Is it an exaggeration to say that there’s no end to the fun to be had in West Virginia? Maybe. But if you think of all the unique attractions and scenic natural wonders scattered throughout the state, maybe you’ll realize, as we have, that it’s not such an exaggeration after all. And now there’s yet another interesting, exciting experience to be had in the wild, wonderful Mountain State: rail biking. And it’s not just any rail biking, either; it’s one of the most fun rail bike tours in West Virginia.

Please note: the Buffalo Creek Rail-Trail may be under construction, so be sure to check the official Buffalo Creek Rail-Trail site for details. 

What is your absolute favorite way to explore the beautiful mountains of West Virginia? Are you a hiker? A mountain biker? A horseback rider?
Buffalo Creek Rail Rides/Facebook
Maybe you like to drive West Virginia's scenic mountain byways via car or motorcycle. Maybe you like to go the off-roading route on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. Maybe your method of choice is to fly over the mountains in a WWII biplane.
Or here's a relatively new option. You can choose to navigate West Virginia's beautiful mountain scenery, with all its rugged beauty and unique history, by railbike.
Buffalo Creek Trail
Railbike? Is that what it sounds like? Why, yes it is. Meet a bike specially built for riding on a railroad track. And you can find a few of them right here in Clay, West Virginia.
Buffalo Creek Trail
Buffalo Creek Rail Rides provides railbike rentals and guided tours along the Buffalo Creek Trail in central West Virginia. The tour, which covers 12 miles round trip of rail trail, takes about 2.5 hours at the leisurely pace set by the guide.
Buffalo Creek Trail
The tours are on pause as the track is being worked on, but look for them to return in late summer of 2021 just in time for some beautiful fall color!

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Along the way, you'll be able to stop and explore at several especially scenic or interesting sites, like this beautiful waterfall, a cemetery, or the wreckage of an old train.
Buffalo Creek Rail Rides/Facebook
Are you unsure whether or not you'll be up for biking 12 miles, even 12 leisurely ones? Don't worry on that account. If you wear out and decide it's too much work to get back on your own muscle strength, you can be towed back to your starting point.
Buffalo Creek Trail
That's right, in addition to railbikes, Buffalo Creek Rail Rides also operates a small train that runs up and down this 12 mile stretch, offering yet another way to enjoy West Virginia's stunning scenery - you can even skip the railbike completely and ride it instead if you want!
Buffalo Creek Trail
Even if you choose rail-biking, you'll stay close to the train for the first half of the journey to the turn-around point. Then on the way back to your vehicle, you'll be able to travel at your own pace or be towed home.
Whichever you favor, whether railbike or rail excursion ride, it will be a trip you'll remember for a long time.
Buffalo Creek Rail Rides/Facebook
Closed toed shoes are recommended for rail-biking, and riders must be age 10 and above (there's no age limit on the train excursion ride, though.)
Buffalo Creek Trail
There's a swimming hole and a fishing hole along the trail, so consider those options as well when gathering your gear for this epic adventure.

Curious to see the fun in action? Check out the brief video below:

To learn more and keep an eye on when these rail bike tours in West Virginia return, visit Buffalo Creek Rail Rides on Facebook or on their website. Reservations are required for the rides, so contact them in advance of your visit. Although rides are not expected to resume until late summer, there is a gift shop that is open year-round and currently offers a wide variety of products available for in-person or online shopping. While you eagerly anticipate these rail rides being up and running again, how about trying a flight on that WWII biplane we mentioned earlier?

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rail bike tours in West Virginia

Beth C. | January 11, 2023

What are some of the best natural wonders in West Virginia?

It's no secret that West Virginia, aptly nicknamed the Mountain State, is home to some of the country's most rugged natural beauty. One of the best ways to travel through West Virginia is by admiring the state's natural beauty. Some of West Virginia's best natural wonders include:

  • Bear Rocks Nature Preserve (Dolly Sods Wilderness Area)
  • Douglas Falls (Thomas)
  • Gaudineer Knob (Shavers Mountain)
  • North Fork Mountain (Pendleton County)
  • The New River (New River Gorge)
  • Seneca Rocks (Pendleton County)
  • Lindy Point (Blackwater Falls State Park)
  • Cathedral State Park (Aurora)
  • Lost World Caverns (Lewisburg)

 

How many of these West Virginia natural wonders have you visited in person?

What are the best state parks to visit in West Virginia?

West Virginia's collection of state parks is nothing short of impressive. From riverfront views to craggy mountain peaks, the Mountain State has no shortage of adventure-filled parks to explore. Some of the best state parks in West Virginia include:

  • Audra State Park
  • Babcock State Park
  • Beartown State Park
  • Beech Fork State Park
  • Berkeley Springs State Park
  • Blackwater Falls State Park
  • Bluestone State Park
  • Cacapon Resort State Park
  • Canaan Valley State Park
  • Cathedral State Park
  • Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
  • Hawks Nest State Park
  • Little Beaver State Park

 

No matter where you travel in West Virginia, you're sure to find yourself nearby to some beautiful park or natural wonder! In fact, we've put together a road trip that will take you to some of the most beautiful hidden gems in West Virginia. Some of the destinations along the way include Dunlop Falls, Skyline Drive-In, Royal, Grandview Sandbar, Glade Creek Bridge, Glade Creek Swimming Hole, Grandview Country Store, and the Corner Gas and Grill.

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867 Buffalo Creek Rd, Clay, WV 25043, USA