OHIO RIVER TRAIL COUNCIL

Mon River Trail and Caperton Trail — Point Marion, PA to Hildebrand, WV.

Mon River Trail (North and South) and the Caperton Trail 30-Mile Bike Trail Ride

Come out for a ride! This is part of a trail ride series sponsored by the Ohio River Trail Council (ORTC) intended to bring awareness to the wonderful trails in our quad-state region (Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia). All cyclists are welcome for this rails-to-trails, moderate-paced ride.

Join the Ohio River Trail Council as we visit the Mon River Trail (North and South) and the Caperton Trail in West Virginia. This is a flat, paved and crushed limestone trail, with lots of shade. We begin at the Star City, WV Trailhead and peddle north along the Mon scenic river toward Pt. Marion, PA, and turnaround when the pavement ends and then return south to Morgantown. The ride continues south onto the unpaved section of the scenic Mon River Trail to Hildebrand, WV. (mile-15) before returning to Morgantown for total of 30-miles.

You may wish to visit the famous Walmsley Bike Shop, 709 Beechurst Ave, Suite 3, Morgantown, WV 26505 (www.wamsleycycles.com) just next to trail.

Directions

Take I-79 South to the first Morgantown exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp. Travel through two traffic lights. At Sheets turn right and across the mighty Mon. River, getting into the left lane. Turn left at the next light (see CVS on the right). Drive down the street to the intersection and turn left and down to the trail and park at Edith Barill Riverfront Park.

Do not forget your camera!

Trailhead

Edith Barill Riverfront Park, Leeway St, Star City, WV.

GPS: 39.659480, -79.991284

Features and Points of Interest

The Mon River Trail (North and South) and the Caperton Trail form a system of trails that are located in North Central West Virginia. The rail-trails are former CSX railroad lines that offer tremendous opportunities for recreation and alternative transportation.

Mon River Trail North & South

The Mon River Trail is a limestone surface that meanders along the Monongahela River from the WV/PA state line to Monongalia County into Marion County. Although it is one continuous trail system, the north and south sections are separated by the Caperton Trail. In Star City, the trail becomes the Mon River Trail North; in south Morgantown, the trail continues as the Mon River Trail South. The Mon River Trail North is 6 miles and follows the Monongahela River from Star City to the Pennsylvania state line. Mon River Trail South is a wooded, river valley trail from the Morgantown city limits in Monongalia County to Pricketts Fort State Park in Marion County. The trail is 17.7 miles long with 14.7 miles in Monongalia County and the remaining 3 miles in Marion County. Although it is one continuous trail system, the Mon River Trail North is separated from the Mon River Trail South by the Caperton Trail.

The Mon River Trail has a crushed limestone surface that is comfortable for wheelchairs, strollers, and tricycles. The trail follows a wooded river valley with many scenic river views, occasional waterfalls, and a variety of wildflowers in the spring and autumn.

Caperton Trail

The Caperton Trail, the middle section, is a 6-mile route between the edge of Morgantown on the south and edge of Star City on the north. The paved trail is perfect for rollerblading, walking and biking. The Caperton Trail is an urban trail with easy access to neighboring restaurants, shopping areas, the university, and industrial areas. Located within the Star City and Morgantown city limits, this trail runs through the Edith Barill Riverfront Park, WVU Core Arboretum, Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park (an outdoor amphitheater), and Tugboat Depot playground. The trail was named in honor of Governor Gaston Caperton.

Morgantown is known as the home of West Virginia University, the inspiration for a Joni Mitchell song. The nexus of this 45-mile trail system is Hazel Ruby McQuain Park in downtown Morgantown. Located adjacent to a restored railway station, the park is a vibrant hub of local activity, with a steady stream of walkers, runners, skaters and cyclists. The rail-trail that runs through the park-stretching 6.5 miles to the north and 19.5 miles to the south hugging the Monongahela River, one of a few American rivers that flows north. The "Mon" eventually arrives in Pittsburgh, where it joins the Allegheny River to form the Ohio River where the planned Ohio River Trail begins.