Find the top rated birding trails in West Virginia, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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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.
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.
We started mid way and biked up to the tunnel (9 miles). The tunnel was disappointing in that it wasn’t that long and the trail full of pools and downed branches. It was nice once but wouldn’t be returning.
Only biked 6mi and then the trail is blocked by construction - March 2021
I have literally walked this trail hundreds of times, once I year I walk from Masontown to rock forge and back, takes around eight hours, also walk from Masontown to the trail end above Reedsville and have walked that dozens of times, takes me just under 5 hours and around 30K steps. it is a great trail and someone mentioned snakes, it is crazy because two years ago I saw something like 5 snakes one year, then the next two I have seen nothing, luck of the draw I guess. the bathrooms at masontown head are very nice, just wish there were more rest rooms, even porta toilets strategically placed and maybe changed out every month or so would be awesome, that really is my only complaint. awesome Trail and I use it a ton :)
Easy for beginners. Nice scenery. Very fun (and a tunnel, to!)
If you choose a fall Saturday to go for a bike ride, expect a crowd on this trail. We found lots of pedestrians and few bikes until getting well north of Star City. Not sure if this is the norm or just that WVU was playing out of town and a pandemic is going on. The trail is fairly wide with asphalt in good condition making for a smooth ride. We rode from Deckers Creek north to connect to the Mon River Trail. We passed a couple riverfront parks, one with an amphitheater, and saw a riverside Ti Chi class in a pavilion. The only downer on this part of the trail is passing a water treatment plant with a multitude of gnats (this was early November too). Star City is a great rest spot - real restroom, bike repair stand, and playground too. We saw several parking areas at the riverfront parks. We parked a couple miles away on the Deckers Creek Trail at Marilla Park in Sabraton. This trail is perfect if you just want a short ride or if you want a long ride too as it connects to other trails to the north, south and east. Definitely will visit this trail again.
Our goal was to ride the Caperton and Mon River trails, so we parked at Marilla Park and traveled a couple miles on the Deckers Creek Trail to get to the Mon riverfront. There was plenty of parking at the park even though it was a perfect fall day to ride. The trail is paved but quite rough. Some nice people have painted over the bumps making it easier to avoid or at least prepare for the bumps and drop offs. Can't really recommend this trail for anything but a connector to a better trail.
If you come with realistic expectations, you will love this trail. If you expect perfectly groomed trail with multiple towns and cell phone service all of the time, I'd suggest you try something a little tamer. This trail is for those who crave solitude and beauty and don't mind if they have to pay a small price for it. I actually found the track to be pretty good, yes there are some bumps and puddles here and there but more the exception than the rule. Rode the trail from Cass to Caldwell as part of a longer trip and really enjoyed it despite some rain on the 2nd day. I really liked the Cass to Marlinton section as well as the last 10 miles or so into Caldwell. Overall this is a great experience well worth your time.
Rode this on 10/5/20 with friends. Mountain bike a must. Trail in poor condition. Numerous fallen trees, long grass, and muddy patches on this short old elevated rail track through the woods. With a little maintenance this could be spectacular.
We rode the trail in three days. Marlinton to Cass and back day one. Renick to Marlinton and back day two, Caldwell to Renick and back day three. The trail was in good shape, we averaged 10 mph. Plenty of wildlife and raw nature. We stayed at the Greenbier State Park cabins. I highly recommend.
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