Building a West Virginia Trails Movement

WV TRAIL is a statewide trail organization that is working to build and inspire a West Virginia trails movement. What started in 2020 as a working group of trail leaders gathering to discuss common challenges has grown into West Virginia’s only statewide organization focused on promoting, expanding, and maintaining non-motorized trails. WV TRAIL aims to raise awareness of trail values among decision makers at every level and increase support for trails across West Virginia. The formation of WV TRAIL was made possible thanks to the generous funding of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.

The organization’s full name, WV Trails & Recreation Advocacy & Information Link (WV TRAIL), indicates two issues of critical importance: advocacy and information sharing. The organization is dedicated to advocating for non-motorized trails, addressing the most pressing concerns faced by trail leaders, and capitalizing on opportunities to build positive policy that results in a more impactful trail system. WV TRAIL is not a trail-building organization but aspires to the advocacy, policies, and information sharing that result in additional development. Giving voice to the needs of the non-motorized trail community amounts to a complete approach to capitalizing on outdoor recreation.