With much of the student population without cars on campus, it can be difficult to take advantage of the great outdoors, but it doesn’t have to be!
West Virginia is known for its robust natural resources and plentiful parks scattered throughout the state. Students are always looking for new and exciting ways to exercise and stay active, and these parks provide the perfect opportunity to do so. However, without adequate means of personal transportation, it can be challenging for students to take advantage of them. Luckily, there are a variety of parks and trails right in our backyard. These outdoor adventures are just a few minutes from campus and are easy to access by foot.
WVU Core Arboretum
Originally established for furthering research and education in the biological sciences department, WVU Core Arboretum is home to over eighty species of trees and one-hundred fifty species of planted shrubs. Located just off of Monongahela Boulevard near the Student Rec Center, the facility offers a convenient location for a scenic hike. The Arboretum has three miles of foot trails that are free for visitors to access from dawn to dusk as well as dozens of free nature education programs offered throughout the year. Each spring, the Arboretum offers bird and flower walks; guided tours to scope out the most notable species in the area. The hillside trails vary in distance, depth and difficulty, allowing its visitors to choose a path that is best for their abilities. The WVU Core Arboretum Running and Walking Loop has been permanently marked in recent months. The 1.75 mile loop allows visitors to take a scenic exercise path, while deviating from some of the steepest trails in the facility.
Krepps Park
Located along Patteson Drive, Krepps Park’s flat terrain is a perfect place to take a short break from your studies. The thirty-six acre park is just a few steps off campus and is equipped with basketball and tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and multiple picnic pavilions. The wildflower-lined wooded trails provide park visitors with a short, yet scenic route to explore. The on-site dog park is perfect for students with a four-legged friend looking for a new adventure. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a friendly game of basketball, Krepps Park is a convenient way to spend a study break outdoors.
Rail-TrailsMonongalia County is home to nearly fifty miles of waterside trails for walking, cycling, jogging and cross-country skiing. The Mon River, Caperton and Deckers Creek Rail-Trail are open year-round for public use. The Deckers Creek Rail-Trail spans nearly nineteen miles and is the pedestrian connection for Monongalia and Preston Counties. The paved trail provides access to Marilla Park and local restaurants within Morgantown city limits. The Mon River Rail-Trail is a wooded, river valley trail spanning nearly eighteen miles. The trail leads visitors alongside scenic river valleys, with views of wildflowers and waterfalls in the spring and autumn months. The Caperton Rail-Trail is a six mile paved trail perfect for a brisk walk or bike ride, while the Urban Trail has a variety of local access points within Morgantown and Star City, including WVU Core Arboretum. Overall, the rail-trail system provides a nice overview of the outdoor beauty accessible near campus.
Located just a few minutes from the Mountainlair, the Falling Run Greenspace is a sixty-acre oasis on the outer edge of our downtown campus. The park, which has multiple urban access points, offers 2.6 miles of trails for hiking, biking and everything in between. It is free for visitor use from dawn to dusk and provides students with an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy college life. The park offers five trails to explore between downtown campus and WVU’s Organic Farm. Aside from a scenic hike, the Falling Run Greenspace is a great place to give back to the university community. The park holds multiple volunteering efforts to support the environment and preserve the space.
College can be trying at times and students are often looking for ways to destress after continued study efforts. Whether you’re in search of outdoor recreation or rugged terrain to traverse, there are many places worth checking out within Morgantown city limits. Take advantage of the outdoor adventures just a few steps off campus. Remember, nature is our playground, so where will you explore next?
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