Joel McCann Memorial Trail

This is a short, flat rail-trail stroll—about 1 km (0.6 mi) one way if you keep it to the “around 1 km” finished segment, with essentially 0 m (0 ft) of climbing. It follows a former railroad corridor beside Buffalo Creek through downtown Mannington, West Virginia, so expect an easy-grade, straight-ahead walk that’s great for a quick leg-stretcher, a family outing, or a low-effort spin on a bike. The tread is typically crushed stone, which drains well but can feel a little loose underfoot compared to pavement. (wvrailtrails.org)

Where to start (trailhead + nearest known address/landmark)
The most straightforward access point is at the Mannington Railroad Depot, right in town—commonly described as at the corner of Railroad Street and West Main Street (US-250), near 103 W Main St, Mannington, WV. That depot is the obvious landmark to aim for in your GPS and in HiiKER. (wvrailtrails.org)

Getting there - By car: Navigate to the Mannington Railroad Depot area (Railroad St & W Main St/US-250). Street parking and small-town parking lots are typically the practical options around downtown; arrive a little earlier on event days or weekends if you want the closest spot. - By public transport: The region is served by the Fairmont–Marion County Transit Authority (FMCTA), which has a Mannington–Metz route/service information posted by the agency. Service in rural areas can be limited and may not run frequently, so check the current schedule before committing to a bus-based plan. (fmcta.com)

What the walk feels like (surface, grade, and pacing)

Because this is a rail corridor, the grade stays gentle—think “old train line” flat rather than “hiking trail” rolling. On crushed stone, a relaxed walking pace covers 1 km (0.6 mi) in roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on stops. After rain, the surface usually isn’t muddy like a dirt path, but you can still find: - shallow puddles in low spots, - a bit of soft gravel that can roll under sandals or smooth-soled shoes, - occasional wash of fine stone that can be slick if it’s packed down.

Light hikers or running shoes are ideal; if you’re pushing a stroller, wider wheels handle crushed stone better than narrow ones.

Landmarks, scenery, and what to look for along Buffalo Creek

The trail parallels Buffalo Creek through town, so the experience is a mix of creekside greenery and small-town backdrops—bridges, streets, and the rail-era layout that shaped Mannington’s downtown. The 1906 railroad depot is the signature historic feature right at the trail access, and it’s worth a slow look before you even start walking. (wvrailtrails.org)

Creek corridors like this are also natural wildlife “highways.” Even on a short walk, keep an eye out for: - songbirds and woodpeckers in the riparian trees, - mallards and other waterfowl if the creek is calm, - turtles sunning on logs in warmer months, - frogs and other amphibians near the waterline in spring.

If you’re walking near dawn or dusk, you may also spot white-tailed deer moving along the edges of town greenspaces.

History and local significance

This path is part of a larger vision: a future rail-trail connection from Barrackville to Mannington following the former Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad corridor, with the currently completed section running along Buffalo Creek through Mannington. (wvrailtrails.org)
The trail’s name honors Joel McCann, noted locally as a longtime Mannington fire chief, tying the route not just to railroad history but to community service and local memory. (wvrailtrails.org)
Mannington itself is historically linked to the railroad era—named for Charles Manning, a civil engineer associated with the B&O—so even a short out-and-back here sits inside a town shaped by rail infrastructure and creek-valley geography. (wvrailtrails.org)

Practical planning + safety notes (for an