Explore Morgantown, a Walkable City in West Virginia Famous for Its Rail Trail and Restaurants

Situated on the banks of the Monongahela River, Morgantown, West Virginia could hardly be more inviting. It's visually beautiful, easy to get around, and thanks to the presence of the university, there's always something going on. Add to that some fresh mountain air, and you've got yourself one of the best places to live in West Virginia. But what really sets Morgantown apart from other destinations in the Mountain State is one of the most impressive rail trails in the country, paired with an unforgettable dining scene.

Morgantown, West Virginia is perhaps most famous for being the home of West Virginia University, but this town of 30,000 residents has so much to offer beyond its impressive campus. The small city is consistently ranked among the best places to live in West Virginia, and that's mainly due to the city's access to the great outdoors. Among the many trails and walkways to explore, the most iconic is the Mon River Rail Trail System. The trail branches out from the heart of Morgantown and runs for an impressive 48 miles through a wide range of landscapes.

At one time, the trail was part of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, carrying coal and other important goods. Today, the trail makes its way through the city, one of the main reasons that the area is so walkable and easy to explore, and then continues through the countryside following the river. And because it's flat and well-maintained, it's wonderful for walkers, runners, and bikers alike.

So much time on the trail is bound to work up an appetite, and thankfully, Morgantown offers no shortage of amazing restaurants and cafes to explore. One of our favorite spots at the moment is Phoenix Bakery, famous for its brick-oven bread and homemade pizzas. Another great spot for families is Mountain State Brewing, a dog-friendly brewery that just so happens to be right on the rail trail.

Another must? Von Blaze, a popular local restaurant known for its creative twists on sandwiches and other comfort foods like fried bologna (don't knock it 'til you try it!). Some other crave-worthy places to eat in Morgantown include Fresh Mint, El Pollon, and EATS Iron Horse. For a relatively small city, there's virtually something for every palate here. So if you're looking for more to do (or eat!) in the area, check out our itinerary planner, where you'll find even more recommendations.