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My brother and I rode this trail last week (July 14-15). Our trip included not only the Mon River Trail North and South but also the Caperton Trail, a little of the Sheepskin Trail, the MC Trail (Marion County Trail) and few miles of the Deckers Creek Trail. We broke it up in 2 days as we wanted to take enough time to enjoy Prickett’s Fort State Park. I would encourage anyone to visit it as it was enjoyable. The fort is a reconstruction of the original from 1774. It provided a place for settlers to seek refuge from Indian attacks. Also, the original farmhouse built in 1859 by Job Prickett along with the Bray Blacksmith Shop are nearby. The folks explaining about the history were very good. There is a museum with a nice video show and a gift shop.
Day 1 of our trip started at the Van Voorhis Road Trail Head (almost MM4). (Note: The trailhead has additional parking on the other side but be careful as the road is not in good shape). We were staying at a B&B right there so it made things very convenient. Both days were in the 90’s however, we were riding in enough shade. We started south. The Monongahela River was next to us. Within in a few miles or so, the trail becomes the Caperton Trail (MM6). The trail transitions from crushed limestone to a paved surface. There are plackets located around explaining some history about Morgantown and Star City. These are always nice to read. You can see the monorail transit system for West Virginia University (WVU). Also, right off the trail there was an entrance to the Seneca Center where we found history of the old Seneca Glass Company. The center has local shops and restaurants and a bike shop. A branch for the Deckers Creek Trail will be next (MM10) and we rode a few miles of it. The elevation change is a bit steep but we did not encounter that in those few miles. We proceeded back south on the Caperton Trail for a mile or so at which it becomes the Mon River South Trail (MM11+) and crushed limestone again. The next 6 miles the Monongahela River is on one side and some rock formations with small water falls are on the other side. We saw a dam near Hildebrand (1 of 3 for the 2 days) and one train whistle stop stone marker. Mostly shady and at times felt pockets of cooler air coming through which made it better. Around MM17 we decided to stop and return back. Once we were at our starting point, we rode the Mon River Trail North to Point Marion to do a little of the Sheepskin Trail. A point of interest is the Fort Martin (Coal) Power Station which was something to see. (Note: No “Entering Pennsylvania or Entering West Virginia” signs – which we were hoping for). Rode around Point Marion for a bit and returned back to call it a day. 43+ miles.
Day 2, we drove to Prickett’s Fort State Park. The MC Trail (Marion County Trail) starts there and the trail is mainly in the shade and is paved. The enjoyable part is riding through the 1200-foot lighted Meredith Tunnel. The trail is around 3 miles. When we got back, we took time to enjoy Prickett’s Fort State Park. Afterwards, we started our trip riding north on the Mon Rail Trail South section (MM 29) to where we stopped the day before (MM 17). Crushed limestone and again the Monongahela River on one side and interesting rock formations with small water falls on the other. We stopped into The Junction Café (which is located in the state park) for something to eat after our bike ride. Day 2 was 31 plus miles.
Both days were fun with plenty to see especially with Prickett’s Fort State Park. The crushed limestone was small and very easy to ride. No big holes or gullies. We both have hybrids and we average between 8 to 10 MPH to just enjoy ourselves. Note: there were not many portable potties once you were off of the Caperton Trail. There was one at the Van Voorhis Road Trail Head.
I enjoyed the ride. A lot to see and do since trail goes through part of Luray. Good parking areas and friendly people along trail.
38 miles round trip of shaded bliss. Nice wide track of crushed stone. No facilities except at Ft Prickett. Rode in 100 degree heat but was very comfortable.
I am happy to report that the Allegheny Highlands Trail is 100% open and in great shape. We departed Hendricks not fully knowing if the trail was open, closed or just in very rough shape. We were delighted to find out that the trail was not only open all the way but the smoothest part of the trail was where the bridge construction was. The repair to the trail is complete and there is a nice layer of crushed stone to take you through where the construction site was. From Hendricks to Hambleton, the trail is paved but has quite a few cracks and ridges. Nothing too bad and very passable. The rest of the ride from Hambleton to Elkins is a mix of pavement and crushed stone and the trail is excellent shape the whole way. There a few parts with high grass and vegetation that crowds the trail but again, nothing that hinders passage. The thing I loved most about this trail is the variety of towns and countryside. It is truly a ride through the back yard of Americana culture and a window to way people live in rural America. The town of Parsons had some great little restaurants and be sure to grab a cup off coffee at The Sunrise Coffee Company. Elkins was a great place to stay the night and offered great food and a free concert in the park with Top Shelf performing. Great band!
After finishing this trail I was surprised to see that it received a 2 star review. While this is not a well groomed urban trail nor a remote back country ride, this trail offers a pleasant ride through the back yard of America with wonderful little towns along the way and absolutely beautiful countryside. The wild flowers alone were a spectacular addition and the small towns offered us a place to grab some lunch along the way. The best part of all is that the trail exists for our enjoyment and is absolutely free to anyone who wishes to wander its path. That alone deserves more than 2 stars.
After riding from Elkins to Hendricks, we decided to extend our ride and take on the uphill ride to Thomas. We throughly enjoyed a rainy day ride through the canyon and on into the town of Thomas. The climb is constant but never that difficult. The trail, while rough at times was doable on a Trek FX3 with 40mm tires. However, I would recommend suspension for the downhill ride. Our hands were quite numb from the vibration of the rocky trail with no suspension on our bikes. Overall, the trail was a great addition to our ride that day and added a challenging 10.7 miles up and a very easy coast back to Hendricks. Great scenery along the way with waterfalls, deep canyon ravines, coke ovens and the wonderful town of Thomas. I think in order to fully appreciate this ride you need to start in Hendricks for the ride up the canyon to Thomas to fully deserve the very easy downhill ride back to Hendricks. After traveling from Elkins, we thoroughly enjoyed the remoteness of Blackwater Canyon and constant sounds of the river below. The trail is rocky but well maintained for the most part and high grass was not an issue at all. This trail has been on my list for years and was well worth the wait.
Great segments with bike shop in the middle right on the trail. A few porta potties on the route were nice.
Discovered this comfortable place with great accommodations for two bike travelers. They offer a pullout sofa if you do not wish to share a bed. Indoor bike storage with a comfy bed and a hot shower! Distillery right next-door and two restaurants to fuel up in the morning to get back on the trail. Close to the panhandle of West Virginia. Their name is Harmony Trail Haven on Airbnb.
The GAP trail was amazing. The nicely maintained 150 mile trail along the Pennsylvania mountains and rivers and then the descend into the Cumberland Valley was the best! We took it easy planning to only ride around 30 miles a day staying in Airbnb’s along the way. We rode it in 5 days and spend an extra day in Cumberland and did a 15 mile out and back along the C&O. We rented bikes ahead of time with the Golden triangle in Pittsburgh. they fitted the bikes out for us and provided a shuttle ride back to Pittsburgh for the bikes and us. We are looking forward to doing more trails in this area.
Bike touring across tha US and I’m currently set in my hammock about 10 mils outside of frostbite head West! Gotta say that MD & PA has out done themselves on tha GAP! Wish other places “you kno who you are WV, yea you! Anyway, I love its backcountry vibe and tha fact that it’s well maintained! Hope tha rail to trail route gets done sooner rather than later and is maintained this well instead of corrupt politicians pocketing tha money! You kno who you are, you! Anyway, to tha hiker and biker trash out there, one love!
Highly recommend this beautiful and well kept trail. Beautiful to ride along the trees and over the 2 epic ohiopyle bridges.
A bit of a steady uphill out of Morgantown. Beautiful sights well maintained. Be careful crossing the roads.
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