Dolls Run

Located in western Monongalia County, 40 minutes from Morgantown, Doll's Run is a fun trail nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. On the drive there, you'll instantly get a feeling for the area. The area is entirely rural, consisting of dispersed homes, farmland, and large tracts of vacant land. Like many trails in Monongalia county, Doll's Run is an unmaintained public road built to connect communities that arose when the timber and coal industries brought people to the area. For most people, other iconic areas overshadow this part of West Virginia. However, you'll find beauty and fun here if you work a little. While mine and timber industries altered much of the landscape, there are amazing surprises to be had. Cerulean warblers, challenging to see at the best of times, can be seen in the summer. Lacking the expansive landscapes of the west does nothing to diminish the feeling of escaping into nature. You're never extremely far from homes or main roads, but the thick growth in these forests gives the impression of being in the middle of nowhere. Although the trail is not long by most standards, that makes it a great excursion if you need a quick getaway to recharge. You can also link other routes in the area for a full day of fun.