The Elk River Trail Foundation is a group of citizens and businesspeople dedicated to enhancing the Elk River Trail System. The Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the Elk River Trail, a major rail trail being built by the State of West Virginia along the Elk River and Buffalo Creek.
Mission Statement: To preserve, protect, and enhance the Elk River Trails for public recreation, community health and well-being, conservation, ecology, education, economic development, and cultural enrichment.
The first phase of the Elk River Trail will span 54 miles along the Elk River on the former railroad, starting in Clendenin and ending just south of Duck on the Clay-Braxton county border. The trail will be ideal for hiking and biking and will also provide easy access to local boating, fishing and kayaking opportunities along the Elk River. Once completed, the planned trail network will be the largest in West Virginia with an estimated economic impact of $4.5M annually.
On May 5th 2019, Governor Jim Justice announced the state has signed a letter of intent to purchase the land needed to complete the initial phase of the project. The Division of Natural Resources will oversee the project with the intention of designating the entire trail system as a State Park. The state hopes to have portions of the new rail trail system up and running by Summer 2020.
The Elk River Trail Foundation will help the state achieve this vision. We’re just ordinary citizens (and former citizens) that want to see it built and successful. We provide support in many ways, the most important being vocalizing and supporting the Elk River and its beauty. Please join us by volunteering your time and providing donations to support our causes.