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The Elk River Trail’s unique appeal has caught the attention of outdoor enthusiasts all across the state.
This story was originally published in the April 2025 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com.
Written by Mason Jack
Photos Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Commerce
Running through Braxton, Clay, and Kanawha counties, the Elk River Trail and its amenities are quickly becoming a beloved asset for outdoor enthusiasts in West Virginia. This multi-use trail winds 52 miles along the scenic Elk River, with an additional 18-mile section of rail running along the river’s Buffalo Creek tributary. Although portions of the trail system remain under construction, the corridor will extend a little over 73 miles once all improvements are complete. Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, runner, kayaker, or even an e-bike enthusiast, the Elk River Trail and its namesake river offer an accessible escape into nature and a journey through the heart of the state.
A New Path to Follow
The story of the Elk River Trail is deeply intertwined with the region’s industrial past. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Elk River served as a vital waterway for transporting goods such as coal, timber, and agricultural products. Later, railroads became the backbone of the local economy, facilitating the movement of these resources to markets across the country. However, as rail traffic declined in the mid-20th century, many of these corridors were abandoned, leaving behind a network of unused infrastructure. Rather than letting these historic pathways fall into disrepair, local leaders and community members saw an opportunity to repurpose them for public use.
In 2019, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources formally adopted the trail into the West Virginia State Parks system, ensuring its long-term maintenance, development, and preservation. This designation provided the necessary funding and resources to enhance the trail and solidified its status as a destination for outdoor recreation. By integrating into the state parks system, the Elk River Trail joined a legacy of countless other protected natural spaces in the state. This move was also aligned with the state’s broader goals of promoting tourism, fostering community engagement, and preserving West Virginia’s rich industrial and natural heritage.
Clinton Cochran, district park manager for the Elk River Trail area, explains the sentiment behind the project. “It is always great to expand on our public trails and recreation lands,” he enthuses. The project further opens up this particular stretch of public trail, bringing new life and recreational opportunities to the region. This shared vision among local leaders, state officials, and community members has been instrumental in bringing the Elk River Trail to life. By repurposing these historic corridors, the trail honors the past while inviting future generations to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of West Virginia.
Growing Steady
The northern end of the Elk River Trail can be found in southern Gassaway, where the trail begins at the Route 4 bridge and River Road intersection. From this starting point, the trail follows the Elk River for 45.4 miles south to reach trailheads at several key locations: Coastal Lumber, Frametown, Strange Creek, Duck, Ivydale, Dundon, and Hartland. In Frametown, Duck, Dundon, and Hartland, trailheads also serve as river access points, allowing kayakers and boaters to easily launch onto the river. While the trail runs parallel to the river for its entire stretch, dense tree cover sometimes obscures views of the water, creating pockets of secluded beauty along the path. A 4.5-mile section is also open from the Queen Shoals Trailhead to a point just south of the Clendenin Trailhead, and within Clendenin itself, a one-mile segment is paved—a smooth ride for cyclists.
Cochran is optimistic about the trail’s future and the forward-looking attitude driving plans for further improvements, including the installation of additional restrooms, benches, and bike repair stations at every trailhead. And, of course, there is Rail Explorers.
In addition to the main Elk River Trail, an 18-mile rail line runs along Buffalo Creek in Clay County. This unique section extends from the Dundon Trailhead to the small community of Widen, and has become popular with trout fishermen who enjoy casting a line in the quiet, flowing waters of Buffalo Creek. It’s here that Rail Explorers launched one of its railbike adventures in 2024. This excursion utilizes distinctive dual and quad pedal-driven and motor-assisted railbikes, providing a fun and innovative way to experience the trail. To learn more about Rail Explorers, check out our story on page 14.
One of the most appealing aspects of the trail is its remarkably flat grade—just a 0.5% incline—which makes it accessible to everyone. Despite being flat, the trail winds its way through rugged, mountainous terrain that is beautiful in its variety. The path offers a constant reminder of West Virginia’s diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands and open fields to scenic riverbanks along the Elk.
The Elk River Trail was designed to accommodate various outdoor activities. The gentle grade makes it perfect for casual walks, brisk runs, and long-distance cycling. It’s open to e-bikes, ensuring that those who enjoy the convenience of electric assistance can also make the most of the trail. In addition to these activities, the trail features specially designated exercise stations along a three-mile section downstream from Dundon. These stations offer opportunities for strength and endurance training in a natural setting. Whether you’re training for a race or simply looking to stay active, the stations provide an extra layer to complement your journey.
As the Elk River Trail grows in popularity, efforts are underway to enhance the visitor experience. Restroom facilities have been installed at several locations along the trail, with more planned for the future. Benches are being added at strategic points, providing places to rest and take in the surroundings. At trailheads such as Ivydale, bike repair stations have already been installed, and similar facilities are planned for all significant trailheads to support longer trips and ensure that riders can address any mechanical issues.
The Community’s Trail
The Elk River Trail is not just a recreational resource—it’s also a significant economic driver for the region. According to Cochran, local hotels, restaurants, and retail shops are benefiting from the expanding trail and new tourist activities that bring in visitors from far and wide. The influx of tourists has spurred local investment and created new opportunities in communities that the trail passes through.
The trail has also fostered a stronger sense of community. Families now have a safe, scenic environment for outdoor activities, and local schools have integrated the trail into educational programs that focus on nature, history, and physical fitness. Community events such as charity rides, organized hikes, and local races have turned the trail into a gathering place for residents, encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting social engagement.
An annual marathon/half marathon/5K race has been established along the Dundon-to-Ivydale section of the trail. Some years have witnessed nearly 100 runners take off from the starting line with participants traveling from as far as Arizona, California, and Nevada. Jessica Gamponio Wright and her friends have also established the Clendenin Elk River Trail Walking Club, which now hosts weekly walks on the trail. In Braxton County, the Elk River Rail to Trail Group, sponsored by Bigfoot Braxxie’s Bikes, organizes group bike rides that start from the historic train depot at the Gassaway Trailhead.
Volunteer efforts play a key role in the trail’s success. Local residents, high school students, and community groups have contributed to various projects along the trail, including river cleanups and maintenance work. In 2022, the Elk River Trail Foundation sponsored an Americorps group and some local Braxton County volunteers to spearhead a cleanup effort that covered 28 miles of the trail and removed an estimated 8,000 pounds of trash from both the trail and the riverbank. Such community involvement not only keeps the trail pristine but also builds a shared sense of ownership and pride in this treasured public space.
Community leaders and planners see the trail as a model for adaptive reuse, demonstrating how former industrial corridors can be transformed into vibrant public spaces that benefit both residents and visitors. As more amenities are added and new projects come online, the Elk River Trail is expected to become even more popular, attracting tourists from across the country and further boosting the local economy.
The project stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration, adaptive reuse, and a shared commitment to preserving natural spaces. As ongoing construction and future expansions bring additional length and accommodations, the trail will continue to evolve, promising even more adventures and benefits for both locals and visitors alike.
To learn more about the Elk River Trail and all it has to offer, visit WVstateparks.com/elk-river-trail or check out the Elk River Trail Foundation website at www.elkrivertrail.org.
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