Deckers Creek Trail Loop

The full Deckers Creek Trail Loop, as mapped, generally takes around 3 hours and 22 minutes to complete by touring bicycle. This duration can vary based on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

This route is considered difficult, primarily due to a consistent uphill grade when starting from Morgantown. The trail gains about 1,000 feet in elevation over its 19-mile length, maintaining a steady 2% grade. The return journey from Reedsville to Morgantown is a more leisurely downhill ride. For a less strenuous experience, consider starting from the Reedsville end.

The trail offers varied terrain. The first 2.5 miles within Morgantown are paved with asphalt. The remaining 16.5 to 17 miles consist of compacted crushed limestone, providing a smooth and durable surface suitable for most bicycles. It is generally well-maintained.

Yes, the Deckers Creek Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep your dog on a leash and ensure you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.

The trail is beautiful year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly scenic experiences. Spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn showcases vibrant fall colors. Summer is also popular, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Cross-country skiing is an option in winter.

The trail offers diverse scenery. You'll pass through woodlands, see rock outcroppings, and enjoy views of Deckers Creek. Notable features include dramatic waterfalls and rapids along Deckers Creek Trail, especially around miles 7, 12, and 13. You can also observe remnants of the area's coal, coke, and railroading history, including abandoned coke ovens.

Yes, the Deckers Creek Trail is a key part of a larger interconnected trail system. This route also passes through sections of the Deckers Creek Trail and the Caperton Trail, allowing for extended touring opportunities within the Mon River Rail-Trail System.

There are multiple access points with parking along the trail. Within Morgantown, sections provide easy access to parks, restaurants, and shops. Restrooms are available at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park and Marilla Park, which can also serve as convenient starting points.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Deckers Creek Trail itself. While the trail is near Coopers Rock State Forest, the trail itself does not require a fee. Always check the official West Virginia State Parks website for any updates regarding state park regulations or fees if you plan to visit the forest directly.

Yes, particularly within the Morgantown city limits, the trail offers easy access to various restaurants and shops. As you venture further from the city, the trail becomes more secluded, so plan accordingly for refreshments.

The Deckers Creek Trail is a National Recreation Trail and part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. It's celebrated for its dramatic scenery, historical significance with remnants of the coal and railroading industries, and its role as a key component of the 48-mile Mon River Rail-Trail System, offering extensive touring possibilities.