recommend

This is such a great trail! Close to home, shaded,nice scenery and excellent trail condition. Only rode 2 miles, just started riding again and it was late, but plan on going back soon and doing a picnic ride. :)

I followed the review from September 2020 "Beautiful scenery...good trail surface...enjoyed the coast back down the hill
bikin-mike"

He knows what he's talking about! The Spring Suites was the perfect spot to start the trail unless you want to see the dilapidated area of Morgantown, although the trail is paved. Behind the hotel is a HUGE lot for Semi-truck parking and you can easily slip over to the trail without being in danger or crossing any barriers.

The trail itself is..... steep. But it is a slight incline, remember a train used to ride on it so it can't be too crazy steep. I was able to maintain a reasonable speed of 8-10mph with my 26x2.0in mountain bike but i was pushing it. The first few miles had a lot of busy road crossings but afterwards you follow the creek which is quite a bit below the trail. The waterfall pictures you see in the gallery took some rock crawling to get to but nothing too difficult for someone in good shape.

The rapids and waterfalls lasted for a few miles and then the creek gets closer in elevation to the trail and is much calmer. Still a beautiful wooded area with a creek. I rode a mile or 2 past Masontown park, it meets right up to the trail and signs are everywhere. There are a few bridges but the trail becomes much more bland compared to what you've just experienced..... so again I agree with the previous review mentioned, turn around at Masontown.

Your way back will be much easier! You can coast at a slower speed or if you pedal you're able to make it back 3x's faster than on the way up.

All and all, you will be tired but you will be VERY glad you did this trail! Spectacular!

The trail is in 2 sections. A north and south section. In between these 2 portions is Morgantowns' downtown Caperton Trail. You can ride the entire Mon River Trail by using the 6 mile Caperton Trail as a connector. Bringing the total mileage to around 30miles one way.

The entire trail is currently maintained very well. Any bike should be able to easily traverse it. No downed trees or unkept areas. The path was very packed down and smooth for not being asphalt. A gravel/road bike would have no problem. I was able to maintain a consistent speed I normally have on asphalt.

There is a parking area for around 5 cars that's almost exactly in the middle of the trail, east of I-79 bridge. Morning could be a 30mile round trip to do the south section. Grab lunch back at your car. Then head north for another 30 miles doing the Caperton Trail and North section of Mon River Trail.

I have ridden the West Fork River Trail several times and went yesterday for a full ride. Parked in Monongah as I always do. Nice parking area right along the trail with restrooms. Rode downstream and crossed the newly redecked Norway bridge. There's new railing also. Two years ago there was only a metal cable on each side - a bit scary and unsafe. Past the bridge is an unimproved dirt road to what is supposed to be a parking area on a dead end street in Fairmont. I've ridden part of the road but it just isn't worth it.

Other than that part the rest of the trail in Marion Co. is paved. However, the asphalt is not as nice as it used to be. It needs repaved or sealed. Several places the asphalt is getting gritty and not as easy to ride on as a good crushed limestone sand trail. The Harrison Co. side is unpaved and the first mile through Enterprise may make you want to turn back. Yesterday part of the trail was newly laid semi-course gravel as a sewer line is being put in along the trail. Persevere through Enterprise and the trail gets better. The ride to Shinnston is fine then and once in town you'll ride on some back roads for a ways - there are faint blue arrows on the road but if you just stay on the roads closest the river you're in the right place. The last little section crosses a decked railroad bridge to a little park area - very nice.

There's a pizza place at the end of the trail and an ice cream shop one minute from the trail plus a local bike store. Shinnston has several other stores for anything you might need in a pinch. It's on it's way to being a decent little trail town.

If I could I would give the trail 3.5 stars but went for 4 since some maintenance on the trail would improve things but it is definitely worth the ride if you're in the are.