I was driving to Xenia, OH for a
cycling vacation. I planned a stop at about the halfway point, Wheeling, WV.
With my bike on the car and never checking off WV from my list of states biked
this was the perfect time to do so. The Wheeling Heritage Trail is actually two
trails, one along the Ohio River and another along the Wheeling Creek.
I started my ride at the riverfront
park in the downtown. I randomly chose to go south from there. This southern
segment was only a couple of miles, passing some light industry and the requisite
sewage treatment plant. It was a reminder that I was in the heart of the rust
belt. At the end I turned around a returned to my starting point and continued
north.
This northern portion of the trail was
much nicer. I passed some residential areas and much of the way had a nice tree
buffer. On area had a pleasant looking campground between the trail and the river. A bit
further north the trail was parallel to a busy road but set sufficiently away
from the road to feel safe from the traffic.
I passed Pike Island locks where barges
still make their way along the river. In fact, barges were seen in most places
where the river was visible from the trail. I headed a bit further north but
ran out of time and did not make it to the dam at Clearview.
The trail was paved on the section I rode,
and the asphalt was in excellent condition. I viewed lots of wildlife including
rabbits, woodchuck, and deer. All the animals seemed to have juveniles making
for a pleasant ride.
Judging by the section I rode I would
not consider this a destination trail but if you happen to be in the area it is
a nice, relaxing ride. If you are interested in history there are interpretive signs that tell many stories of the area's past.
More information about the trail may be found at the Wheeling City website.
A video of my ride can be found on my YouTube Channel, Mark's Bike Tock.
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