In mid-April 2025 I started a ride on the Mon River Trail by way of the MCTrail (Marion County Trail), a 2.5 mile spur that connects to the main Mon River Trail. I parked at the trailhead for the McTrail (39.51735, -80.09564) and proceeded through a short, well light tunnel and continued mostly downhill to Prickett's Fort. This is not just an area name but an actual historic fort. I suggest using the rest rooms at the fort since there are no other facilities until you reach Morgantown, about 19 miles away.
Once on the main trail it was flat and had a crushed stone surface that was easy to ride on. There I had almost continuous views of the Monongahela river. There were mile markers every mile. I passed a couple of lock/dam structures on the river (39.56325, -80.05022), (39.58362, -80.01023). Almost the entire distance to Morgantown it was just the forest and the river and felt like a vacation from civilization. Occasional glimpses of water cascading down the mountain broke any monotony.
Once at Morgantown it changed into a modern riverfront greenway with businesses, art, comfort stations, monuments and everything would you expect in a college town. The elevated Personal Rapid Transit was interesting as it ran overhead, paralleling the river. The greenway was a paved surface.
As I continued north the trail reverted back to the natural environment I enjoyed south of the city. Another 6-7 miles north of the city is the Pennsylvania/West Virginia line. Once you cross the line the trail name becomes the Sheepskin Trail. This trail is just a couple of segments now but will eventually connect to the Great Allegany Passage.
The day I rode the weather was blustery with significant wind gusts. Added to the mix was occasional rain showers. Twice during the ride I stopped at a shelter on the trail to wait for the rain to ease up. The trail was well worth enduring the weather. I can see why this is a Hall of Fame Trail. My 32.5 mile ride gave me 65 miles round trip.
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| Waiting for rain to stop |
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| Carter Cemetary |
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| Pricketts Fort |
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