Bull Run Road

full-limited Icon
3.3/5 (4 reviews)
Masontown, West Virginia (Preston County)
Last Updated: 10/13/2021

Trail Information

Highlights

Thirty minutes from Morgantown, WV, Bull Run Road has been a popular recreation area for years. The most notable area surrounds the Jenkinsburg bridge at the confluence of the Cheat River and Big Sandy Creek. Built by the Canton Bridge Company in 1912, it's an example of a unique design known as pin-connected Pennsylvania through-truss. The trail to the bridge is beautiful year-round. There is something in every season. From the changing colors of fall to the pristine whites of winter, the new spring growth, and the vibrant greens of summer, it's difficult to choose a favorite. The optional section close to the bridge is always wet if you enjoy "mudding." Getting to the beach is possible year-round except in heavy snowfall. This part of the trail provides more of the "off-road" experience than other sections, which can be accessed by nearly any vehicle. In 2020, the West Virginia Land Trust purchased the land surrounding the bridge, and it is managed in partnership with the Friends of the Cheat. The area had previously been abused by many weekend parties, but the area is now kept in pristine condition. The site features many dispersed campsites and river access for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Nearby, visitors can explore the Cheat Canyon Wildlife Management Area and the Allegheny Trail, West Virginia's longest hiking trail at 330 miles. Pets and children will enjoy the water and trails. For a more family-friendly and less crowded atmosphere, stick to weekdays and non-holiday weekends. If you want to meet people in the area, weekends are a great time as West Virginians are known for their friendliness.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

3.3/5 (4)
Open
Rated 1/5
Visited: 05/09/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Me and whomever authorized the “Iconic” icon couldn’t be further away from our ideas of iconic. Narrow trail with plenty of overgrowth and sharp jagged rocks. I’m all for punishing my truck for a good payoff, but I was super disappointed after finishing this run. Nothing exciting to see before or after the bridge. Bridge is the only thing giving this 1 star and I’d never consider returning, unfortunately.
Trail Review: Bull Run Road - James DAmico
Trail Review: Bull Run Road - James DAmico
View More Images
User Avatar
Partially Open
Visited: 06/23/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Sometime between February 2021 and June 2022, the bridge was closed. Drove from Waypoint 7 to bridge. Roads going this direction were typical of WV County roads, except the last mile became more fire road-like. It narrowed with overgrowth, shallow mud puddles, and a few shallow ruts then became a little rocky. On arrival, the bridge had been blocked off with concrete and Armco barriers, so the full trail was no longer accessible. I came to see the bridge and it being closed forced me to get out of the Jeep and take a closer look at the bridge and the Cheat river flowing high and fast below. One day I hope to drive the trail from Waypoint 1 for comparison.
Trail Review: Bull Run Road - Daniel L
Trail Review: Bull Run Road - Daniel L
View More Images
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 04/24/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Had to go in from reverse due to my buddy having a low clearance Acura, however, the backside was still sketchy for him. Locals said he could not pass if he entered from waypoint 1. We traversed down to waypoint 4, and camped for a bit. It was a good little trip. I never needed 4wd (lifted GMC Sierra) I’m looking forward to going back through even though locals said the trail has washed and gotten worse from waypoint 1-4.
Trail Review: Bull Run Road - Ryan Wiles
User Avatar
Official Crew
inline-aa Icon
1300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/07/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Such an amazing spot. This trail is probably the most popular in our area and for good reason. The area is absolutely gorgeous, the camping is great, and it's such a peaceful place to kayak and swim.
Trail Review: Bull Run Road - James Prutilpac
Trail Review: Bull Run Road - James Prutilpac

From the Community

Start a free trial and get this level of detail on every trail guide
Start Free Trial