WV Rails-to-Trails Council

Editor’s Notes: Following the trail forward

LOCAL COLUMNS
MAY 16, 2026
CHRISTINA MYER
Editor
[email protected]

If higher gas prices have you considering alternate means of getting to work, maybe you’ve considered a bicycle. We’re not exactly the most bicycle-friendly region, but we’re getting better; and I stumbled across a Louisville Public Media piece this week that reminded me I could get from Parkersburg to almost Clarksburg for only the cost of whatever it took to fuel ME on a bike for six hours … if I wanted to.

The piece was originally a West Virginia Public Broadcasting story about the value of multi-use, long-distance trail projects such as the possible Parkersburg to Pittsburgh Corridor. In West Virginia, the major gaps are in Marion and Harrison counties, but improvements are being made all the time.

And communities are starting to talk about the benefits. According to WVPB, consulting firm owner Amy Camp is working with those in West Virginia and Pennsylvania who are trying to get more benefits from the trails.

“What we’re doing right now with that corridor is creating a master plan that will help us to plan for the future of the various trails and how they link together,” she said. “Our vision is for a place that has new thriving businesses and vibrant communities along this interconnected rail trail corridor.”

We’ve all been traveling and seen, in some faraway town, the businesses that have sprung up to serve those who use a trail, and draw in more guests. I’m guilty of thinking “Parkersburg should have something like this,” in more than one cute little town.

But we do. It’s just that the full vision for what our region’s trails could mean to our communities has not yet been realized.

For example, yes, there is hope that one day a person on foot, bicycle or horse could get from Parkersburg to Pittsburgh if they are determined enough. What if they wanted to head west? It still takes a little figuring to get to the Buckeye Trail or even the American Discovery Trail from here.

For that matter, there’s still a big leap from the North Bend Rail Trail to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which DOES intersect with the Appalachian Trail (and from there you can choose a direction and explore approximately 2,000 miles from Maine to Georgia … but that is strictly for hikers.

No, I’m not planning to abandon civilization and start wandering all over the country on trails (though I can’t say the thought hasn’t crossed my mind lately), but it would be nice to know that if I decided to, I could.

Though I’m (mostly) joking about these kinds of trails being a transportation option, they most certainly are important tourism, recreational, physical and mental health, and even educational assets.

“(Trail development) contributes to business attraction, resident attraction and retention,” Camp told WVPB. “When you do treat a trail as an asset, it helps to create more livable places.”

And, much as we love it, it is vital that we look for ways to make West Virginia more livable. We cannot afford to ignore ideas that might attract and retain residents.

If young people have decided it’s time to “take a hike,” we want them to know they can do so, right here at home.

Editor’s Notes: Following the trail forward If higher gas prices have you considering alternate means of getting to work, maybe you’ve considered a bicycle. We’re not exactly the most bicycle-friendly region, but we’re getting better; and I stumbled across a Louisville Public Media piece this week that reminded me I could get from Parke...

West Virginia State Parks announces Elk River Trail expansion, new headquarters open house
Open house planned May 21 at the Dundon Trailhead in Clay.

From Staff Reports
Elk River Trail headquarters

West Virginia State Parks announced a new Elk River Trail headquarters in Clay and a 4.3-mile trail expansion connecting Queen Shoals

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State Parks officials have announced plans for a public open house celebrating the opening of a new Elk River Trail headquarters and the expansion of the popular rail trail system.

The event is scheduled for May 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Dundon Trailhead in Clay.

Located at 12 Buffalo Creek Road, the new Elk River Trail headquarters was designed to resemble a historic train depot and sits near the former rail junction of the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad and Elk River Rail Road Inc.

The facility will serve as a visitor center and operational hub for the trail system, housing the trail superintendent’s office, a gift shop featuring West Virginia-made products and exhibits highlighting the region’s railroad history.

“The opening of the Elk River Trail Headquarters marks a major milestone in our mission to enhance the visitor experience while honoring West Virginia’s rich industrial heritage,” West Virginia State Parks Acting Chief of Parks Dillard Price said. “By providing a central hub for trail information, local history and essential amenities, we are making it easier than ever for hikers, bikers and history enthusiasts to explore the beauty of the region.”

Officials said the gift shop will feature Almost Heaven merchandise, state park apparel and West Virginia Grown food products.

The headquarters will also operate as a museum showcasing artifacts and historical information tied to the area’s railroad history. The facility will operate seasonally from early spring through early fall.

In addition to the new headquarters, state parks officials announced a 4.3-mile extension of the Elk River Trail through a recent land acquisition from Elk River Railroad Inc.

The property was purchased for $1.5 million using funding from an Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation grant.

The newly acquired section stretches from Mile Post 89.7 in Queen Shoals to Mile Post 94 in Clendenin and includes approximately one mile of paved trail, along with existing park benches and a gazebo.

“This acquisition is a significant win for West Virginia’s growing rail-trail system and a testament to the power of strategic partnerships,” Price said. “By adding to the trail, including the beautifully developed section through Clendenin, we are providing visitors more seamless access to the scenic Elk River. We are proud to work alongside the Town of Clendenin to ensure this stretch remains a premier destination for outdoor recreation.”

Officials said the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has partnered with the Town of Clendenin to operate, maintain and patrol the new section of trail.

Under the agreement, the WVDNR will provide support while daily operations will be handled by the town of Clendenin.

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-state-parks-announces-elk-river-trail-expansion-new-headquarters-open-house/article_109ad4a8-2c39-4c63-a1da-632d01751d6b.html

West Virginia State Parks announces Elk River Trail expansion, new headquarters open house West Virginia State Parks will host a May 21 open house for the new Elk River Trail headquarters and a 4.3-mile trail expansion.

TODAY- Trail work continues on mile 3 of the Mon River Rail-Trail, north of Van Voorhis Trailhead. Contractor is laying and compacting stone surface. Please do NOT go into area with Trail CLOSED signs and keep yourself and others safe.