Deckers Creek Rail-Trail | West Virginia Trails (2024)

Great waterfalls

August 2021 pxm24j6whq

Well maintained, shaded, beautiful scenery and beautiful waterfalls around mile marker 12.

Up hill but worth it!

May 2021 ejbeckl

walked this trail for years

December 2020 jhshaffer1

I have literally walked this trail hundreds of times, once I year I walk from Masontown to rock forge and back, takes around eight hours, also walk from Masontown to the trail end above Reedsville and have walked that dozens of times, takes me just under 5 hours and around 30K steps. it is a great trail and someone mentioned snakes, it is crazy because two years ago I saw something like 5 snakes one year, then the next two I have seen nothing, luck of the draw I guess. the bathrooms at masontown head are very nice, just wish there were more rest rooms, even porta toilets strategically placed and maybe changed out every month or so would be awesome, that really is my only complaint. awesome Trail and I use it a ton :)

Convenient Access Point to Caperton and Mon River Trails

November 2020 themfoxes

Our goal was to ride the Caperton and Mon River trails, so we parked at Marilla Park and traveled a couple miles on the Deckers Creek Trail to get to the Mon riverfront. There was plenty of parking at the park even though it was a perfect fall day to ride. The trail is paved but quite rough. Some nice people have painted over the bumps making it easier to avoid or at least prepare for the bumps and drop offs. Can't really recommend this trail for anything but a connector to a better trail.

Beautiful scenery...good trail surface...enjoyed the coast back down the hill

August 2020 bikin-mike

Not for us

August 2020 krista02121

We took this trail out of Morgantown on hybrid bikes. The first few miles were paved, but had broken pavement and became narrow in places. In town, the scenery was not great. About 2-3 miles out of town, the trail turned to limestone and was very rocky. After crossing 3-4 roads and getting bumped around, we turned back and took the Caperton trail, which was a delight. I assume this trail gets better a bit further out. Also, mountain bikes might be necessary.

lots of elevation and beautiful scenery

June 2020 ryan.strother

This trail probably has the most elevation I’ve ridden on a trail yet! From Morgantown to Reedsville increases elevation more than the other way. It was a little rockier than I would have liked in certain areas.

Good Trail

May 2020 mountaineer4life

We enjoyed this trail and my wife and I walked and the kids rode their bikes. The only down side was the amount of snakes we saw. I realize that it is spring and snakes are going to be out but there seemed to be a lot of them today.

great trail once you are out of town

September 2019 aeboe

We parked at Star City parking lot and headed to connect to Deckers Creek Trail. I was glad they had marked the bumps on the asphalt portion with orange. Once we were out of town we started the 1000 foot climb which was gradual. Once we were on the cinder part of the trail we really warmed up to this trail. While you do hear traffic, you are surrounded by beautiful woods and rock formations. You do pass some industry but I really enjoyed the woods, rocks, and creek. Be mindful of some of the bridges as there can be an inch or two rise. It took us about 3 hours to go to end of trail (about 23 miles) when normally we go 10 miles an hour. There are no bathrooms until about mile marker 13.

Great trail with plenty of tree cover

August 2019 stvatandem

My wife and I rode a tandem on a weekday morning (08/22/2019) starting at the Caperton Trail access adjacent to the Jeep Dealer about 0.6 miles from the start of the Deckers Creek Trail (DCT). The parking area at the Morgantown end of Deckers Creek is blocked off due to construction. As is the description, the first part (about 2.9 miles) of the DCT is paved. It is also fairly flat. Once you cross Carnegie St (behind the Springhill Suites), the trail turns to dirt/cinders and starts to climb. While the asphalt paving was "cleaner", it was bumpy in places where cracks formed due to tree roots. It turned out that the dirt part of the trail was actually smoother - with the exception of the occasional stick/twig/small branch. The dirt part of the trail is a steady climb at about 1.5% for 10 miles. The condition of the surface is "smooth" enough for road bike tires - knobbies are not necessary. Commuter/hybrid tires would be best. The gates along the trail have openings that are clear enough for us to ride a tandem through without too much trouble.
The length of the DCT that we rode (up to the Masontown Trail Head) had nice tree cover, but let in enough light so that visibility was still very good.

A good ride

June 2019 vikkb34

The first few miles is paved,then crushed stone.Was a little soft when we rode,but there was a lot of rain the days before.Uphill most of the way. A good challenge.River you could see most of the way. Was up pretty high for awhile then leveled out bit.We rode about 22 miles,there & back.The trail is right in the back of Spring Hills Hotel,so we just rode right out from there.

Good workout with pretty views of Deckers Creek

April 2019 bruceamiller@comcast.net

A friend and I rode the Trail out and back from Morgantown in early April. We enjoyed the ride because of the workout from climbing and the numerous views of Deckers Creek spilling over rocks amid rhododendron.
The trail is paved for the first 3 miles, with frequent ridges in the asphalt. After mile 3 the trail is mostly finely crushed stone. One exception is coarse gravel by the rock quarry.
From milepost 3 to 14 you climb at 2-3% grade, a steady workout. It reminded us of the GAP Trail from Frostburg to Cumberland (although that's paved.) After milepost 14 the trail levels out with occasional rises.
We detoured into Reedsville to get lunch at the DQ. The highway into town had several 4" potholes.
We passed at least 30 riders and 30 walkers / runners on the trail. Glad to see it is well used. We liked it and will ride it again next time we're in town.

Scenic walk 'n roll

August 2018 brian.mccaulley

The wife and I walked from Masontown for a couple miles towards Reedsville. My wife's mobility scooter had no problem navigating the trail. Some of the bridges have a small 1 or 2 inch "step", which I just kicked some stones against to smooth it out a bit for her 8" wheels.
I recommend bringing a camera. I posted a couple pics but they don't really do this trail justice.

a walker's perspective

July 2018 Anonymous

I'm normally a moderate level trail biker, but visited this trail as a walker instead, with 2 - 50+ companions - one human and one canine. I will say you see much more when your pace is slower, even though we only covered a short section of this trail. Due to time constraints and the intense summer heat, we chose the section close to Morgantown over the more rural (and probably more scenic) southern section. Parking is available and adequate at Marilla Park and another dedicated trail parking area nearby. We picnicked in the park and walked over the creek via boardwalk to access the paved trail. It's partly urban views - mobile home park, businesses along rt 7 - but the creek is nearby the entire length. Board of parks employees were very visible on a Monday - running a day camp at the park, mowing the grass, and completing a new trail access bridge. Approaching downtown, there is a nice dog park and benches. The intersection with Hazel Ruby Mcquain Park is, well, interesting. There is a trail parking area I imagine is accessed from one of the downtown streets, and I agree that the bus station parking area is best avoided. The Mon and Caperton Trails intersect here but didn't appear to be well marked coming from the Deckers Creeks Trail, it just ends near the bus station where there are many other walkways, as well as restrooms and a water fountain. This also seemed to where displaced persons congregate - they did not bother with us, or us with them. There was light traffic when we visited, although when WVU is in session I would think it would be busier. I look forward to bringing my hybrid to see the rest of the trail next time.

Scenic Climb

July 2017 jmk355

I spent a day in Morgantown hitting both Mon River Trails and the Caperton Trail, but the Decker's Creek portion was the most scenic. (North is notable too). Be prepared for a steady climb out of Morgantown after a couple miles, but its a moderate grade and provides a fun reward on the way back down. After 13-14 miles, I ran into kids on dirt bikes on the trail and more non bicycle congestion ahead, so I reversed course and headed back down. Not many trail heads after a few miles, so bring lots of water.
Only issue was a hard time in finding good parking. Do NOT try to park at HR McQuain Park even though it is the hub of the trails in the area. All parking spots are metered or reserved for patrons of nearby places, it seems to be a bus transfer station based on the herd of buses I ran into on arrival and the traffic to get into the lot is awfully slow and congested. I ended up parking at Marilla Park which is only 1.5 miles from McQuain Park. There are tennis courts, a pool and skate ramps there, but parking is abundant and free. Wish I would have gone there first.

October 2016 round trip starting down by the river in Morgantown

October 2016 river lizard

Started down by the river off of 19 in Morgantown. There's trail parking by the Jeep dealer. Take the Mon River Trail (which goes right by the parking) and head north (towards downtown Morgantown). You'll come to a circle drive area, to the right is the trail that goes under 119 bridge. First 3 miles is blacktop, after that it's all crushed stone. Once you start on the crushed stone you'll start on the climb of 2% grade pretty much until you get to 13 mile marker. From 13 mile marker to 18 is pretty much flat. Once you get to 18 the grade starts to increase and I'd say the last couple of miles the grade is at least 3% maybe even 4%.
No bathrooms at all, so if you can't get close to nature, then this trail is probably not for you. There really is only 2 other areas for parking and I wouldn't even know how to tell you where they're located at.
Scenic rating...1 to 5 I'm going to give it a 4 but be warned, there are spots that are just trees on either side. The creek/stream doesn't always run by the trail and sometimes it's 100 to 150 ft. below half-hidden by trees. Plenty of rock formations to see, which is a plus in my opinion. Plenty of benches but I don't think I saw a trash can anywhere along the trail.
Wildlife that I saw: 2 deer, 1 ground hog, 1 skunk, plenty of squirrels and a million chipmunks. None of which I could get a photo of. The wildlife was really spooked.
Would I do this trail again, definitely!!! Would like to try it mid-summer so I could swim in some of the waterholes that I saw along the way.
I rate this trail a 4 overall. This trail you should use 26 x 2 or 29 tires, it's probably not a road bike trail. Glad I took the time to pedal this trail it was well worth it.

Love this trail!

September 2016 silverthetis

Good trail

July 2016 twobisbees

Rode this trail a few weeks ago - nice trail. It is uphill for the first 14 miles, and you won't see much of the creek. We were not able to ride the last 5 miles, so I can't comment on that part. It was an enjoyable ride.

Nice trail

June 2016 biagio_wallace

This is a well maintained trail. I would recommend you park off Rt. 7 and avoid parking off the trail head in downtown Morgantown. It's less congested and easier to get in and out off. It's uphill till mile marker 14 and it levels out to Reedsville. I would compare the uphill climb like Cumberland to Frostburg. It is a steady incline. The waterfalls start mile marker 7.

uphill all the way

October 2015 bpatch

Started in Morgantown. Paved but very bumpy till it turns to stone. Uphill till we turned around at mile 10. Gradual climb but never ending. beautiful ride with gorgeous views. would definitely do again when in the area.

Urban part of this trail is interesting.

August 2015 chris.sauerwein.14

Started off the Caperton Trail downtown and explored the 2 miles or so of paved trail that meander through a rather urban landscape. Saw homeless men sleeping under the bridge at Hazel-Ruby Mcwain Park, but in the busyness of the city we felt safe. Passed a nice city park with a walking bridge access, and snaked through the paved jungle of Saberton. Passed a nice little artsy micro-park and then crossed a bridge above the creek which was interestingly strewn with abondoned shopping carts. Shortly thereafter the pavement ended and we turned back (about 4-5 miles round trip). It was an interesting and enjoyable ride

Leg Burner

July 2015 ajw

The first 2 miles out of Morgantown is a gradual climb on a paved path with streets and businesses along the way. After that, the trail changes to stone dust and goes up through the woods to the top of the mountain at mile 13, then flatter to mile 19. We turned around at mile 8 since it was a warm day and we were out of water. I was in 2nd gear on my hybrid from mile 3 to mile 8. Did not pedal once on the return. Beautiful scenery along the way as others have noted.

Great scenery

May 2015 brenda62749

We did this trail on hybrids. The trail from about mile 7-mile 15 has spectacular views. There are no facilities on the trail once you get past mile 3. The climb is a steady climb not challenging.

Deckers Creek Trail

September 2014 silverstreak

I rode this trail early September 2014. Parked at Marilla Park and rode across the wooden access bridge to the trail. I first rode left about a mile and ran into the Caperton Trail intersection. Ooops!! I rode Caperton Trail yesterday along with Mon North, South, and Marion County Trail. So turn around and go back! The first few miles were paved and flat. Then...the trail became dirt and gravel but very firm and nice. Oh, did I mention the 12 mile climb? After I had ridden 62 miles yesterday?? lol RUBBER LEGGED, I trudged up the hill!! I think I can, I think I can....shoooo!! The trail finally leveled off at about mile 14 ish. Rode to marker 19 and turned around. The ride back was a nice reward for the big climbing!! Blasted down the hill at about 18 mph effortlessly! Even stopped a few times to take pics of the waterfalls. Loved this trail but next time I won't ride 62 miles the day before "the big climb"!!!!

Fun, fast and smooth

July 2014 ahhyea777

I was brought to WV for a wedding, so due to restraints I decided to start at the end of the trail and bike into town. The trail was in great shape, well marked and maintained. It took just over an hour to transverse the 19 miles with a few sightseeing stops in between. The WV backdrop along with the cool weather made for an exciting little ride.

LOVED this trail

September 2013 ltbike

We cycled 39.5 miles RT on the Deckers Creek Trail from Morgantown to Reidsville….it was uphill for 19 miles at a 1% grade, but the coming back was fun. The things you see along a bike path!!!!: “But first….first you must travel a long and difficult trail, a trail fraught with peril. Mm-hmm. You shall see thangs, wonderful to tell. You shall see………a” a cat draped in a miniature tree stalking cyclists….he was sort of hanging from a branch like he thought he was a panther; rhododendrons (reminiscent of the Smokey Mountains); 3’ tall ferns; us being chased by two small dogs who were originally in a fenced yard barking hysterically at us and then suddenly were NOT in the fenced yard (BAD dogs!); giant boulders in a whitewater creek with pretty waterfalls; a tiny dog running down the trail leading a big dog on a leash (for real); a REALLY, REALLY fat man NUDE rummaging around in the back of a red pickup truck while the wife was busy weedeating the yard (in all fairness to the nude man…you really cannot operate a weedeater while nude since it would be unsafe AND all the clothes were hanging on the line so surely he didn’t have a thing to wear). We LOVED the Deckers Creek Trail and put it up there in Our Favorites. Park up the street from Hazel Ruby McQuain Park near Waterfront Jeep and head north on trail to the intersection. Trail is in excellent condition and is beautiful. Very shady. We ride Trek hybrids. We rode to where the sign said "Trail End".

Waterfalls Beauty

October 2012 photohop

We rode the section from Sturggison Chapel to Masontown.We would have made a longer trip, but we spent so much time photographing all the beautiful waterfalls and scenes along Deckers Creek, we just ran out of time.Smooth surface, beautiful rock outcrops, and numerous waterfalls made this one of the most scenic trails I've ridden.I need to return soon to check out more of this trail system.Highly recommended!

A good trail to ride even if just passing through Morgantown

June 2012 jbwla

On May 24, 2012 we parked a 20' Roadtrek camper at Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park (also the bus station so plenty of activity going on in the parking area) and rode the Decker's Creek section of the trail. We only did 12 miles total, making it 6 miles on Decker's Creek section before turning around. I'm sorry we did not make it to Dave's Snack Shop but sounds like from other postings it would have been worth the extra effort. The trail was shady in a canopy of tall trees but it was a little cloudy that day. This trail starting at Hazel Ruby parking is definitely a gradual uphill that you notice more when you turn around and go screaming back to the riverfront. Then we rode the paved sections around the riverfront. There are some restaurants along the trail if you go south.

A great Rail Trail ride

September 2008 ironlenny

Day two of our Morgantown rail trail adventure had my wife and I cycling the Decker Creek Trail. We started at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park. It is 19 miles to the end with a gradual uphill slope the you don't notice much until you're on the way back and are sailing along at 15 mph. The highlight of the trip was the stop at Dave's Snack Shack which is located right beside the trail at MP 9. It broke up the ride and made my wife happy as right acoss the trail Dave has several chairs, a bench and a glider set up under a roofed shelter. His place was stocked with snacks of all sorts including ice cream and m,any different drink products. This turned out to be very welcome as the trail doesn't have any convenience stores or towns close by. One interesting thing he mentioned was that if his shack isn't open he has a doorbell there that rings down at his house just off the trail and he'll come out to serve the cyclists needs. We had a nice rest there and several other cyclists came by and most of them knew Dave.
The trail condition is excellent with a nice crushed stone surface that makes for easy pedaling even with skinny tires. The trail is very senic as you're cycling along a creek almost all the time. There was lots of noise though as large gravel trucks kept up a steady pace along nearby Hwy 7 until we got past the Greer Quarry around MP 10. At the end again there are plans to extend the trail which can only make it better. We rode steady going back with only a quick stop again at Dave's as we were getting tired. Totals for the day were 38 miles ridden with 5.0 hrs of seat time.

A must see

October 2006 Anonymous

"My girlfriend and I just did the stretch from Morgantown up to mile marker #9 where Dave's Snack Shop is located. Dave grew up in the nearby village of Greer and had lots of great history and stories to share. His little snack shop along the trail is a great slice of Americana. He also owns a nearby, long-abandoned, century-old chapel that is easily accesible for viewing right off of the trail. There's also an old, small church and cemetary around mile 7. As for the ride, it was a fun and relatively easy climb up to just about the halfway mark. We spotted several hawks and a hedgehog, which didn't seem to mind us at all. You also pass a farm around mile 6 with plenty of horses and cows. The water was always nearby and the fall WVA weather couldn't have been nicer. We would've went further, but we're on a tight schedule. We'll definitely return to do the full trail and hopefully sample some of the others out of Morgantown. The ride down was very swift as we coasted and lightly peddled around 15-18 mph. Highly recommended."

Beautiful Fall Ride

October 2005 runhard

great trail.

October 2005 breilly@pa.net

"Rode this trail all the way. Good uphill ride from mile 4 to 14 and a great downhill to just coast after uphill. Good time in Morgantown, check out Blue Moose cafe for great cappuccino."

Pretty trail

September 2005 wxman1862

"Rode this trail on Sep 28, 2005 from Morgantown to the Dave's Place at the 10 mile marker. Nice stop, built by this gentleman, on the trail with chairs, picnic tables, ice cream, co*kes, and great conversation. They take your picture for their album, that they show you. The downhill ride back to Morgantown was great. "

Falling water

April 2004 Anonymous

A rare gem...

September 2003 gwalz

Fanatastic Ride!

July 2003 Anonymous

Elevation

February 2003 Anonymous

Fun ride

October 2002 bobmcmu

Deckers Creek Trail

May 2001 Anonymous

"Great ride!
Good workout from Morgantown,The trail climbs 1800 ft. in 18 miles. Nice scenery & you can coast most of the way back!"