This section of the Morgantown and Kingwood Railroad was
completed to Bretz in 1903 and for many years had heavy freight
traffic in coal, coke, building stone, glass sand, and lumber. As
the years passed, the mines and timber played out and this section
of the line was abandoned in the late 70's. After nearly two
decades of disuse, the rail corridor was resurrected as a
walking/biking trail.
Along the way you will encounter a fairly secluded landscape
with hardwoods, hemlocks and rhododendrons surrounding the trail.
Approximately 3/4 of a mile into your walk you will see a large
field on your right littered with detritus from the nearby
limestone mine. This site was once the mining town of Cascade
complete with its own coke ovens, much like the ones found at
Bretz. The last residents moved out in the early 80's and the town
was demolished.
Near the one-mile mark you will hear the roar of Deckers Creek
crashing over Cascade Falls. If you desire to relax here for a bit,
there is a very rough foot trail heading over the steep embankment
for the adventurous, and a bench adjacent to the rail trail for
those who aren't.
During the course of the final mile you will find some
interesting rock faces created by the railroad construction, then
the cache, near the Preston and Monongalia County line. Please
rehide it well. It is a large ammo box.