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See Buffalo Creek from a whole new perspective.
This story was originally published in the April 2025 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com.
Written by Devin Lacy
Photos Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Commerce
The Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad through Clay County was one of the last of its kind when it closed operations in 1965. Opened just over 60 years previously, it was a steam-specific rail that ran only 18 miles through the county, between Dundon and Widen, but served as a major economic driver there throughout its time. Though it was sold and reestablished by various companies and engines after its closure, the tracks themselves have remained unused for many years, a forgotten piece of infrastructure that had the potential to be something great, in the eyes of the community.
“A group of individuals got together several years ago to try to bring the rails back to life,” says Trey Corwell, manager for the Rail Explorers Elk River division. Their plan was to bring railbiking to the area. However, the project became more than they were able to handle as a volunteer group, so they called in the reinforcements: Mary Joy Lu and her husband, Alex Catchpoole. They’re the minds behind Rail Explorers, a national railbike site development company celebrating their 10th year with seven locations across the United States. “When they came in, they fell in love with the place. It had everything they envisioned: The people in Clay County were extremely welcoming, and the surroundings and terrain were absolutely beautiful.”
Lauren Bodnar, director of public relations for the West Virginia Department of Tourism, was there the day the Elk River division of Rail Explorers opened outside of Clay. “They have really created something amazing there. I’ve not done anything like it before—I was kind of just in awe the entire time. Of course I’ve been in the woods of West Virginia, but not in this way.”
What is a Railbike?
The early origins of railbikes and other rail-centric wheeled gadgets go back to the mid- to late-1800s, not long after many of the first rail lines were laid in the United States. Handcars, also known as velocipedes, were commonly used by workers for railroad maintenance or mining. These handcars made it easier for workers to travel greater distances along the lines, sometimes hauling equipment or even other passengers. They took on many designs, typically consisting of three or four wheels and a “walking beam” that was used to power the car by hand. The design developed and changed over time through innovation and creativity to include seats and brakes while still maintaining the bikes’ functionality.
The modern railbikes used by Rail Explorers are considered “commercial-grade railroad equipment,” with two different seating options. The Tandem Explorer seats two people, a great option for partners looking to make their next date something truly memorable. For families and groups, the Quad Explorers seat four. The “deck” of the bike allows for bags and other items to be safely stored. Despite clocking in at 570 and 750 pounds respectively, the bikes surprisingly don’t require all riders to pedal.
That is thanks to the bikes’ motor-assists, Corwell explains, similar to that of an e-bike motor, but powerful enough to pull the larger load. The bikes’ custom-made REX Propulsion System was designed and developed by Rail Explorers specifically for its purpose and bike design. “As long as the person in the driver’s seat pedals the bike”—also known as the “stop and go” seat due to the brake and motor being connected there—“the motor will stay engaged. We’ve had 80-year-old couples that had no issues.”
Going for a Ride
A journey with Rail Explorers starts with a safety speech given by a member of the crew to the entire fleet of eager riders—up to 60. After everyone has boarded and buckled up, the lead guide heads out first to check the rails for obstructions or debris. Rail explorers follow, spaced out by the crew to give riders a “good, comfortable distance” from one another. A rear guide follows behind, making sure nothing has fallen out of the bikes ahead.
According to Corwell, the journey takes about two hours, most of it under a canopy of trees. As riders make their way along the tracks, they follow Buffalo Creek, where the opportunities for wildlife sightings are numerous—trout and smallmouth bass have been spotted in the stocked stream, and black bears, white-tailed deer, foxes, bald eagles, hawks, and other birds have been seen on previous rides as well. A variety of noteworthy landmarks such as rock formations, cave systems, and a waterfall are also visible from the rails.
The railbikes roll across the tracks at a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour, passing over the Sandfork Bridge before reaching the turn-around location. Everyone then unloads to explore the area while the crew flips the bikes on turntables. Many passengers swim or explore the creek, take photographs, or enjoy a picnic. Riders head back out the way they came once the bikes are turned. As they near the depot, each bike is stopped individually by crew members, who then take the riders’ photo to commemorate the trip.
A source of pride for the team is the accessibility of the activity. Each railbike is equipped with seatbelts to keep riders safely seated, and 5-point child harnesses are available for younger riders. The bikes even have adult harnesses that make it possible for those with disabilities to participate. And because the bikes don’t require all riders to pedal, physical ability doesn’t have to be a factor. In fact, Corwell’s favorite tour of the 2024 season was with a woman who had multiple sclerosis and used a wheelchair. “She was able to get onto the bike and experience this, where otherwise it was something she would have missed out on. That was one of my favorite experiences, hands down.”
A Community Impact
Since settling into its Elk River location, Rail Explorers has captured the attention of outdoor enthusiasts across the state—and those well beyond its borders. In fact, while many riders were in-state residents looking to enjoy the beauty of their home state, the rest traveled from all 50 states and 25 countries to discover all that the area has to offer. “It’s about 16,000 people that Clay County may not have seen otherwise,” says Bodnar—and that was in a partial season. The number has triggered economic growth to the area as new businesses open in Clay County to serve the growing number of tourists.
But the Elk River Rail Explorers team is also looking to give back what the community gives to them. This has come in the form of working with a local group of girls from Scouting America to teach them about the impacts of rail on the community, partnering with a summer school program to entertain and educate students, and sponsoring local sports teams. “It’s something that is a complete unknown—how a new business will be accepted. Rail Explorers really wanted to be a part of the community and looked for ways to do so,” says Corwell. In the coming year, they plan to participate in a creek cleanup with the Buffalo Creek Watershed Club—a science-classroom club at the local high school—to haul trash and gear in and out on the bikes. “We look for all sorts of different ways to be a part of the community. Being a Clay County resident, it means the world to me that the Rail Explorers is so supportive.”
But the railbikes aren’t the only thing drawing adventurers into Clay County these days. The Elk River Trail itself is a newer addition to the West Virginia State Parks system, winding a path across over 48 miles of the Mountain Lakes region. One of the latest inclusions to the West Virginia Department of Tourism’s Waterfall Trail, an interactive virtual trail that hit over 75,000 check-ins in 2024, is also nearby: The Devil’s Sawmill is a stunning waterfall along Buffalo Creek that is only a five-mile hike from the Rail Explorers depot, but you can get a great view of it from the rails as well. And don’t forget to plan plenty of time to snap a few photos at the depot before or after you ride the rails—the Almost Heaven swing sets the perfect scene for a memorable keepsake!
The growth in tourism for the region has been an exciting thing for Bodnar to witness and be a part of. “I feel like it opens up visitors to the state to explore areas that they wouldn’t have thought to go to before,” she says. “The response has been amazing.”
After the success of their first season, Corwell and his crew are eager to welcome new—and returning—explorers to the Elk River area. So eager, in fact, that they are making it even easier to book an excursion. “We’ll run seven days a week, as many as four or five tours a day,” he says. “We had so many people who wanted to book, but we were just sold out.” Company or organization retreats are also welcome to book a ride. Six acres of land near the depot are home to picnic tables and an Almost Heaven swing, giving Rail Explorers the space to host these groups and make it available for them to bring their whole team.
This year’s season for Elk River Rail Explorers opens on April 19, running through November with a goal of 25,000 riders. To book your tour, visit www.railexplorers.net/tours/elk-river and start planning your adventure!
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