The Strength and History of a Rail Trail

Photos by Hannah Morgan

Have you ever imagined Morgantown with the constant bustle and whistle of trains constantly on the move, hauling coal, glass and stone? The Mon Rail Trail carries those memories.

It’s funny how miles of bolted metal and wood once connected a town. Trains would breeze through Morgantown, passing the countryside, sheep and the street bustling with people. These railroad tracks were revolutionary, creating a cornerstone and market haven for towns. These crisscrossed tracks have been written down in history books, but they have left something else: the Mon Rail Trail System.

For nearly 50 miles, the Mon Country Rail Trail system rolls by the Mon River, Deckers Creek and Caperton. With gravel and pavement, walkers, joggers and bikers can breathe in the fresh Appalachian air and enjoy a straight stretch of open road. The trails can be easily assessed by the Waterfront area, Saberton or the arboretum. A map of the trails that run through Morgantown can be found here.But before it was used for recreation, it was populated by tracks and trains that slowly carried coal, glass and other items from the hills of Morgantown.

In fact, the Deckers Creek trail used to be the primary track that was used between Morgantown and Kingwood. It was completed in 1905. On the other hand, the Mon River Trail was the Fairmont, Morgantown and Pittsburgh track. This track was completed in 1886, which makes it the oldest of the two according to Mon Trails.

Eventually, the trains ceased to whistle across Morgantown. The tracks closed, but were then purchased and given over $2 million to build the rail trail that we know today.

Today, the rail trails are massively supported through the community, donations and grants.

Now is the perfect time to walk, jog or bike along the trail. Maybe even try to complete the entire 48 miles of the trail. If you are feeling strong, the Mon Trails organization is currently having sign ups for a challenging, fun 2020 expedition. It goes from June to December 2020, with sign ups happening any time between. The first objection is to complete the entire Mon trail.

Not in Morgantown? Don’t worry, here is a list of rail trails across West Virginia.

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About the Author

Hannah Grace Morgan is a part of the Writing/Editing Team for WVUGo. She is a senior studying journalism and political science. Hannah is from Oceana, West Virginia where the closest stoplight is about an hour drive away. Hannah has written for the Daily Athenaeum, WV News, the Register-Herald and now for WVUGo.

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