Belmont County Heritage Trail Rubberneck Tour

 The 2025 Belmont County Heritage Trail features the Historic National Road from St. Clairsville to Morristown.

The tour takes place Saturday, April 26th from 11 am – 4 pm for the annual Belmont County Heritage Trail/Rubberneck Tour. Every mile tells a story along this self-guided, family-friendly driving tour that explores the heritage and history of Belmont County.

Spend the day enjoying stunning views, historical sites, and Belmont County heritage while driving along the Historic National Road Scenic Byway. The Ohio National Road is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, so join us to pay homage to “the road that built America” and its significance in Belmont County. This event is free to the community and stops along the route will feature food trucks, activities, and more!

The Black Horse Inn in Morristown will be one of six stops on the 2025 Belmont County Heritage Trail Rubberneck Tour on Saturday, April 26.    

Stops on the tour are:

Historic Downtown St. Clairsville. Founded in 1796 as Newellstown, St. Clairsville is the site of the groundbreaking of the National Road in Ohio. View the historical marker, the 1885 Belmont County Courthouse, and check out local eateries such as Audrey’s Avenue and Newellstown Diner, as well as local shops.

Also at this stop, enjoy a presentation on early settlers of Belmont County and hear from Ohio National Road Association Member, John S. Marshall on the importance of the National Road.

The Gringos Tacos food truck will also be at this stop.

Belmont County Heritage Museum – The Belmont County Heritage Museum is located in the former Sheriff’s Residence in historic downtown St. Clairsville. Step inside and take a closer look at the heritage, industry, and trailblazers that shaped our area.

Belmont County Fairgrounds – The Belmont County Fairgroundsare managed by the Belmont County Agricultural Society and have been home to the Belmont County Fair since it moved in 2010.

At this stop, participate in a hands-on activity with the Belmont Soil and Water Conservation Office.

Great Western School – “Sit a spell” in the historic one-room schoolhouse on the campus of Ohio University Eastern while you relive the past with schoolmarm Ann Rattine.

Lloydsville Plainfield Cemetery (Burial Grounds) – The site of the former Plainfield Quaker Meeting House, this historic cemetery dates to 1806 and is the final resting place of numerous veterans.

Nearby, view the past of transportation with segments of the original segments of the National Road.

Black Horse Inn – Erected around 1807, this historic building was the site of Duncan Morrison’s tavern along the original National Road and was reputed to be part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War.

Exciting changes are coming to the Black Horse Inn! The building is undergoing renovation to be the future home of the Underground Railroad Museum, which is currently located in Flushing. This project is made possible by a $3.9 million Appalachian Community Grant from Governor Mike DeWine.