WV TRAIL launches regional meetings to shape the future of trails in West Virginia

WV TRAIL is holding a series of regional meetings this fall to gather community and stakeholder input for renewing West Virginia’s nearly 25-year-old Statewide Trails Plan, improving trail access, connectivity, equity, and policy recommendations.

News Release
September 18, 2025

WV TRAIL, the only statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advocating for non-motorized trails of all kinds, is hosting a series of regional meetings this fall to engage communities, gather input, and chart a path toward a renewed Statewide Trails Plan.

In partnership with our Consultant, Cycle Forward, and a Statewide Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from agencies, universities, trail organizations, and trail enthusiasts, these meetings will bring together stakeholders from across the region to discuss opportunities, challenges, and priorities for trail development and connectivity.

“These regional sessions are about listening,” said Sam England, Executive Director of WV TRAIL. “We want to hear from trail users, local leaders, and community members about what’s working, what’s missing, and how we can work together to expand access and strengthen the economic and community benefits that trails bring to West Virginia.”

This initiative is part of a larger statewide project to interview stakeholders, review other state’s trails plans, and conduct a statewide electronic survey with a purpose to:

Renew the nearly 25-year-old Statewide Trails Plan
Develop a unified message about trails for West Virginia leadership
Better understand trail maintenance, user conflicts, and regional networking needs
Recommend policy changes that support non-motorized trails of all kinds

Each meeting will provide an opportunity for participants to share input on topics including regional trail successes and challenges, opportunities for collaboration between communities and agencies, strategies to improve access and equity in trail development, and the role of trails in tourism, economic development, and quality of life.

Upcoming regional meetings

9/24/2025 – Prickett’s Fort State Park, Fairmont WV
10/7/2025 – Greenbrier Valley Visitors Center, Lewisburg WV
10/8/2025 – Cacapon State Park, Berkeley Springs WV
10/9/2025 – RETI Training Center, Flatwoods WV
10/21/2025 – Wood County Resiliency Center, Parkersburg WV
10/22/2025 – White Palace Ballroom, Wheeling Park, Wheeling WV
10/23/2025 – Fayetteville Ascend Center, Fayetteville WV
11/4/2025 – Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis WV
11/5/2025 – Valley Park Conference Center, Hurricane WV
11/6/2025 – Chief Logan Lodge, Logan WV
11/18/2025 – Virtual meeting

In-person meetings are co-hosted by a number of local organizations important to the regional trails effort. Those organizations include the City of Fairmont, Friends of Cheat, Mon River Trails Conservancy, Harrison Recreational Trails, Mountaineer Trail Network Authority, Greenbrier County CVB, Greenbrier Environmental Group, Greenbrier Valley Off Road Biking Association (GVORBA), Cacapon State Park Foundation, Braxton County EDA, Elk River Trail Foundation, Gilmer County EDA, USDA Rural Partners Network, River Valley Mountain Bike Association, Ohio Valley Trail Partners, Beckley Area Trails, Beckley Outdoors, Fayette Trail Coalition, Friends of the New River Gorge National Park, Greenbrier Environmental Group, Tucker County CVB, Meeks Mountain Trail Alliance, Putnam County CVB, Friends of the Tug Fork and Accelerate Madison.

All in-person meetings start at 6pm and are open to the public. The virtual meeting is scheduled for 12pm. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Community members, trail advocates, local officials, and organizations are encouraged to attend.

For more information and to pre-register, visit www.wvtrail.org.