By Sarah Richardson
Trail enthusiasts, community planners, and outdoor advocates gathered this week for a conversation about the future of West Virginia’s trails as a part of a statewide effort by WVTrails to link communities through recreation.
WVTrails, a statewide coalition dedicated to expanding and connecting West Virginia’s trail systems, hosted a regional trail meeting together with the Greenbrier Valley Off-Road Bicycling Association (GVORBA), Experience Greenbrier Valley, and the Greenbrier Valley Environmental Group last Tuesday. Roughly 40 people gathered at the Visitor’s Center in downtown Lewisburg to learn about WVTrails and to voice their input on trail-related items in the Greenbrier Valley.
WVTrails is a nonprofit that works to expand and connect trail systems across West Virginia, uniting advocates, land managers, and communities to strengthen outdoor recreation and improve quality of life. Executive Director Sam England explained that, “we are the only statewide organization that represents all trails, and promoting, expanding, and maintaining non-motorized trails on a statewide basis. We aren’t into trail building, but we do a lot of helping and assisting, and trying to connect the dots, so to speak.”
England said WVTrails is building momentum for a new statewide trails plan. Lewisburg is just one of ten planned stops across the state where WVTrails leaders and other involved parties are out in communities listening to feedback and requests from different regions. England explained that fostering collaboration is a major part of their goals, uniting all types of non-motorized trails users to help strengthen advocacy efforts for trail expansion.
The last trail plan made for the state of West Virginia was nearly 25 years ago, and an update is needed. England explained that everyone is aware that funding is the most obvious hurdle for trails planning, development, and maintenance. There are only two consistent sources of trails funding in the state today: the Recreation Trails Program (RTP) and the Transportation Alternatives program (TA).
Since 1992, federal funding has helped create 645 miles of trails including rail trails, multi-use paths, and other trails across West Virginia. Transportation Alternatives have funded more that 800 projects totaling $160 million in this state alone. The Recreational Trails Program has supported more than 350 projects totaling more than $22 million, including motorized trails. In fiscal years 2023 and 2024 there was $23.6 million in funding for 74 projects in 31 counties. In fiscal year 2025, the allocation is only $12.4 million. With no dedicated state trail funding, West Virginia depends on these federal programs.
“We all understand that funding is a problem, funding is an issue, and it not only comes down to building but also to maintaining,” he explained. With those funding sources, by September 2026, they will have to be reauthorized. This authorization will go to Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who is the chair of the committee it will be presented to for approval.
Trails have become a growing economic driver for many West Virginia towns, drawing tourists, supporting small businesses, and improving residents’ access to outdoor recreation. One attendee noted that at the Greenbrier River Trail, there are often more cars from out-of-state in the parking lot than in-state plates.
England then discussed with attendees what goals they have for local trails, with a connection of Lewisburg to the Greenbrier River Trail being mentioned, as well as the Greenbrier State Forest connecting to White Sulphur Springs, and other proposed “connection” sections. Ease of access to existing trails via new connectivity was a major theme, which keeps areas from being a “trail oasis.”
Clay Elkins with the GVORBA was on hand to discuss the upcoming bike park that will be opening in White Sulphur Springs just beside Hope Village. The $2.7 million park will have trails for all ages, from beginner to advanced, and 21 miles of trails planned in total. Stay tuned over the next few months as they announce the name of the new park, and set a groundbreaking date.
WVTrails is encouraging the community to answer their trail survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WHB52VV.
Learn more about WVTrails at wvtrail.org, and more about the Greenbrier Valley Off-Road Bicycling Association at gvorba.org
