The best road cycling routes in Monongalia County

Monongalia County offers a diverse range of road cycling experiences. You'll find extensive rail-trail systems like the Mon River Trail, Caperton Trail, and Deckers Creek Trail, which provide smooth surfaces and scenic views. Beyond these, less-traveled country roads offer routes with rolling hills and longer climbs for those seeking more challenging terrain.

Yes, Monongalia County has several easy road cycling routes. The Caperton Trail, for instance, is paved and relatively flat, passing through city parks and offering easy access to amenities in Morgantown. Routes like the Caperton Trail – Hazel Ruby McQuain Park loop from Morgantown are ideal for casual rides and families, providing riverfront views over 6.8 miles (11.0 km).

For a more challenging ride, consider routes that venture beyond the flat rail-trails into the country roads. The Deckers Creek Trail, while a rail-trail, presents a noticeable elevation gain of approximately 1,000 feet over its 19-mile length, with a consistent 2% grade. Additionally, routes like the Lough Lake – Asbury Church loop from Holman, at 76.7 miles (123.4 km) with significant elevation gain, offer a substantial workout.

The best time for road cycling in Monongalia County is typically from April through November. Autumn is particularly recommended for its vibrant scenic views as the foliage changes, offering a beautiful backdrop to your ride.

Absolutely. The Mon River Trail offers picturesque views of the wooded river valley and occasional waterfalls. The Caperton Trail passes by West Virginia University's Core Arboretum and Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park. For panoramic views, consider visiting Coopers Rock Overlook or Raven Rock Viewpoint, both offering stunning vistas of the Cheat River Gorge.

Yes, many road cycling routes in Monongalia County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Core Arboretum – Hazel Ruby McQuain Park loop from Morgantown, which offers a blend of urban and natural scenery, and the longer Roadbike loop from Pierpont.

The rail-trail system, including the Mon River, Caperton, and Deckers Creek Trails, has multiple access points throughout Monongalia County. For instance, the Caperton Trail runs through Morgantown and Star City, with access near city parks like Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park. Parking is generally available at various trailheads and parks along these routes. For more detailed information on the Mon River Trails, you can visit wvtourism.com.

The Caperton Trail, running through Morgantown and Star City, is particularly convenient for cyclists looking for amenities. It passes through urban areas with easy access to restaurants and shops, making it simple to take a break and refuel during your ride. Routes like the Core Arboretum – Hazel Ruby McQuain Park loop from Star City would offer such opportunities.

The interconnected rail-trail system in Monongalia County, comprising the Mon River Trail, Caperton Trail, and Deckers Creek Trail, totals approximately 48 miles for non-motorized use. This provides extensive options for varied distances, from short, casual rides to longer excursions.

The komoot community frequently explores Monongalia County, with nearly 200 road cyclists having used komoot to discover its varied terrain. Cyclists often praise the region's blend of accessible rail-trails and challenging country roads, highlighting the scenic beauty of the river valleys and forested areas.

While the rail-trails are well-known, exploring the less-traveled country roads outside of Morgantown can reveal hidden gems. These routes often feature scenic beauty, rolling hills, and a quieter cycling experience away from more populated areas. Consider routes that extend north into Monongalia County itself or into nearby Preston County for a more secluded adventure, such as the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park loop from Uffington.