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.

We started at Clairton today, spent about 2 miles on trail, were thrust onto the highway, and the rest was "share the road" back roads without much traffic, but definitely not a trail ride. Disappointing. We turned around after about 7 miles, drove to Peters Twp and picked up the trail there.

That part was much better! Nice trail, shaded ride, places to rest, and plenty of people to greet as you pass by.

Fun ride last time I did it. Can be a bit bumpy in spots. I did see about 13 Copperheads sunning themselves on the route and one Rattlesnake, so sweep your corners.

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.

Rode from Parsons to Thomas and then back. Took me about four hours, over three to reach Thomas and less than one to ride back. It is sustained uphill coming from Parsons, but never steep. I didn't rush and stopped constantly to take pictures. I bought a low-end mountain bike and drove 100-some miles just to do this trail and both were well worth it. I've ridden many much-lavished trails and none beats this one for its views. Deep valley to peer into, a loud rushing river, a dozen or more waterfalls with two spectacular ones. I feel that I needed the dual-suspension bike because the surface was so rough and bumpy. Not hard at all with my mountain bike but I wouldn't want to do it with a street bike.

I've hiked or biked other much lavished trails, like the North Fork near Seneca, the Pine Creek in central Pennsylvania or the Cottonwood Canyon in Death Valley. This one has all the others beat. It really does have a picture for a museum at every quarter mile. T
his is trail could be done with a street bike but I would strongly recommend a mountain bike. It isn't full of obstacles or large rocks but it isn't level crushed stone like a typical rail-to-trail. It would be extremely bumpy on a bike with no suspension. I pedaled from Parsons to Thomas and then back again. I took 4 hours to go just this 25 miles, but the uphill pedal from Parsons is slow and I was constantly stopping to take pictures. This uphill end is not difficult, just not fast. It is never very steep, but it is sustained until near its end. I did the downhill ride back to Parsons in top gear and the only challenge was to stay focused on the trail surface and slow down when needed, so I didn't fly off the bike. I drove over 100 miles to do this trail and it was more than worth the time and gas.

I live in Pittsburgh and have been on the Montour Trail many times. It is one of the most incredible rail trails in the middle of an urban area in the United States and deserves the many accolades it has received over the years. It is a relatively flat, easy ride and although there are still some areas where you have to be on the street for a bit, it is, for the most part, just plain beautiful rail trail that can be enjoyed by all. I'm hoping that safer street connections can be made from downtown Pittsburgh (hooking up the Three Rivers Heritage Trail) to the Coraopolis Trail Head and from the Clairton Trail Head to The Great Allegheny Passage in McKeesport. That would create an 80 mile (or thereabouts) biking loop that would be absolutely world class. Given the extent of community work that has gone into and created the Montour Trail, the above scenario is probably in the cards at some point. Kudos to all of the amazing people who have made the Montour Trail possible and continue to support it today.

I rode the GAP late last Fall from Cumberland to Pittsburgh and enjoyed it immensely. Did Cumberland to Connellsville Day 1 and that was a little bit too long a day for me but the weather was great and I met up with some very cool people traveling in my direction. I did Connellsville to Pittsburgh relatively quickly on Day 2, arriving at Point State Park by midday. Lovely ride. Well maintained rail trail. Nice amenities all along the way. Beautiful scenery. Got lost a bit in McKeesport but found my way back relatively easily. Highly recommended. Now to go from Pittsburgh to DC!

wonderful trip across America