Posted in West Virginia Hiking April 29, 2023 by Cristy

Walk Straight Through A Mountain On This West Virginia Rail Trail

There’s more than one way to cross a mountain here in the Mountain State. You can hike over the top of many a West Virginia mountain, enjoying the view from its peak. You can fly over the top of a mountain, enjoying long views of the dips and swells of the aged Appalachian folds. Or, in certain circumstances, you can walk right on through the mountain, via an abandoned train tunnel. There’s a bike trail through a train tunnel in West Virginia called the MCTrail that is quite an adventure. Let’s explore the Marion County Rail Trail in West Virginia.

This intriguing trail starts on the eastern edge of Fairmont, West Virginia which is a wonderful place to get a hearty breakfast before you head out on this excursion.

Thanks to the 1,200-foot Meredith Tunnel, you don't have to climb any steep hills along this easy route - you just have to brave a long, narrow stretch of concrete that worms its way through the bowels of the earth, emerging again into daylight on the other side.

Sound dark and scary? It's not, really: the tunnel is well-lit, making it a pleasant, cool shelter from the elements along the otherwise exposed 2.5-mile-in-length trail.

The MCTrail follows the path of the old Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through scenic rural portions of Marion County, West Virginia.

It's entirely paved with just a 1% grade, making it an easy, accessible hiking or biking route.

If a 2.5-mile jaunt (five miles round trip) isn't a long enough excursion for you, don't worry! The MCTrail connects to the Mon River Trail at Prickett's Fort, a refurbished pioneer-era park featuring experiences relevant to the period. From there, connect to trails running all the way to Morgantown.

See what it’s like to ride this trail:

Interested in trying out the Marion County MCTrail? It’s a great way to explore beautiful West Virginia, not to mention the added benefit of being able to walk straight through a mountain via a cool old abandoned train tunnel! Marion Country Rail Trail in West Virginia? Let us know about it in the comments. Thankfully, West Virginia is full of neat old rail trails that feature tunnels; another is the North Bend Rail Trail. Have you been through the29

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Address: Marion County Trail (Mctrail), Fairmont, WV 26554, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Attractions in West Virginia

May 04, 2023

William Suphan

What are the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia?

The most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia include:

Glade Creek Trail. This is one of the most lush hikes in the state and the swimming hole has vibrant blue waters.
Long Point Trail at Summersville Lake. There’s a massive rock outcropping that extends into the lake and the view from it is awe-inspiring.
Grandview Overlook at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Come here to see the rhododendrons bloom in the summer.
Campbell Falls at Camp Creek State Park. Not only is the hike beautiful but it leads to a refreshing swimming hole.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in West Virginia.

What are the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia?

The most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia include:

Sandstone Falls. This place is quite popular with locals and the natural beauty here is hard to forget.
Seneca Rocks. These rocks are not only absolutely beautiful but are very popular with local rock climbers.
The New River Gorge. This is one of the oldest rivers on the planet with amazing views and great whitewater rafting.
Seneca Caverns. Native Americans were living in these majestic caverns starting around the 1400s and the caves are stunning.

Learn more about the most impressive natural wonders in West Virginia.

What are the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia?

The most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia include:

Spruce Knob. This mountain is not only the highest point in the state but in the entire Allegheny Mountain chain.
Dolly Sods. This wilderness area in the Monongahela National Forest has gorgeous white rocks and colorful bogs that are otherworldly.
Ice Mountain. Tons of ice can be found here even in the middle of summer due to how the rocks draw in and cool the air.
The Trough. This gorge has the Potomac River flowing through it and there is a train you can ride to take in the amazing views.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in West Virginia.