The Reservoir Loop Trail encircles the entire reservoir basin, is ADA accessible from the Education and Event Center and Lower Parking area and is the access route to the other features of the WVBG. This crushed stone loop trail provides views of the large variety of habitats, trees, and shrubs, which fill the basin. An expansive view of the basin can be seen from the dam breach area, visible from the Education and Event Center. This trail also passes through the Long Walk Garden.
Hammock Haven is just to the north of the Education and Event Center and about 100 yards past this is a sign directing the walker to the Wetland Boardwalk. The wooden bridge on the east side of the trail leads to all the Woodland Trails. Interpretive signs all along this main loop tell the story of the Tibbs Run Reservoir.
0.72 mi. – ADA Accessible
This trail is a true loop that bridges the Core Garden Trails to the Woodland Trails. The Reservoir Loop connects the Lower Parking Lot lot to the Education & Event Center, EQT Event Lawn, George W. Longenecker Shade Garden, Rhododendron Garden, Jones Run Bridge, Long Walk, and Pond View Trail with offshoots to the Wetland Boardwalk, Butterfly Garden, and Secret Garden.
Pay attention to parking signs or garden hosts before taking off onto the trails. Gate closing times vary. Please be respectful of staff and volunteers.
Interpretive History of the Tibbs Run Reservoir
Learn about the history of our site, and its role in providing water to the visitors of Morgantown, through interpretive signage along the Reservoir Loop Trail, installed in 2013 as part of the centennial celebration of the opening of Tibbs Run Reservoir.
Wood Spirit
Nestled along the edge of the trail near the Event Lawn you’ll see the ‘Wood Spirit’ (as he is affectionately called by staff and volunteers). George Longenecker, a founding father of the Garden, allowed one of the trail blazers, John Fichner, to carve that figure in the tree with his chainsaw.
Nestled along the edge of the trail near the Event Lawn you’ll see the ‘Wood Spirit’ (as he is affectionately called by staff and volunteers). George Longenecker, a founding father of the Garden, allowed one of the trail blazers, John Fichner, to carve that figure in the tree with his chainsaw.
Bluebird ‘Trail’
In the spring of 2018, Scott Cavallaro of Wild Birds Unlimited donated eight eastern bluebird houses, which have been installed primarily along the Reservoir Loop Trail. Bluebird houses are essential in helping to maintain the bluebird population in the area.