Please note that the address shown is that of the trail head, based on Google Maps. The trail parking area is just to the south of here. The Brooke Pioneer Trail(also known as the Yankee Trail) is a 6.7 mile rail trail running south out of Wellsburg. Sandwiched between WV State Route #2 and the Ohio River, it connects with the Wheeling Heritage Trail System. Thus a round trip of approximately 32 miles is possible if you’re so inclined. As it’s been our goal to try every bike trail within a 100 mile radius of Pittsburgh, my husband Rick and I decided to give these two a try. The trail is built on a former Pennsylvania Railroad line dating back to 1878. The tracks were abandoned in 1981 and planning for the trail began in 1997. At the north end of the trail, a section of track has been carefully preserved. A plaque depicts the history of the rail line. Several interpretive signs along the trail illustrate the history of the rail line and the area. Heading south from the tail head, the path dips down from WV #2,. Here you’ll see transportation on three level – the highway, the rail trail, and the river. There was a gap in trail around the town of Beech Bottom, and Google Maps will have you believe the gap still exists, but the trail is now complete. Continuing south towards Wheeling, the trail heads deeper into the river valley. As it veers away from WV #2, take a moment and enjoy the quiet. A lock and dam is located near the connection point between the Brooke Pioneer and the Wheeling Heritage Trails. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll spot a barge in the locks-we did! Both the Brooke Pioneer and the Wheeling Heritage Trails are paved, easy rides. All you really need is a good road bike.
