Clear Fork Rail Trail ribbon cutting set for next week

WHITEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Raleigh County Parks and Recreation has announced a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the first phase of the Clear Fork Rail Trail’s opening.

Construction has been completed on the first 4.87 miles of the multi-use, non-motorized trail – the first of two phases which will result in the establishment of a 14.6-mile trail. The trail was made possible by the Raleigh County Commission and Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority with funding from the Raleigh County Commission, National Coal Heritage Authority, and WV DEP Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization.

Following the old CSX rail line along the Clear Fork River, the trail takes visitors along a hard packed gravel surface trail featuring rock walls, over trussells, and breathtaking views of waterfalls, forest, and the Clear Fork River.

Chapman Technical engineered the trail while the Thrasher Group provided environmental review. Aspen Corporation handled construction, while Alpha Metallurgical Resources donated capping materials and the trailhead kiosk.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the first phase of the Clear Fork Rail Trail is scheduled for 2:00pm on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Jerrold’s Valley located at 101 Rich Lane, Whitesville, WV.