Governor Patrick Morrisey celebrated the opening of the new Elk River Trail Visitors Center at the Dundon Trailhead in Clay County, along with a 4.3-mile expansion of the Elk River Trail and the site’s designation as an official Mountaineer Mile location.
“The Elk River Trail is a perfect example of how West Virginia is turning our rich industrial heritage into a booming engine for outdoor recreation, tourism, and public health,” said Governor Morrisey. “By investing in our trails, we are supporting local small businesses, boosting economic development, and encouraging West Virginians to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle in the most beautiful surroundings imaginable.”
Located at 12 Buffalo Creek Road, the new visitors center was designed to resemble a historic train depot in recognition of the area’s railroad heritage near the former junction of the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad and the Elk River Railroad. The facility includes trail information, a superintendent’s office, a museum featuring local railroad artifacts, and a gift shop stocked with West Virginia-made products and West Virginia Grown food items.
The project also includes a newly completed 4.3-mile trail extension from Queen Shoals to Clendenin, made possible through a $1.5 million Abandoned Mine Lands Reclamation grant used by the state to purchase land from Elk River Railroad Inc. The expansion features a paved mile leading into Clendenin, along with benches and a gazebo overlooking the Elk River.
“The opening of the Elk River Trail Visitors Center marks a major milestone in our mission to enhance the visitor experience while honoring West Virginia’s rich industrial heritage,” said West Virginia State Parks Acting Chief of Parks Dillard Price. “By providing a central hub for trail information, local history and essential amenities, we are making it easier than ever for hikers, bikers and history enthusiasts to explore the beauty of the region.”
The Dundon Trailhead will also serve as an official Mountaineer Mile location as part of Governor Morrisey’s statewide wellness initiative encouraging West Virginians to walk at least one mile each day. The designated route provides an accessible and scenic option for residents and visitors of all ages.
To support the expansion, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has entered into an agreement with the Town of Clendenin for local operation, maintenance, and patrolling of the new trail section.
West Virginia’s state parks, forests, and rail trails attract more than seven million visitors annually. For more information about state park trails or to find a Mountaineer Mile location, visit WVstateparks.com.
