Morgantown is known as the home of West Virginia University, the inspiration for a Joni Mitchell song, and the birthplace of Don Knotts. But it’s also known for its extensive rail-trail system along the Monongahela River—one of a few American rivers that flows north—and its tributaries.
The 19-mile Deckers Creek Trail is the gem of the system. Beginning at the confluence of the Monongahela River and Deckers Creek in downtown Morgantown, the trail is one of the main attractions of Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park. Located adjacent to a restored railway station, the park is the nexus of the trail system and a vibrant hub of local activity, with a steady stream of walkers, runners, skaters, and cyclists.
About the Route
From the northern end of the trail in Morgantown, the Deckers Creek Trail stretches 19 miles to the southeast along a former rail corridor, paralleling Deckers Creek and State Route 7 to slightly west of the small town of Reedsville in Preston County. The northernmost 2.5 miles of the trail are paved, passing through the urban landscape of Morgantown. The trail provides easy access to Marilla Park, a city park with a playground, swimming pool, and tennis courts, as well as neighboring restaurants and food stores. After passing under Interstate 68, the surface changes to crushed stone.
The trail gains 1,000 feet as it climbs out of the Monongahela River valley and enters a rural landscape distinguished by hemlock, rhododendrons, and a smattering of residences. But the most memorable feature of the surrounding landscape is Deckers Creek itself. Because of the steady grade, the trail passes a series of dramatic rapids and waterfalls, while the creek noisily rushes headlong toward the Monongahela. Highly experienced kayakers paddle Deckers Creek, which has some Class VI rapids, and rock climbing are also popular in the region. The trail also provides a close-up view of Greer Limestone, an active quarry business.
As the trail approaches its endpoint near Reedsville, the grade flattens and the woods give way to wetland areas that feature cattails and red-winged blackbirds. Less than 1 mile away on State Route 92 is the Arthurdale Heritage District and Museum. The entire community of Arthurdale is on the National Register of Historic Places, recognized as the first of several planned communities created under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program.
Connections
The Caperton Trail meets the Deckers Creek Rail Trail at the northern end of the trail in Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park.
The Deckers Creek Rail-Trail runs between Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park, 185 Garrett St. (Morgantown), where parking is available, and Morgan Mine Rd. (Reedsville).
There is additional parking available along the route, but without official trail addresses. Please see TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
this was very hard with a lot of elevation. better to ride from morgantwon and back. i did the opposite. reedsville is very remote. this is the hardest of the three morgantown trails
Read previous reviews—true! It’s a tough climb but do-able, especially on a sunny day. Good canopy cover, surface was smooth. No bathrooms, no real access to town except Morgantown trail head at park.
My husband and I took our road bikes on this and found it to be quiet, very well-maintained and scenic. It follows the creek nearly the entire way out of town and is about 90% shaded. The only caveat: if you're not in decent shape or don't like climbing, figure out some way to be dropped off near Kingwood or Reedville and only ride back into Morgantown. It's a low-grade climb (not hard, really), but unrelenting. I'd say 11 out of the 19.5 miles are uphill if you start at the downtown ("Wharf District") trailhead. To put it another way, it took us an hour less time to get back to Morgantown than it did to leave it. But it's still a great trail and VERY few people were on it .
Nov 2022 --- Oh this is a fabulous trail! If you have ridden the GAP west from Cumberland, and ever wondered what it would be like to ride up to the Allegheny Mountains from the OTHER SIDE, this is the trail for you. The first 2-3 miles east from Morgantown are flat with nice, new asphalt. Then it becomes nice smooth crushed stone and the climb begins. There are wonderful views of Deckers Creek, with waterfalls and whatnot. Reedsville is more or less the endpoint, with a Dollar General and supermarket to get a drink or food. These are about a half mile off the trail, in town. It would be awesome if the Deckers Creek trail would eventually go all the way to Kingwood, like the old railroad line, but I know that these things take a lot of time, energy and $$$. For now, what is there is an awesome ride! Thank you to all the wonderful people who keep this trail so nice!
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