Elk River Trail Explained

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

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]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Thomas . Clint . Rebranding along the Elk River . 2022-04-05 . Charleston Gazette-Mail . August 23, 2021 . en.
  2. Web site: Governor, House Speaker on hand for rail trail extension . 2022-04-05 . theintermountain.com . en-US.
  3. Web site: Steelhammer . Rick . State trail systems benefit from Appalachian Regional Commission grants . 2022-04-05 . Charleston Gazette-Mail . September 25, 2021 . en.
  4. Web site: 2022-03-14 . AmeriCorps teams head to West Virginia to help with projects . 2022-04-05 . AP NEWS . en.
  5. Web site: Hancock . Deborah . 2020-04-11 . New state park will attract business to lower Elk River - West Virginia Explorer . 2022-04-05 . wvexplorer.com . en-US.
  6. Web site: What is permitted on the trail? . 2022-04-05 . Elk River Trail Foundation . en-US.
  7. Web site: Tony . Mike . Right-of-way ownership dispute points to rough road ahead for plans to finish Elk River Trail . 2022-04-05 . Charleston Gazette-Mail . April 2022 . en.
  8. Web site: Tony . Mike . Landowners building legal case to stop Elk River Trail in its tracks in right-of-way ownership dispute . 2022-04-05 . Charleston Gazette-Mail . December 3, 2021 . en.

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