5 Perfect Places to Explore Morgantown by Bike

How to describe the scenery around Morgantown? How about spectacular. Our rugged landscape makes for some breathtaking views, especially for those who enjoy a slower take by cycling around town. Is it any wonder that shopping for Morgantown homes for sale is such a hot prospect? 

Our real estate agents have compiled a list of some picture-perfect places for you to take a break from moving or maybe from prepping your home for listing. Now that the days are longer, there's time for you and your family to hop on bikes and get going.

1. Mon River Trail - Van Voorhis Road, Morgantown, WV 26508
Rail trails are an increasingly popular pathway for cyclists, walkers, skaters, and skiers. Built from former railroad corridors, they are generally flat, with a gentle grade. Mon River Trail follows the Monongahela River for 29 flat miles and connects with the Caperton/Deckers Creek Rail-Trails. Six miles of the trail in Morgantown (called the Caperton Rail Trail) are paved. The trail goes south to Prickett's Fort State Park, home of a living history interpretation of colonial life in frontier America.

2. Deckers Creek Rail-Trail - Starts at Riverfront Park in Downtown Morgantown
Part of the Mon River Trail, Deckers Creek Rail-Trail goes to the east instead of the north or south for a distance of 19  secluded miles. Take a side trip to Arthurdale, about a mile from the trail, where you can visit the nation's first 1930s New Deal homestead project. The trail is somewhat steep in places; has nice views of cascades, waterfalls, and rapids in the creek; and travels through woods dense with hemlocks and other forest trees.

3. Cheat Lake Trail - Bunker Hill Road, Cheat Lake, WV 26508
One way to experience scenic Cheat Lake is by biking the 4.5-mile trail along the eastern shoreline. The Cheat Lake Trail offers breathtaking views of mountains as they rise from the lake. While visitors come all year long, fall is a particularly lovely time to explore. The trail is family-friendly, with a playground, picnic tables, and beach area along the way. Cheat Lake is a 7.7- to 9.3-mile drive from Morgantown.

4. Coopers Rock State Forest - 61 County Line Dr., Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
It will take you nearly 2 hours to cycle to Coopers Rock State Forest, but why bother? You can drive the 15 miles and get out and cycle to your heart's content over 50 miles of trails. Take in canyon overlooks and historical sites; have lunch at a  picnic shelter; then climb sandstone cliffs, fish for trout, and raft on a nearby river.

5. Big Bear Lake - 450 Big Bear Lake Rd., Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
Into mountain biking? This is the place to go. Located 45 miles east of Morgantown, Big Bear Lake has 50 miles of biking trails and 5000 acres to explore. The trail winds through the woods around the lake. It's a privately owned lake and park, so there is a fee.

You've got a lot to explore in the Morgantown area, so get ready to join up with a vibrant cycling community and ride. For more tips on getting involved locally, or buying or selling a home, contact us today.