Elk River Trail

The Elk River Trail is a state park under construction in central West Virginia, United States. It will follow a 74-mile-long[1] portion of the former Coal and Coke Railway from Clendenin to Gilmer Station. The trail will follow the Elk River for a significant portion of its length (Clendenin to Gassaway). When completed, the trail will be one of the longest on the East Coast.[2] In addition to assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission,[3] Americorps and local volunteers have contributed to the building and maintenance of the trail.[4][5] The trail will provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, snowshoes, and cross-country skiing.[6]

Coon Creek Bridge on the Elk River Trail
Coon Creek Bridge on the Elk River Trail, about 4 miles (6.4 km) downstream from Gassaway

Controversy

As construction on the trail progressed, several local residents voiced concerns about properties between the trail and the Elk River losing right of way access,[7] as some property owners had become reliant on using the trail as a service road to get to their properties. The new trail regulations specifically prohibit access by motor vehicles, with the exception of some types of electric bicycles.[6] In response, several local residents began building a legal case against the construction of the trail.[8]

References
  1. Thomas, Clint (August 23, 2021). "Rebranding along the Elk River". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  2. "Governor, House Speaker on hand for rail trail extension". theintermountain.com. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  3. Steelhammer, Rick (September 25, 2021). "State trail systems benefit from Appalachian Regional Commission grants". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  4. "AmeriCorps teams head to West Virginia to help with projects". AP NEWS. March 14, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  5. Hancock, Deborah (April 11, 2020). "New state park will attract business to lower Elk River - West Virginia Explorer". wvexplorer.com. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  6. "What is permitted on the trail?". Elk River Trail Foundation. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  7. Tony, Mike (April 2022). "Right-of-way ownership dispute points to rough road ahead for plans to finish Elk River Trail". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
  8. Tony, Mike (December 3, 2021). "Landowners building legal case to stop Elk River Trail in its tracks in right-of-way ownership dispute". Charleston Gazette-Mail. Retrieved April 5, 2022.

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