There’s more than one way to cross a mountain here in the Mountain State. You can hike over top of many a West Virginia mountain, enjoying the view from its peak. You can fly over 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.
At least, that’s the way to cross the mountain in the path of the Marion County Rail Trail, also known as the MCTrail that runs between Fairmont, West Virginia and Prickett’s Fort State Park.
West Virginia Rails To Trails
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.
Marion CVB
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.
Turtle Tony / Alltrails
The MCTrail follows the path of the old Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through scenic rural portions of Marion County, West Virginia.
Marion CVB
It’s entirely paved with just a 1% grade, making it an easy, accessible hiking or biking route.
Pat McFarland / Alltrails
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.
Marion CVB
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! Thankfully, West Virginia is full of neat old rail trails that feature tunnels; another is the North Bend Rail Trail.
West Virginia Rails To Trails
Marion CVB
Turtle Tony / Alltrails
Pat McFarland / Alltrails
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Address: Marion County Trail (Mctrail), Fairmont, WV 26554, USA
