Deckers Creek Trail

Tucked into the folded hills of northern West Virginia, the Deckers Creek Trail offers something rarer than a simple swim: a journey. Built along a former railroad corridor, this multi-use rail trail winds beside its namesake creek through a narrow, green-walled valley where limestone and sandstone cliffs rise above the water and hemlocks lean into the current. The swimming holes you'll find here — particularly near the small community of Greer — feel genuinely earned, the kind of places that reward patience and a good pair of trail shoes.

The Setting and Landscape

The trail follows Deckers Creek through a landscape that shifts with the seasons. In late spring and early summer, the corridor explodes with lush native vegetation — ferns unfurling from rocky outcroppings, wildflowers threading through the understory, and the creek running full and lively after mountain snowmelt. By fall, the same valley transforms into a tunnel of amber, rust, and gold, making the September and October hike-in among the most scenic anywhere in Monongalia County. Dramatic rock formations — the kind carved patiently by millennia of moving water — line the creek banks and give the swimming holes their distinctive shape and character. Wildlife is a constant companion here: listen for songbirds overhead and watch the shallows for the flicker of native fish.

Swimming in Deckers Creek

The natural pools near Greer are the reward at the end of a roughly three-mile hike from trailheads at Mellons Chapel or Masontown. The creek forms secluded pockets of calm water between rocky outcrops — cool, clear, and refreshing on a warm afternoon. As a creek-fed swimming destination, the water runs coldest and most reliable in late spring, when levels are steady and the surrounding greenery is at its most vivid. Summer swimming is perfectly enjoyable, though water levels can drop as the season progresses. These are natural, undeveloped pools — there are no roped-off zones, no platforms, and no supervision — so visitors should wade in carefully, scout depth before diving, and keep children close. The atmosphere is unhurried and genuinely wild, the kind of swimming experience that feels a world away from a crowded public pool.

Plan Your Visit

Access the Deckers Creek Trail from trailheads near Mellons Chapel or Masontown, both within easy reach of Morgantown, West Virginia's vibrant college city and the most convenient base for a visit. Masontown and Greer are small communities along the route, offering a sense of the tight-knit mountain character of this part of the state. There is no fee to use the trail, though facilities along the route are not confirmed, so come self-sufficient: bring water, snacks, sun protection, and footwear suited for a moderate three-mile trail hike. Camping is not available at the site. The trail is open to hikers and cyclists alike, so expect occasional bike traffic on busier weekends. Arrive early on summer days to claim the best pools before the afternoon crowds, and pack out everything you bring in — these hidden spots stay beautiful because visitors treat them that way.

The trail reflects the area's railroad history and Appalachian heritage, with nearby towns showcasing local culture and traditions.

Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the trail and creek. Local organizations work to maintain the ecosystem and ensure sustainable recreation.