July 1, 2025
The Greenbrier Valley’s outdoor recreation development projects continue to bolster the region’s economy and identity. Across Greenbrier, Pocahontas, and Monroe counties, a series of ambitious projects—from world-class mountain biking trails and gravel cycling routes to major trail infrastructure upgrades and a state-leading bike park—are creating new opportunities for tourism, small business growth, and community revitalization. These efforts, driven by local partnerships and supported by state and federal funding, are positioning the Greenbrier Valley as a premier destination for outdoor adventure in the eastern United States. This blog offers an inside look at the progress of these transformative projects and the growing momentum behind the region’s outdoor recreation economy.
Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center’s Monday Lick Trail System: Going for Gold
In May, the Pocahontas County CVB and the Snowshoe Highlands Area Recreation Collaborative (SHARC) welcomed the public to celebrate the grand opening of the newly constructed Monday Lick Trail System, located just south of Marlinton. This premier trail system sits within the 50-square-mile radius of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Silver-Level Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center.
Featuring nearly 30 miles of purpose-built singletrack and stacked-loop trails, the Monday Lick system is optimized for mountain biking and weaves through the scenic Monongahela National Forest, with direct access from the Greenbrier River Trail State Park.
The Monday Lick Trail System marks a major milestone—it is the first project of its kind to be funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) POWER Grant program. Its development was made possible through the collaboration of numerous stakeholders, donors, volunteers, and expert trail builders.
As West Virginia’s first and only IMBA Ride Center, the Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center continues to gain momentum. With this milestone, SHARC is now aiming for Gold-Level Ride Center status—an elite designation held by only six locations worldwide—further cementing Pocahontas County’s place on the global mountain biking map.
Allegheny Trail: Improving the State’s Longest Hiking Trail
The Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation (GVEDC) is pleased to announce that construction is underway on a major improvement to the Allegheny Trail near Durbin. On June 18, Rugged Trails, LLC, led by Sam Skidmore, began work on a trail reroute that will improve public access and safety along the trail. This project is funded by a $250,000 grant from the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP), administered by the West Virginia Division of Highways.
GVEDC is managing the project in partnership with the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association, a volunteer-led nonprofit that maintains the 311-mile Allegheny Trail.
Planned improvements include a new footbridge and informational kiosk at Beaver Creek in Watoga State Park, another kiosk at the Seneca South trailhead in Seneca State Forest, and new signage along roads in Monroe, Greenbrier, and Pocahontas Counties. These upgrades will enhance the trail-user experience, improve safety, accessibility, and environmental stewardship along West Virginia’s longest hiking trail.
Hope Village Bike Park: A Community-Driven Vision for White Sulphur Springs
The Greenbrier Valley Off Road Biking Association (GVORBA), the Hellbenders Youth Mountain Biking Team, and the City of White Sulphur Springs are thrilled to announce the development of a new bike park at Hope Village, located off Big Draft Road. This exciting project began with support from the West Virginia Community Development Hub and early local fundraising efforts, which led to a professionally designed park plan by Nature Trails, a leading trail design firm.
The six-acre park will be a welcoming space for riders of all ages and skill levels. Features will include:
- A tot track area for young children on strider bikes
- A pump track for BMX-style riding
- Three to four progressive jump lines for skill development
- A surrounding walking path for families and pedestrians
In addition to the park’s design, the team has secured a grant to develop branding for the park, which will be unveiled soon.
Additional grant funds from REI will support the installation of lighting and the development of a new restroom facility, enhancing the park’s usability and comfort. Construction of the bike park is supported by a 2024 CDS award from Senator Joe Manchin. Groundbreaking is anticipated in 2026, with the park expected to open in 2027.
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory: A Community Effort to Restore a Regional Treasure
In Monroe County, a beloved landmark is getting a second chance thanks to a community-driven restoration effort. The Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, perched along the Allegheny Trail in the George Washington National Forest, has long served as a premier destination for bird watchers, hikers, and researchers observing the annual raptor migration. Originally a fire tower, the structure was repurposed into a viewing platform and has become a cherished site for locals and visitors alike.
In late 2024, the U.S. Forest Service closed the observatory due to structural concerns. Now, the Friends of Monroe, in partnership with the Monroe County Commission, the Greenbrier Valley Community Foundation, and the USFS, are working to fund and construct a new, safer platform. While the trail and day-use area remain open, the observatory itself is currently inaccessible. To support the rebuild, donate online here: or here.
Mon Forest Towns Gravel: Connecting Communities by Bike
The Mon Forest Towns Partnership (MFTP) is thrilled to announce the launch of Mon Forest Towns Gravel, a new initiative in collaboration with V2V Trails, Mountain Rides, and Bikepacking Roots. This ambitious project will feature more than 30 day-ride gravel routes and eight multi-day bikepacking itineraries, along with a variety of short loops—offering something for every level of cyclist. Designed to showcase the region’s million acres of public lands, breathtaking vistas, and vibrant communities. These routes connect riders to the heart of 12 Mon Forest Towns, including Marlinton, Durbin, and White Sulphur Springs, while showcasing the region’s public lands and vibrant Appalachian culture. This initiative supports local economies by drawing cyclists into downtowns and encouraging overnight stays.
Meadow River Rail Trail & Adventure Meadow River: Building a Regional Outdoor Corridor
The Meadow River Rail Trail continues to evolve as a cornerstone of outdoor recreation in Greenbrier and Fayette counties. In late 2024, the project broke ground on Phase III, which will extend the trail by nine miles into the town of Rainelle. This expansion is a major step toward connecting the trail to the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
The trail, built along a former railroad corridor, is a collaborative effort between the Greenbrier and Fayette County Commissions and has benefited from strong community involvement, including the Meadow River Rail Trail Youth Advisory Council.
Complementing this work is the Adventure Meadow River master planning initiative, which aims to develop a long-term vision for outdoor recreation, conservation, and tourism along the Meadow River. This plan includes protecting rock climbing areas, improving whitewater access, and expanding trail connectivity. Together, these efforts are transforming the Meadow River corridor into a vibrant destination for adventure seekers and a catalyst for rural economic development.
Conclusion
Together, these projects represent how the Greenbrier Valley is leveraging its natural assets to build a more resilient and diversified economy. By investing in trails, bike parks, and outdoor infrastructure, local leaders and community partners are not only enhancing quality of life for residents—they’re also attracting new visitors, supporting small businesses, and laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth. As these efforts continue to gain momentum, the Greenbrier Valley is emerging as a model for rural outdoor recreation development in Appalachia and beyond.
