Marion County Trail (MCTrail)

Marion County Trail, also known as the MC Trail, is a public two-and-a-half-mile trail in Marion County, West Virginia. The trail runs along a creek and through a tunnel, and has two trail endpoints which include the Mon River Trail South at the Pricketts Fort State Park and another one at Morgantown Avenue in Fairmont. The state park where the trail begins features a fort from 1774, making the trail both a way to get exercise and a historic attraction. It is also equipped with public restrooms. Parking is hassle-free as hikers can park in the state park and in Fairmont, depending on where they are starting their walk.

The rail trail is paved with asphalt, thus making it a great location not only for dog walking and hiking but for bike riding as well. The trail is wheelchair-accessible and flat for the most part. It is very well-maintained, relatively short, and a pawfect location to walk your leashed dog or go on a casual hike. There is plenty of shade along the way as the area is wooded -- plus, since the trail features a lightened tunnel, the trail’s patrons can cool off as they pass through it.

In addition to these pawesome features, the trail offers dog waste bag dispensers at the two trail endpoints, so make sure to stock up if you forgot to bring your own waste bags, and make sure to clean up after your pooch. Since there are lots of trash cans along the way, cleaning up after your canine companion is a breeze on this trail. There are several benches along the way that dog owners can sit back and relax on, some of which are located at the old train stops. It is the ideal location for wildlife and bird watching; just make sure to keep your fur-ball on a leash!