West Fork River Trail | Clarksburg

The West Fork River Trail is one of north-central West Virginia’s most peaceful and scenic rail-trails, following the winding course of the West Fork River between Fairmont and Shinnston. Stretching for about 16 miles, the trail runs along the bed of the former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, offering a serene route through farmland, woodland, and small riverside communities. It’s a place where the hum of the old industrial past meets the soft rhythm of nature-a corridor rich in local history, subtle beauty, and quiet recreation.

Setting and Landscape

The trail begins just outside Fairmont, in Marion County, and traces the West Fork River southward. Much of the path follows the gentle curves of the river, sometimes running within a few meters of the water. The landscape is quintessentially Appalachian: low rolling hills, clusters of sycamores and willows, and misty meadows that stretch toward the wooded ridges. In spring, wildflowers scatter along the edges-violets, daisies, and trout lilies-while in fall, the hardwoods explode in deep shades of gold and rust.

The gravel path is wide and even, making it ideal for cycling, jogging, horseback riding, and leisurely walks. Because the grade is slight, it suits visitors of all ages and abilities. Along the way, small bridges cross quiet tributaries, and sections of the old rail line still bear traces of telegraph poles and weathered stone culverts-reminders of the era when trains carried coal and timber through this valley.

Historical Background

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad first reached the West Fork River Valley in the mid-19th century, linking small industrial towns and connecting them with larger rail centers at Fairmont and Clarksburg. For decades, locomotives hauled freight along these tracks, powering the region’s mining and manufacturing economies. When rail service declined in the late 20th century, local communities began to reclaim the corridor for recreational use.

Through local and state partnerships, the old rail line was transformed into the West Fork River Trail, now part of West Virginia’s expanding system of rail-trails that preserve both transportation heritage and access to the outdoors. Some segments of the original right-of-way still include stone abutments, trestles, and mile markers, offering glimpses of the railroad’s craftsmanship.

Points of Interest Along the Trail

The trail passes through several small communities that give it a lived-in, local charm.

Fairmont Trailhead: Near the northern end, visitors can begin their journey close to the Monongahela River confluence, where the West Fork joins the Tygart Valley River. A small parking area, informational kiosk, and benches mark the start.

Worthington and Monongah: These former coal towns feature modest remnants of their industrial past-old brick buildings, weathered rail sidings, and preserved river crossings. The Monongah Bridge offers one of the trail’s best panoramic views of the river valley.

Shinnston Terminus: The southern end of the trail opens onto a quiet section near downtown Shinnston, where a small park area welcomes cyclists and walkers. From here, visitors can explore the local shops and cafés or extend their journey on connecting rural roads.

Scattered picnic tables, wooden benches, and shaded rest areas make it easy to pause and enjoy the scenery. Wildlife is abundant-deer often graze in the fields, and herons can be seen gliding low across the water. In early mornings, mist rises from the river surface, softening the sound of distant traffic and creating a stillness that feels almost timeless.

Trail Experience

For many, the West Fork River Trail offers more than recreation-it provides a window into the valley’s natural rhythm. Cyclists often describe the sense of calm that comes from pedaling alongside the steady, reflective current of the river. Walkers notice how the path alternates between sunlight and shadow, each turn revealing another stretch of water, another grove of trees, another echo of train whistles long gone.

The surface is compacted crushed limestone, and though the trail is well-maintained, it retains a rustic charm. In warmer months, the air carries a faint scent of honeysuckle and river moss. During winter, the frozen river reflects pale light across the bare sycamore trunks, lending the entire corridor a quiet, silvery beauty.

Community and Conservation

The trail is managed through cooperation between local municipalities and state recreation authorities, emphasizing environmental stewardship and community engagement. Volunteer groups regularly maintain the path, clear debris, and organize cleanup days. The corridor also serves as a wildlife migration route, supporting small mammals, songbirds, and aquatic species native to the West Fork ecosystem.

In recent years, the trail has become a small but meaningful link in regional tourism, drawing hikers and cyclists from nearby towns and contributing to downtown revitalization efforts in both Fairmont and Shinnston.

Atmosphere and Legacy

The West Fork River Trail embodies the quiet resilience of the region. What was once a line of commerce and noise is now a place of reflection and motion at a gentler pace. The bridges and embankments still hold the geometry of the railroad age, but now they frame a landscape reclaimed by nature-lush, rhythmic, and unmistakably West Virginian.

For anyone exploring the north-central part of the state, this trail offers a rare blend of history, landscape, and simplicity-an unhurried way to trace the old industrial backbone of the valley while hearing only the river and the wind through the trees.