MON RIVER & DECKERS CREEK RAIL-TRAILS ARE OPEN
The Mon River Trails Conservancy knows how valuable outdoor activity is for people’s mental and physical well-being, especially in difficult times such as these. We therefore, urge our Trail visitors to practice CDC social distancing guidelines and follow Governor Justice’s Phases of Re-Opening.
The Mon River and Deckers Creek Rail-Trails remain open to the public for outdoor activity, exercise, and for essential transportation (i.e. work, grocery store, pharmacy, grabbing take-out). We can’t thank you enough for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to support each other during this difficult time.
COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES
Why is VP of MRTC Board laying on the trail? To show you what almost 6ft of physical distancing looks like.
To ensure the safety of everyone, Trail visitors must follow CDC social distancing guidelines. We also ask all users to please follow the safety guidelines outlined below:
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Practice social distancing – avoid large gatherings and maintain a distance of 6 feet from others when possible.
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Avoid high-touch points (i.e. benches, bike racks, water fountains, fix-it stations).
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Use a cloth face covering, as recommended by the CDC, for use in public settings where social distancing measures may be difficult to maintain. The CDC does not recommend coverings for children under the age of 2.
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Park in designated areas only. If trailheads are busy, please consider returning at another time or finding another location to enter/exit the Trail.
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Give a friendly greeting so people know you are coming and can adjust accordingly. Avoid using headphones or earbuds which hamper your ability to hear people approaching and other important warnings.
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Be observant – there are lots of new users and children on the Trail. Please be careful and slow down at blind-spots or high traffic areas. Please remember to stay to the right and pass on the left.
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Keep dogs on a leash and maintain control of your pet at all times. Please cleanup after your pet.
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Leave No Trace – practice packing in and packing out your gear and trash.
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Restrooms are limited so please use the bathroom before you arrive. Please consider bringing your own hand sanitizer.
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Bring water, apply sunscreen, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Please stay home if you are sick!
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Please be flexible and patient. There are many new visitors to the rail-trails. Let’s show them some trail love and understanding.
Remember – social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t connect with our Trail family with a smile, wave, or friendly hello. We’re all in this together!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I USE THE TRAIL OR DO I NEED TO STAY HOME?
The Mon River & Deckers Creek Rail-Trails remain open to the public for outdoor activity, exercise, and for essential transportation (i.e. work, grocery store, pharmacy, grabbing take-out). Please adhere to social distancing requirements (minimum distance of 6 ft for people outside your immediate family) and stay home if you are sick.
HOW DO I PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING ON NARROW SECTIONS OF THE TRAIL?
There are sections of the Mon River and Deckers Creek Trails that are narrow. If you don’t feel comfortable passing someone on narrower sections of the Trail, please slow down and move to the right side of the Trail until the other person has passed. Look ahead when approaching bridges. If you do not feel comfortable crossing the bridge with someone approaching from the opposite direction, please consider waiting until they have cleared the bridge to proceed.
The Mon Python has returned to the rail-trails, this time to deliver a public health message: Mind the Mon Python- keep ssssix feet apart, especially when passssing others.
HOW DO I PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING AT PARKING LOTS aka TRAILHEADS)?
Parking lots aka trailheads can get busy, especially on weekends. During busy times we ask that you take turns getting out of your cars. This includes waiting and stepping aside when approaching trailheads. If trailheads are busy, please consider finding another location or returning at another time.
DO I NEED TO WEAR A MASK WHEN USING THE TRAIL?
The Mon River and Deckers Creek Trails are an outdoor resource, so face masks are not mandatory. However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has instituted guidelines that recommend the use of face masks, in the form of cloth face coverings, in public settings where social distancing measure may be difficult to maintain (such as busy trailheads). The CDC stresses that if there is even a slight chance that you might violate the 6-foot rule, you should wear a mask/cloth covering. During exercise, when the use of a mask makes it difficult to breath, they suggest keeping a face mask in your pocket so you can easily grab it if needed. Masks are not recommended for children under the age of two years old.
ARE BATHROOMS AVAILABLE?
Restrooms are now open at Masontown Trailhead of the Deckers Creek Rail-Trail and Van Voorhis, Star City and Pricketts Fort Trailheads on the Mon River Rail-Trail. These facilities get cleaned only one or two times a week, use at your own risk. The Van Voorhis restroom is a vault restroom with no running water. Drinking fountains are turned on at all of these locations with exception of Pricketts Fort.
WHERE CAN I GET WATER ALONG THE TRAIL?
Drinking Fountains are located at Masontown Trailhead of the Deckers Creek Rail-Trail and Van Voorhis, Star City on the Mon River Rail-Trail. The Pricketts Fort drinking fountain is turned off but there is running water in the public bathroom. There are also several convenience stores and restaurants along the Trail where water can be purchased and public bathrooms with sinks available.
ARE RESTAURANTS OPEN ALONG THE TRAIL?
Yes, many restaurants are open at 50% capacity and several offer carry-out or delivery. Please call ahead to ensure their offerings and hours have not changed. You can also support local restaurants by purchasing a gift card.
Please consider supporting a local trail-side restaurant. The following restaurants and breweries are open for dinning and/or take-out service: In the Wharf- Morgantown Flour and Feed, Mountain State Brewing Company, Oliverio’s, River Birch Cafe, and Table 9 and in Star City, Terra Cafe.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON THE TRAIL?
Yes, dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Please consider walking animals on your right side or towards the right side of the Rail-Trail when someone is approaching from the opposite direction. Please pick up after your pets, including disposing of any poop bags in trash receptacles.
IF I AM NOT FEELING WELL SHOULD I VISIT THE TRAIL?
No, please stay home!