Although there are many wonderful areas to walk around Morgantown, I thought I would make a post for walks directly in city limits. As a former WVU student, I always found myself looking for quick and close places to find a little solitude in nature. Below, I will list trails I have personally walked and give a brief description of the trail, its features, and my rationale for recommending. I hope this inspires you to give these trails a try and maybe find your own new favorites around town!
#1 Blue Diamond Trail Loop
This walking path and biking area is located in White Park. This loop is roughly 3 miles and passes by the Coburn Creek reservoir. The Blue Diamond Loop is a wide and well maintained gravel/dirt trial. My favorite feature of this trail is the pseudo waterfall the reservoir has created. It is a Morgantown hidden gem for those who don’t have time to escape to the wilderness. The trail is usually well trafficked and I have always felt safe walking here alone.
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/blue-diamond-trail-loop?u=i&sh=v2mdyv
Ratings:
Family Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Solo Friendly: Yes
Female Friendly: Yes
Cell Friendly: Yes
#2 Core Arboretum Trail
This walking path is nestled in the heart of Morgantown adjacent to the Evansdale campus of WVU. There are several different paths to choose from but the main loop is 1.7 miles. The beginning of the trail starts directly next to the coliseum in a small parking lot. Throughout the trail there are several plaques noting different tree and plant species as well as a wooden bench area where nature talks are sometimes held.
Although the arboretum is wonderful for walking, it is also utilized for many other things. Bikers use the arboretum to access the rail trail below. A personal favorite is utilizing the peaceful area to set up my slack line and hammock for a chill afternoon. In the spring, the arboretum has a beautiful array of wildflowers to enjoy. This trail is usually heavily trafficked, and I have always felt safe there as a solo female.
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/core-arboretum-loop?u=i&sh=v2mdyv
Rankings:
Family Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Solo Friendly: Yes
Female Friendly: Yes
Cell Friendly: Yes
#3 Decker’s Creek Rail Trail
The Decker’s Creek Rail Trail runs directly through the heart of Morgantown running from Sabraton through downtown to Star City (or Fairmont). Most of the trail is paved although towards the outskirts of town the trail turns into a pea gravel trail that remains well maintained. Walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters are welcome on the trail as well as leashed pets. As you pass through Sabraton you may stop by the Marilla skate park or the dog park. passing through downtown, visitors will pass the Ruby Ampitheater which offers many live shows each month. As you pass through Star City you may pass the Edith Barill Riverfront Park with a playground and boat launch. The trail is typically highly trafficked, and I have felt safe on most areas as a solo female.
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/decker-s-creek-rail-trail
Rankings:
Family Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Solo Friendly: Yes, In specific areas
Female Friendly: Yes, In specific areas
Cell Friendly: Yes
#4 Bakers Ridge Trail
Bakers Ridge Trail is located just off West Run Road in Morgantown. Walkers and mountain bikers may park in the parking lot located in the field across the road from the trial head. From the trial head, visitors may choose their route on the nearly 4-mile trail loop system. The trail is mostly gravel or dirt and well established. At times, visitors may see students conducting research within the park. Pets are allowed but must be leashed. While this area is more secluded than the other hikes in the heart of Morgantown, I have always felt safe here alone as a woman and would recommend this area to a friend.
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/bakers-ridge-trail?u=i&sh=v2mdyv
Rankings:
Family Friendly: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Solo Friendly: Yes
Female Friendly: Yes
Cell Friendly: Yes
SEE WV 
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