We parked our RV at the trailhead in Cambridge and walked a mile and a half to check out the trail. We spent the night and got up the next morning to run the whole course. It is a beautiful trail but I think it should be renamed to Chipmunk Trail! I don’t think I’ve seen so many in my life in a 1.5 mile span not to mention the other 5.5. We saw other animals including deer but I couldn’t identify them as they moved too quickly into the brush. Quite a few rest stops and benches along the way and a few Porta-Jon’s (most very well maintained). Lore City offered a nice clean picnic area with bathrooms and water fountains but at the time we were there, they were not running. All in all we liked this course. Makes for an easy half mile marathon for runners. FYI: The Cambridge Trailhead states no Ebikes.

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.

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.

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.

First time on this leg of the trail. Found the parking lot very easily I think it was about 2 miles east of the bridge which crosses the Ohio river. Nice signs at exit showing were the parking lot was located. Very large parking lot but no where to change clothes. Heading east first couple miles were packed gravel then paved nicely for the rest of the trail. Lots of rest stops and scenery here. Long climb up Midway then to to McDonald bridge / trestle where I rode on the panhandle connector at nice picnic table rest stop. 22 miles to this point decided to head back to Weirton. I also went on the unimproved section toward town. Maybe someday the trail will go to the ohio river.

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.

wonderful trip across America

Only biked 6mi and then the trail is blocked by construction - March 2021