Elk River Trail

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

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]

Controversy

Elk River Trail sign

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. ^ a b "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.