When we were looking at houses, we had traveled on Hwy 9 in the Eastern Panhandle, in Jefferson County. I noticed a paved trail and researched it. It is the WV Route 9 Bike Path. It’s a couple miles from our place.
Finally finding time, I got 2 of the boys to join me for an easy section of the trail. We did the east/south-ish section. The trail ends just off the highway at the Currie Road exit (one exit up from Ranson, WV) and starts in Martinsburg, WV (in Berkley County). There is a park and ride at the end of Charles Town Road, that 18-wheelers use to rest at. It has a dirt path to connect to the main trail, and crosses the road near the overpass.
We started at the Bardane/Wiltshire Road exit, which is about 2.28 miles to the Currie Road exit.
Be careful crossing Charles Town Road. It is NOT pedestrian friendly by any means.It is far safer to walk down Charles Town Road a short bit and cross, then you only have to deal with traffic on that road. at the light you have traffic going all directions, and also have to deal with the railroad crossing where Luther Jones Road starts.
We had parked across the road at Black Dog Coffee, as the farm stand next to it is closed on Sundays.
They sell lattes, have clean bathrooms and next to it is the Trolley Express Cafe – which just opened up for the season. They have delicious breakfast sandwiches. Just know they are credit cards only.
A warm croissant with sausage and swiss? Made on a Blackstone grill?
This one was made with all beef bacon. Which was so good.
After fueling said young men, we got to walking. It was low 50s and a mix of sun and clouds.
Oh look, a roadside flower I recognize! 😉
Ford leading the pack as a wild Dollar General lurks!
I found the walk to be relaxing. Yes. you are along a highway, but it’s overall separated enough you quit noticing it.
I have a thing for gently rolling green fields.
One lone bench awaits, with a shelter over it. There was also I think 3 areas where there had once been information plaques, but all but one were wrecked. The one that was partially readable talked about the history of a farm across the road, from 1750.
Trees opening up for spring.
The trail goes up and down overall gently.
The last section as you walk uphill towards Currie Road is lined in pink blossoms this week.
At the end, turning back. We were passed by a dad and son on bikes. I found the hike to be very relaxing and easy to do.
I’d suggest a hat though, to block the sun. The first half we had the sun in our eyes, coming back it was to our backs.
The wind can also be strong along the highway, so keep that in mind, if it is cold out.
We did about 2.28 miles each way. In this section you will pass mile posts for 9 & 10 along the way. The full trail is about 10.5 miles long, so I have about 8 miles more to do.
~Sarah