Trail Towns
Each trail town has its own unique character and history. Find options for dining, overnight accommodations, and attractions, including kayak and bike rentals and shuttle services.
Sutton
Clendenin
Gassaway
Charleston
Clay
WE STRIVE TO ENCOURAGE & ENABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE ELK RIVER
Beginning in 2020, Elk River Trail Foundation, Inc., worked with the West Virginia University Extension Service, Rural Development, on a concept to encourage and enable economic development along the rail and water trails without regard to political boundaries. As a result, the Foundation signed memoranda of understanding and partnered with the four incorporated towns of Clendenin, Clay, Gassaway and Sutton and several other organizations to form a Trail Town Committee.
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In 2022, the Trail Town Committee, with a grant from the Benedum Foundation, partnered with the Braxton County Business Development Authority to have a study conducted to determine the feasibility of developing a trail town, tourist-based economy along the trails. The September 2022 Study Report, conservatively estimated that, with an investment of just over $4 million over the next 10 years, the region can expect, over the next 15 years, 70 new businesses, 195 full- and part-time jobs, $250 million in new sales activity, and $390 million in regional economic activity.
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The Trail Town Committee is currently seeking additional grant funding to help implement the trail town study recommendations. If you want to become involved with the work of the Trail Town Committee, we always need good help. Please contact us!