McTrail Rail-Trail - Marion County West Virginia

Since I started visiting this trail several years ago I have always found it plagued by drainage problems, rock falls and mud slides. Because of the minimal use of packed stone the surface is usually soft during the wet and winter seasons. Sometimes, very soft.

In spite of these shortcomings the McTrail (Marion County Trail) remains one of my favorite Rail-Trails. I confess to having a fondness for "Baby Rail-Trails" - those one or two mile trails which are mainly used by the locals and are easily walked.

The problems noted above have not gone unnoticed by Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission, the entity responsible for the development and maintenance of the trail. This year work will begin on the tunnel face and lighting, the slip at the end and the new Trail Head at the east end. Additionally the trail will a have a direct connection to the Mon River Rail-Trail once the connector is built this year.

The trail follows the old Indian Creek and Northern Rail Road corridor.

Location: Northeast Fairmont to Pricketts Fort State Park in Marion County, West Virginia.
Description: Running beside Pricketts Creek through rural Marion County, this short trail features a 1,200 foot lighted tunnel and,
at its northern end, Pricketts Fort State Park, a reconstruction of a refuge fort built on the frontier of Virginia in 1774.
Length: 2.5 miles. Surface: Packed limestone and cinders
Activities: Biking, fishing, horseback riding, running, walking/day hiking.
Wheelchair Access: Yes. Difficulty: Easy. Food: Fairmont has restaurants and groceries.
Restrooms: At Pricketts Fort.
Seasons: Open year round.
Access and Parking: The northern trailhead is at Pricketts Fort State Park. The southern trailhead is located behind
Northern Mountain State Metals on Morgantown Avenue in northeast Fairmont.