This session will take a practical look at how communities can identify, evaluate, develop, and promote gravel cycling routes. Drawing on projects from across West Virginia and the broader region, the session will explore route selection and field verification, safety and surface considerations, connections to communities and public lands, mapping and navigation, local partnerships, tourism infrastructure, and strategies for turning individual routes into larger regional networks. Case studies will illustrate both the opportunities and challenges of gravel route development- and how relatively modest investments can leverage roads and community assets that already exist.

A session exploring the trail town concept and the ways West Virginia communities are leveraging trails to support small businesses, strengthen community pride, improve quality of life and public health, and grow tourism. Presenters will highlight successful examples and practical strategies for communities along trail corridors.

Charlie Dundas and John Gibson will provide an in-depth dive into practical trail bridge solutions and share stories of trail bridge installs that both inspire and inform. At national trail conferences this is a standing room only session.

A practical session focused on what happens after a Water Trail is established. Presenters will explore strategies for activating community use, maintaining access points and infrastructure, promoting the trail to residents and visitors, and evaluating performance through user data, safety metrics, and environmental conditions.