WV TRAIL is a new organization which aims to increase the awareness of and appreciation for non-motorized trails of all kinds in West Virginia.
We hope to enhance the resources available for the acquisition, development, maintenance, and promotion of those trails.
Advocate
Build a path for positive policy change in West Virginia.
Support an update to the WV Statewide Trails Plan.
Network
Creating a space for discussions pertaining to trail impacts.
Provide information and connection at the state level.
Our Story
In 2020, a working group of trail leaders from across West Virginia started meeting to discuss common challenges and explore the initial steps to put on a state-wide trails summit to address those challenges. In our discussions, we have identified that the most pressing concerns are for trail leaders, new opportunities to build positive policy, and the need for a state-wide organization.
WV Trails & Recreation Advocacy & Information Link (WV TRAIL) was formed thanks to the generous funding of the Claude Benedum Foundation. This non-profit is comprised of multiple trail and recreation organizations who want to see West Virginia capitalize on the diverse opportunities that trails provide.
Please visit the Our Work page for more information on our initiatives.
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We are
a diverse group of organizations representing multiple trail users.
not planning, building, or maintaining a trail.
not building a unified brand to market WV trails.
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We Believe
collaboration is key to tackle the complex challenges of promoting trails.
in including all users in the conversation to find the best solution together.
in equal value for building tourism and local community use.
Our Steering Committee
Kent Spellman and Kelly Pack, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Nathan Hilbert, National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance
Rich Edwards, WVU Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
Christiaan Abildso, WVU School of Public Health
Dennis Strawn, WV Connecting Communities
Jessica Wright, Public Health Advocate
Amanda Pitzer, Owen Mulkeen, and Lisa Maraffa, Friends of the Cheat and Mountaineer Network Trail Authority
Corey Lilly, Beckley Office of Outdoor Recreation
Maria Catignani and Mary Sell, WV Horse Coalition
Ella Belling, WV Rails to Trails Council
Bill Wells, Mountain State Trail Alliance
