Deckers Creek Trail: Masontown Trailhead
Hiking area
0.1 mi
4.7 (63)
Sand Bank Rd, Masontown, WV 26542
CreekWV
Deckers Creek Trail
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Deckers Creek with operator trail rules, gorge-access guidance, five visitor FAQs and four historical photos. Check sample dates before considering water entry.
Water type
Creek
Access
Informal
Fee
Gorge source describes free gravel parking; check current signs.
Best season
Check current access, flow and dated water-quality results rather than relying on a swimming season
Nearby towns
Morgantown, Masontown, Greer
Water body
Deckers Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Morgantown, Masontown, Greer
Access location not verified
39.55607, -79.80186
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Deckers Creek Trail
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
- Official rules and facilities
- Official park information
- Current water quality or beach status
- Deckers Creek Gorge access and monitoring
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Deckers Creek: trail outing versus gorge access
The Mon River Trails Conservancy describes Deckers Creek as a 19.5-mile rail-trail from Morgantown. That corridor is not a single swimming destination. Choose your trailhead and intended outing before departure; the retained coordinate is unverified, not a checked water-entry pin.
Trail rules and facilities
MRTC rules prohibit camping and campfires on the trail, require pets on a short leash with waste removed, and ask visitors to stop at road crossings and respect private property. Rural stretches have no food, water or restrooms; the operator lists seasonal trailhead restrooms including Masontown. Confirm availability and carry water. These are trail-use details, not permission to descend every creek bank.
Gorge access is a separate decision
The Three Rivers Quest-managed gorge page describes Lions Club pavilion access on Route 7, gravel parking and a steep rocky descent. It identifies an informal, not designated, swimming area. Read current signs and do not use a gallery bank photo as a route instruction.
Read the water result, not just the color
Friends of Deckers Creek advises against swimming in high flows or directly after rain because sewer overflows can increase pollution, and warns about acid mine drainage. Its monitoring page describes site-specific sampling. Check the gorge result's date and location: periodic samples are not continuous monitoring or clearance for every pool. Do not jump or dive.
Four historical gallery views
Photos cover cascade, trail wildlife, wooded bank and an unidentified side channel. They provide corridor context, not verified swimming destinations, current water quality or permission to cross private land. When conditions are uncertain, keep the visit to permitted trail recreation.
Getting There
Consult the Three Rivers Quest-managed Deckers Creek Gorge page for Lions Club pavilion access on Route 7 in Masontown. The creek approach is steep and rocky. Check current signs; rail-trail access is not permission for every creek bank.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Check current signs and dated water-quality results. Rail-trail access and permission to enter the creek are distinct.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Deckers Creek Trail
Trailhead
3.4 mi
West Virginia
McCollum Campground
Campground
5.8 mi
4.7 (118)
Coopers Rock State Forest, 700 Road, Morgantown, WV 26508
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Rhododendron Campground
Campground
5.8 mi
4.4 (18)
Unnamed Road, Masontown, WV 26542
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Baseball Field Public Restroom
Public bathroom
8.8 mi
3.4 (7)
E Brockway Ave, Morgantown, WV 26501
Sand Springs Campground
Campground
9.1 mi
4.1 (205)
1309 Sand Springs Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Deckers Creek Trail
Can I camp or light a campfire on the rail trail?
No. MRTC prohibits both on the trail. This does not establish rules for every neighboring creek bank.
Can I bring a dog on the trail?
MRTC requires a short leash and removal of pet waste. Follow current signs; trail access is not blanket creek-entry permission.
Are restrooms and drinking water available along the rural trail?
Do not rely on them. MRTC lists seasonal restrooms at selected trailheads, including Masontown, rather than rural trail stretches. Bring water.
Does a passing gorge sample cover the whole creek today?
No. Check its collection date and location. A periodic result is not continuous monitoring, a current clearance or coverage of every pool.
Do the map pin or gallery identify a verified swimming entrance?
No. The retained coordinate is unverified and the historical images show corridor context. Consult documented gorge access and current signs.
Highlights
Rail-trail scenery
Site-specific gorge water-quality information
Informal gorge access
Unique Features
Creek corridor near Morgantown and Masontown
Local watershed monitoring
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Check dated, site-specific monitoring and local advisories
- Avoid high flows and immediately after rain
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Rail-trail corridor beside Deckers Creek.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Four historical images show cascade, trail wildlife, wooded bank and unidentified side channel. Corridor imagery is not a verified swimming entry or today's water conditions.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Pack out litter and respect access signs and private land.
Explore More Nearby Swimming Guides
More West Virginia swimming holes
Browse every listed natural swimming spot in West Virginia.
Swimming holes near Morgantown
Compare nearby options around Morgantown before you choose a route.
Creeks swimming holes
Find similar creeks destinations across the directory.
Hidden gems in West Virginia
See under-the-radar places and local favorites in the same state.
Family-friendly spots in West Virginia
Compare easier-access destinations and safer planning options.
Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
You Might Also Like
Anthony Creek Greenbrier Swimming Spots
Distance unavailableWV
Fees unconfirmed
View >
Horseshoe Bend Swimming Spots, Tucker County Wv
Distance unavailableWV
Fees unconfirmed
View >
Knapp Creek Area
Distance unavailableWV
Fees unconfirmed
View >
Otter Creek Wilderness Swimming Spots
Distance unavailableWV
Fees unconfirmed
View >
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current access, flow and dated water-quality results rather than relying on a swimming season.
Difficulty Level
Trail route varies; documented gorge access is steep and rocky.
Fee
Gorge source describes free gravel parking; check current signs.
Facilities
Confirm seasonal restroom availability at the chosen trailhead. Bring water; facilities at trailheads and Lions Club pavilions do not equip every creek pool.
Activities
Hiking, biking, Swimming
Phone
Unknown
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
MRTC prohibits camping and campfires on the rail trail. This is a trail rule, not confirmation of permission or restrictions on every nearby creek bank.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
Explore More Swimming Holes
Discover other amazing natural swimming destinations across America