West Virginia Multimodal Trails
Project Overview
The Fayette/Raleigh Metropolitan Planning Organization (FRMPO), in partnership with the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) at West Virginia University, Mon Forest Towns Partnership, and Region I and VII Planning and Development Councils, received federal funding through the US Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities Program (TCP) to advance key trail projects across an 18-county region of central and eastern West Virginia.
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· White Sulphur Springs Trail (Greenbrier County)*
· Glenville Riverfront Park Trail (Gilmer County)
· Elk River Rail Trail (Braxton County)
· Davis-Thomas Connector Trail (Tucker County)*
· Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail (Nicholas and Webster Counties)*
*These studies are being developed in partnership with the Mon Forest Towns Partnership, a nonprofit serving 12 gateway communities to the Monongahela National Forest.
Purpose and Goals
Each study will develop conceptual plans (or for existing trails rehabilitation needs) and advance trail projects that support outdoor recreation economies, improve local health and quality of life, and increase access to destinations. Outdoor recreation, connectivity, and economic development are key focuses of the leading partners: FRMPO, OEDC, and the Mon Forest Towns Partnership.
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Working groups have formed around each of the projects to guide community conversations and coordinate education and technical assistance delivered as part of TCP meant to expand capacity for future projects. Get Involved!
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· Take a brief survey: Online surveys for each project are available below. You are welcome to fill out surveys for multiple projects.
· Stop by our table: Members of the project team will be hosting several pop-up tables in April 2026 in communities throughout the project areas. Stop by to learn about the project and share input about potential trail routes. Hard copies of the survey will be available.
About the Trail Projects
White Sulphur Springs Trail
Implementation of a multi-million-dollar bike park is underway in White Sulphur Springs. However, connectivity to the park and other recreation infrastructure is limited to a busy two-lane roadway unsafe for nonmotorized use. This project aims to create a concept plan to connect the park to residential neighborhoods and the city’s economic center. Take a quick survey about the project here.
Elk River Rail Trail
This project seeks to extend the existing 73-mile hard-packed gravel Elk River Rail Trail from its current endpoint in Gassaway to Sutton (approximately 6 miles). This trail expansion will foster safe, non-motorized access between these communities and connect Sutton to a more expansive recreational infrastructure system. Take a quick survey about the project here.
Glenville Riverfront Park Trail
This project is intended to aid the Town of Glenville with economic development strategies and connectivity to other regional recreation opportunities. The project will develop a conceptual trail connection from the Glenville State University campus and nearby assets to downtown Glenville. Take a quick survey about the project here.
Davis-Thomas Connector Trail
This project will develop a concept plan for an approximately 2-mile shared-use trail between Thomas and Davis. The connection aims to improve access and public safety, reduce traffic congestion, promote health and community connections, and stimulate economic development. Take a quick survey about the project here.
Cranberry Tri-Rivers Rail Trail
This project seeks to develop plans for improving the existing non-motorized rail trail from downtown Richwood to outside of Allingdale (16 miles). The project will also create a concept plan for extending the trail approximately 7 miles north to Cowen in coordination with willing property owners. Take a quick survey about the project here.
Project Timeline
The five trail studies are running concurrently, with the following general timeline:
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Project Kickoff and Data Collection: February-March 2026
Site Visits: April 2026
Public Engagement: April-November 2026
Draft Concept Plans: June-August 2026
Final Concept Plans and Reports: August-December 2026
Project Contact
For more information, contact:
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Jessica Sutton, Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
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