Hazel Ruby McQuain Park loop from Morgantown

If you're looking for a road cycling route that offers both urban charm and secluded natural beauty, the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park loop from Morgantown is definitely worth your time. This moderate 26.6-mile (42.9 km) route features 1343 feet (409 metres) of climbing and takes approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for road cyclists who appreciate varied terrain and want to explore the best of Morgantown's trail system.

What to expect on Hazel Ruby McQuain Park loop from Morgantown

Starting from the lively Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, you'll quickly find yourself on the Caperton Trail, a paved section that parallels the Monongahela River. This part of the ride offers a pleasant blend of urban scenery, passing through downtown parks and the West Virginia University Core Arboretum, with easy access to local shops and restaurants. As you transition to the Deckers Creek Trail, the landscape shifts dramatically. You'll follow Deckers Creek upstream, encountering a more secluded natural experience with waterfalls, rapids, large boulders, and dense woodlands filled with rhododendron and hemlock. While the Caperton Trail is largely flat, expect a consistent, gentle uphill grade on the Deckers Creek Trail for several miles, making the return trip a breezy downhill ride. Road cyclists with wider tires (25mm or 28mm puncture-resistant) will find this route manageable, even on the compacted limestone sections.

Planning your visit

Hazel Ruby McQuain Park serves as a vibrant central hub for the Mon River Rail-Trail System, making it an ideal starting point with amenities and easy parking. The park itself is known for its cherry blossoms in season and hosts events like the Ruby Summer Concert Series, adding to its appeal. While the Caperton Trail is fully paved, be aware that sections of the Mon River Rail-Trail and Deckers Creek Trail transition to compacted limestone or well-packed gravel. This makes the route suitable for road bikes with slightly wider, puncture-resistant tires, but it's a key consideration for your equipment choice. The connectivity of this loop to other trails means you have options to extend your ride if you're feeling ambitious.

Trail details

• Distance: 26.6 miles (42.9 km)
• Elevation gain: 1343 feet (409 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 2 hours and 21 minutes