By Allen Hamrick
The rail to trail is slowly but surely progressing to its finish; the new section from Villanova to Strange Creek is ready to ride. Construction work has made it to where Coastal Lumber used to be and is moving forward. Work is back on track on the bridges between Clendenin and Hartland and will soon open up the trail from Clendenin to Queen Shoals.
If you get the opportunity to ride the roughly three miles between Villanova and Strange Creek, you will not be disappointed. It is some of the most scenic on the trail plus the wildlife is abundant. There are deep hollows, streams, rock high walls and friendly people who will more than happy shoot a little bull with you if you get the chance to stop.
In the near future, there will be a bed and breakfast to stay at, and if you need a drink or something to snack while riding the trail, Nottingham’s Store is the go to hot spot for travelers. They have what you need to make your ride a pleasant one, even if you just need to sit and relax. There are fine people there who can give you information on the area and can swap stories with the best. They, too, will be offering more amenities for riders and hikers as time goes on like picnic tables and an access to the river. It is a great country store and one stop you don’t want to miss out on.
So if you bike, hike or ride a horse, Villanova is a good place to start your ride or end it.
Trail 1: Trekking the trail near Strange Creek. Allen Hamrick photo.
trail 2:- One of the rock high walls located on the trail. Allen Hamrick photo.