Monongahela National Forest - West Fork Trail
WV · Durbin / Glady Corridor
Highland Street & US 250, Durbin, WV 26264
For riders who travel with their own horses and value room, quiet, and genuine backcountry feeling, the West Fork Trail is one of West Virginia’s most rewarding options. The converted rail grade gives the route a rare combination of ease and immersion: it is wide, mostly level, and wonderfully suited to covering miles while still feeling remote and scenic. You are riding through Monongahela country here, and the emotional payoff is real.
Riding guide
Highlights
Wide rail-grade riding, true Monongahela solitude, and practical horse-camping possibilities make West Fork a standout own-horse adventure.
Riding
In the saddle, the trail is appealing because it lets you settle into a rhythm. The old railroad bed keeps the route broad and comparatively forgiving, while the river corridor, wooded wetlands, and old bridges create a beautiful sense of progression. This is not flashy resort riding; it is honest, deeply satisfying mileage in a landscape that feels peaceful and lightly traveled.
Rideable terrain
20-26 miles
Trailer parking
Forest Service recommends horse-trailer parking along FR44 near Wildell, May, or Little River; the Durbin end is useful for orientation and shorter starts.
Horse regulations
Horse use is broadly allowed in this part of the forest, but there are no developed corrals or loading ramps. Riders should practice Leave No Trace, respect gates and private-land intersections near Glady, and follow current Forest Service guidance for parking, camping, and route selection.
Getting here
The most useful arrival note is also the most important: the Forest Service specifically recommends staging along Forest Road 44 near Wildell, May, or Little River if you are combining the West Fork Trail with nearby roads and dispersed camping. That immediately tells experienced horse travelers what kind of destination this is. It is not a polished front-country equestrian park—it is a thoughtfully self-supported forest ride with excellent potential when you plan it correctly.
Planning your visit
Bring a real map, expect variable footing from grassy tread to rock ballast, and do not count on easy cell service. This is an excellent destination for confident, self-sufficient riders who want West Virginia to feel wild, spacious, and deeply horse-travel worthy.
Where to stay
Camping is part of the appeal. There are dispersed opportunities along FR44, and nearby Durbin also has horse-friendly overnight infrastructure such as East Fork Campground and Horse Hotel. That combination makes the area especially attractive for riders who want a true trailer-based weekend without giving up every practical comfort.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
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