Take the Trail Less Traveled, Discover Almost Heaven in a Unique Way

Whether you like to hike, bike, skate or walk, using one of Almost Heaven’s 66 rail trails will give you access to many sights you can’t get to by car. With more than 350 miles of rail trails, you and your family can spend a few hours, an entire day or weekend doing what you love on any of these five rail trails.

1. Greenbrier River Trail

If you’re looking for a way to disconnect, this trail is for you. Named one of the 25 best rail trails in the U.S. by Outside Magazine, part of the Greenbrier River Trail lies within the National Radio Quiet Zone, so cell phones may not have service. Stop at one of the picnic areas for lunch or take a slight detour into one of the quaint small towns like Marlinton. You can also make a quick pit stop for a dip in any of the swimming holes near the trail to cool off.

2. Deckers Creek Trail

From a paved trail in the heart of Morgantown to a gravel path with a rural landscape, this rail trail truly has it all. The 19-mile trail will seem to go by in a flash as you pass by many memorable features such as waterfalls, rapids and wetlands. You can also witness remnants of coal-mining history with the Bretz coke ovens, marked as a National Historic Landmark. If you want a slightly less challenging experience on the trail, starting at the Reedsville end will give you a more downhill ride.

3. Hawks Nest Rail Trail

Nestled within Hawks Nest State Park is a 1.8-mile-long rail trail. It’s suitable for family members of all ages, even young children. The trail head is close to the park’s nature center, so stop in before your adventure to learn about wildlife you’ll likely see. The trail parallels Mill Creek, which showcases a waterfall and beautiful scenery year-round.

4. Wheeling Heritage Trails

The unique, paved trail features two segments—the Ohio River Trail and the Wheeling Creek Trail that connect in downtown Wheeling. Taking the Ohio River Trail will place you on the eastern bank of the river where you can watch barges traveling through the series of locks. Choosing to explore the Wheeling Creek Trail will take you through a more wooded area than the other riverside path. You’ll also have the opportunity to pass through the Hempfield Tunnel that was built in 1904.

5. North Bend Rail Trail

This 72-mile-long rail trail will take you through an entirely different and beautiful part of the state. Along the path, you will travel over 36 bridges and 10 tunnels. You can also look forward to historical points of interest, mountainous views, lush forest areas and much more.

Which rail trail will you venture on first?

This post was last updated on March 6, 2023