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Combines two loops to make a fun, easy/intermediate ride.


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Map Key

5.7

Miles

9.2

KM

90%

Singletrack

3,654' 1,114 m

High

3,376' 1,029 m

Low

431' 131 m

Up

427' 130 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Family Friendly Most easy riding, wide trails.

Check for dates for local hunting seasons.

Overview

This is probably the easiest, fun ride at Cranberry. The route takes riders through forested terrain with a few gulley crossings and uses short sections of roads to link together two fine loops.

Need to Know

Water, maps and restrooms available at the Nature Center.

Description

Start your ride at the Cranberry Nature Center on Hwy 39/55. From there, head north out of the parking lot across Hwy 39, to an intersection with 150, go left on Bruffey Reserve Trail #280, then right on Charles Creek Trail #260 before the grassy opening.

Ride to the next intersection and make a left to continue on Charles Creek Trail #260, note the foundations of the old prison. Then take the next left to continue on Charles Creek Trail #260 until it reaches the road. Head right for a short distance to the entrance to the Thomas Reserve Trail #275. This short trail delivers fun sweeping turns and some easy descents on a wide tread make this a fun option for new and experienced riders. Watch for a creek crossing after the steepest descent.

Go left on the wide Cowpasture Trail #253 for a short distance till it ends on FSR #102. Turn left again to follow the road down to Hwy 39, on the other side Bruffey Reserve Trail #280 climbs through the trees to meet Pocahontas Trail #263. Make a left to arrive back at the Nature Center.

History & Background

You'll pass through an old prison site on Charles where some steps and bits of foundations remain. Spartacus, the book, was written there.

Contacts

Shared By:

Steve Jones with improvements by Robin Bruns

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#2

in Richwood

#2373

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Richwood

#19

in West Virginia

#2,373

Overall
3 Views Last Month
732 Since Jul 25, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Charles Creek Trail in the Fall.  Photo by Mike Boyes
Sep 19, 2022 near Marlinton, WV
From training wheels to trails - taking a break next to the falls on Thomas Reserve
Jul 21, 2018 near Marlinton, WV
Charles Creek side trip - Old prison steps.  Ride 'em if you feel lucky like Cool Hand Luke.
Sep 1, 2017 near Marlinton, WV
Enjoying the natural beauty. Photo by Mike Boyes
Aug 17, 2017 near Marlinton, WV

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