Rail trail · West Virginia
Elk River Trail
A 73-mile rail-trail corridor from Clendenin to Gassaway along the Elk River in central West Virginia, spanning Braxton, Clay, and Kanawha counties with prime access for paddling and fishing.
Length
73 miles
Surface
Crushed stone, Gravel
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Clendenin to Gassaway
Season
Open 24 hours a day year-round; spring and fall offer the best conditions, with milder temperatures and lower river levels. Summer brings lush foliage; winter use is limited but possible.
Plan your ride or walk
The Elk River Trail stretches 73 miles along the Elk River corridor through central West Virginia, connecting Clendenin in Kanawha County to Gassaway in Braxton County. As one of the newer additions to the West Virginia State Parks rail trail system, it runs parallel to the river for much of its length, giving it an identity as much a paddling and fishing access corridor as a biking and hiking trail. Multiple river access points are designated along the route for canoes and kayaks. The trail spans three counties, Braxton, Clay, and Kanawha, passing through genuinely rural Appalachian river country largely free of commercial development. At 73 miles it is one of the longer continuous rail-trail corridors in the Mid-Atlantic region. The trail is open 24 hours a day at no charge, and is managed from a headquarters in Clay.
Getting there
The trail headquarters is at 12 Buffalo Creek Rd., Clay, WV 25043. Clendenin, the southern terminus, is about 30 miles northeast of Charleston via US 119. Multiple trailheads and river access points are spaced along the 73-mile corridor. Contact the park at 304-587-7444 for current trailhead and access conditions.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
West Virginia State Parks: Elk River TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Elk River Trail in West Virginia?
The Elk River Trail runs 73 miles from Clendenin to Gassaway, spanning Kanawha, Clay, and Braxton counties. It is one of the longer rail-trail corridors in the Mid-Atlantic states.
Can you paddle or kayak along the Elk River Trail?
Yes. The trail parallels the Elk River for much of its length and has designated river access points for canoes and kayaks. Fishing access is another major draw, with the Elk River supporting a variety of warm-water and cold-water species.
Is there a fee or permit needed for the Elk River Trail?
No. The trail is free to use and open 24 hours a day. The trail headquarters is in Clay at 12 Buffalo Creek Rd.; call 304-587-7444 for current conditions or trailhead information.
What is the surface of the Elk River Trail?
The trail follows a former rail corridor on a crushed stone and gravel surface, typical of rail-trail conversions in West Virginia. The grade is gentle throughout as a former railroad bed, though the surrounding terrain is rolling Appalachian hill country.
More West Virginia trails
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