Old Route 7 Byway
Deckers Creek Rail Trail (WV)

The Deckers Creek Rail Trail, starting in Morgantown, follows the old rail corridor of the former M&K (Morgantown and Kingwood) rail line and parallels the Old Route 7 Scenic Byway for much of it's length. When the trail reaches it's terminus just east of Reedsville the trail user will have travelled a distance of 19 miles and experienced an elevation increase of 1000 feet from their starting point in Morgantown.

Visitors will find the trail surface and grade makes it possible for just about anyone to enjoy the scenery along the trail. From it's start in Morgantown, the first 3 miles are surfaced with asphalt. This is ideal for those out for a leisurely stroll or who want to enjoy the trail on a bike or roller blades.

For the remaining 16 miles, the surface is composed of tightly packed limestone sand. This surface is idea for walking, jogging and biking and some winter sports.

As the trail meanders it way up the mountain, visitors will be able to enjoy many scenic views of Deckers Creek. From the placid waters near its confluence with the Monongahela River to the tumbling water falls of it upper reaches, one never knows what might be just around the bend.

One will also pass numerous historical sights such as 100 year old chapels and cemeteries that were once an integral part of the pioneer communities that settled along or near Deckers Creek.

Remnants of former industrial sights will also be seen as well as an active and busy quarry which the Rail Trail bisects. Just beyond Masontown stand the remains of the Bretz coke ovens. Before closing, these were the last beehive coke ovens in operation in the United States.

Nature lovers will enjoy the diverse plant and animal life. Wild flowers and ferns adorn the tail. Towering trees offer the Trail user welcome shade during the warm months of summer. Deer, wild turkey and bear have all been sighted along the trail as it passes through some of the more remote sections of the trail.

Motorized vehicles, with the exception of wheelchairs, are not permitted on the trail. It should also be noted, that because of the limited width of the trail over most of it's length, equestrian use is not permitted.