Basics
- Length:
- 43 miles (69 km)
- Time:
- Allow 1.5 hours
- Fees:
- No fees
Description
Traveling east from the Monongahela River in Morgantown to theMaryland state line, WV 7 winds along Decker's Greek, crosses the CheatRiver in Kingwood, and climbs Briery Mountain to Terra Alta. Along theroute, Decker's Creek transforms from a gently flowing stream into arapidly tumbling torrent that cuts a dramatic path through a narrowgorge strewn with limestone outcroppings, past overhanging rhododendronand laurel thickets. The creek calms again as the route passes nearArthurdale, the first New Deal Homestead founded in 1933, and a favoredproject of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt.
Along the Cheat River at Dunkard's Bottom, you will pass the site ofthe first white settlement (c. 1754) in Preston County. This region isalso known among rafting enthusiasts of the Cheat as the premierwhitewater rafting river of northern West Virginia. Crossing the Cheat,WV 7 begins climbing Briery Mountain to an elevation of 2,735 feet,providing extensive vistas and spectacular scenery. Terra Alta caps themountain and offers a variety of historic sites, lodging and other visitor services.
