Cranberry Community Masterplan

Former Mine Lands to Sustainable Lands Masterplan

Site 5: Cranberry Mine Redevelopment Masterplan Raleigh County, WV | 2024/2025

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS THAT MADE THIS PROJECT POSSIBLE:

PROJECT DESIGN TEAM

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

JIM CHRISTIE, PLA (CEC) MATT PIZATELLA, PLA, LEED AP BD + C (CEC) COLIN MCCARDLE (CEC) JON MICHAUX (CEC) DUSTIN TOOTHMAN, PLA (CEC) ANDREW GOSNELL, PLA, ASLA (CEC) LOGAN PAXTON (CEC)

Raleigh County Demographics

74,591

PROJECT SITE

Population (2020)

Charleston, WV Approx. 1 hr via I-64

1,713 Total Employer Establishments (2023)

44.0 Median Age (2024)

Data Collected from The U.S. Census Bureau

$142,600

$55,345

23.4% Bachelor’s Degree or Higher (2024)

Bradley, WV

Median Property Value (2023)

Median Annual Income (2024)

New River Gorge National Park Bridge Approx. 30 min. via US 19

Prosperity, WV

Raleigh County PROJECT SITE

As Beckley begins establishing projects to make their outdoor destination vision a reality, three properties located at the northern end of the city’s limits have been identified to support their efforts. Proposed concepts for these sites address challenges faced by residents, diversify the amount of middle housing offered by the city, and envision new economic possibilities in Beckley’s commercial district. These sites also create new tourism possibilities, uniquely preserve Cranberry Creek’s headwaters, and strengthen the city’s connection to the New River Gorge NORTH National Park and Preserve. Located on former minelands, projects proposed in this masterplan showcase how local mining heritage still has a role to play in Beckley’s future.

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As Beckley plans for the future, city officials and leaders have a vision: establish Beckley as a premier outdoor recreation destination. The recent designation of the nearby New River Gorge as a National Park and Preserve makes this vision possible. With over 1.5 million annual visitors in 2023 (NPS), tourists from all over are traveling to take part in the state’s world class recreation and witness breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, recent trends in remote work have created a workforce in search of places where they can work, live, and play close to the outdoors. As the largest community adjacent to the National Park and at the nexus of three major highways Interstate 77, Interstate 64, and U.S. Route 19 - Beckley has a great opportunity to be a gateway community to the National Park. The incorporation of recreational programming that connects areas of the city together and strengthens the relationship between Beckley and the National Park will promote a unique community character that enhances the quality of life for residents and supports visitors.

Maxwell Hill Rd.

City Lim

Beckley, WV is a dynamic city that has held several different names throughout its history. What began as a small agricultural community has grown into the region’s largest population center.

Most recently, the city is known as the ‘Gateway Community into Southern West Virginia.’ Several historical events have influenced the city’s growth, but the mining industry - with the rise and fall of the Southern West Virginia Coalfields as an international economic engine - has left a significant imprint on the community. The city developed rapidly to support the coalfields. Many miners would later call Beckley home, relocating to the city’s neighborhoods as the coal industry declined.

Beckley’s residents are proud of their coal heritage, which is celebrated in different attractions and events across the city. Today, the city is the economic, medical, and governmental center for the Southern West Virginia.

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Beckley City Limits

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Robert C. Byrd Dr.

Downtown Beckley Approx. 8 min.

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New River Gorge Park and Preserve Boundary Approx. 3 mi.

Beckley

Site Introduction

PROJECT SITE 1

Terminus of Lewis McManus Memorial Honor Rail Trail

Clarence W. Meadows Memorial Blvd.

Approx. 1 mi. to Proposed Wildwood Trailhead + Connection to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Property Owner: White Oak Land Company Mine Status: No active mines but evidence of activity, including AMD treatment facilities and refuse piles. Historical site of the Cranberry Mine.

Beckley, A Brief History

Coal Industry Decline European Settlers Arrive

Present-day Raleigh County Populated

It is believed that there were several settlers that explored through what is now Raleigh County, most notably John Peter Salley in 1742, Dr. Thomas Walker in 1750, and Christopher Gist in 1751.

1700 Pre-European Settlement

1750

Prior to the creation of European settlements there was a long established travel route for the Delaware, Mingoe, Ottawa, Seneca, Shawnee, Cherokee, and Catawba Tribes along Paint Creek.

This region was regularly used during the summer months as prime hunting and fishing lands. While this established route was used by many of the region’s tribes, it is believed that the Cherokee were most prominent throughout what is now Raleigh County. This resource rich region was home to these communities up until their forced relocation throughout the late 1700s and 1800s.

First Known Map Established

Starting in 1810, present day Raleigh County was being settled by Europeans. By 1815, more than 63 families had permanent dwellings in Raleigh County.

1800

Based on the explorations of Salley, Walker, and Gist, the first official map of what is now Raleigh County is developed and printed in London in 1755.

1850 Town of Beckley Established

Raleigh County Formed

The General Assembly of Virginia enacts legislation forming Raleigh County, the act written by Alfred Beckley.

Businesses start to be developed, beginning with a blacksmith.

1900

In April of 1838, the Virginia Assembly officially creates the town of Beckley, VA with its boundaries not to exceed 30-acres. Beckley was named after Alfred Beckley’s father John Beckley.

WV Turnpike

Construction of the West Virginia Turnpike, connecting Charleston to Beckley and Princeton further enhances transportation and economic development.

1950

Skelton Mine

Although the coal industry was thriving, coal production at the Skelton Mine ended around 1985. The WV coal industry activity would go on to peak in 1997, producing more than 180 million tons of coal.

2000

2010

National River Designation Chesapeake & Ohio Railway

A branch line is extended to Raleigh County in 1901, just outside of Beckley.

This begins to fuel transportation and economic growth. In 1906, Cranberry Fuel Co. opened the Skelton Mine outside of present day Beckley. By 1907, the first electric power generating plant is installed, providing electricity to the city.

At the same time, the Winding Gulf Coalfield opens and results in an influx of population. For the next century, the prominence of coal companies would influence rapid regional development.

The construction of the Virginian Railway begins, with the goal of boosting coal production and economic development.

In 1978, The New River Gorge is designated a National River. By 1988, the Gauly and Bluestone Rivers were also protected areas, starting a system of recreational lands in Southern WV.

The 1970s Energy Crisis

The energy crisis beginning in 1970 solidifies the importance of coal production. This demand bolsters Beckley’s economy and reinforces its role in the WV coal industry. Economic development begins to transform the Skelton area into the permier shopping center for Beckley.

Coal production begins to see a considerable decline starting in 2005. In 2012, large coal companies began filing for bankruptcies.

National Park Status

In 2021, the New River Gorge National River is redesignated as the New River Gorge Natonal Park and Preserve.

TODAY Beckley’s Future

Today’s coal production has slowed to less than 50% of peak production levels in 1997, from 180 million tons to less than 100 million, and continues to decline.

Beckley was able to weather this downturn better than most communities.

Located at the junction of three major roads (I-77 and I-64 and U.S. Route 19) and with a large population, it has become a magnet for businesses. Sustained growth, however, is a challenge for a variety of reasons, including housing afforadablility.

The city has identified outdoor recreation and the nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve as a method to continue growth and development of Beckley.

Masterplan Goals and Objectives

Comprehensive Plan Review

Following the review of regional and local comprehensive plans and a study of the existing site conditions in Beckley, the following goals and objectives were developed to provide a guiding vision for the project.

Goal 1 - Housing and Community Development:

Identify opportunities for new community development projects that diversify Beckley’s housing supply and create amenities that improve the quality of life for residents.

• Objective 1A: Establish new sites for residential development, offering a mix of small to mid-size rental and affordable homeownership units.

• Objective 1B: Create new residential housing solutions to support a growing 65+ demographic, ensuring accessibility and quality of life.

• Objective 1C: Promote recreation in new residential developments and integrate trails to connect program areas. Tie these new areas into existing transportation routes to foster a multi-modal transportation system.

• Objective 1D: Determine new opportunities for the development of parks and recreation facilities that are easily accessible by residential neighborhoods and complement Beckley’s existing parks and amenities.

• Objective 1E: Link Beckley’s residential neighborhoods to The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, solidifying the city’s position as a gateway community to the Park.

An overarching goal of the Former Mine Lands to Sustainable Lands project is to identify next generation land uses for former minelands that creates a sustainable and equitable future for the communities in which they are located. This includes having an understanding of current planning efforts in the region to best support their continued growth and development. This also allows for the identification of development opportunities that may be missed.

Goal 2 - Tourism:

Continue to expand Beckley’s position as a gateway community to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and leverage the city’s unique historical identity and assets to discover new attractions and amenities.

• Objective 2A: Envision new lodging possibilities for the city that continues to support the positive trend in tourism growth and further establishes Beckley as a regional gateway community into the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

• Objective 2B: Incorporate outdoor recreation programming into proposed designs to create unique amenities that expand and promote the ‘Outdoor Beckley’ branding.

• Objective 2C: Leverage Beckley’s mining heritage to create new attractions and programming for the city.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE

BECKLEY 2045

During the creation of this masterplan, a review of the region’s existing comprehensive plans provided insight into current initiatives and the future vision for the greater Beckley area.

It also highlighted challenges the area faces as they strive to achieve these goals. The documents shown below were included in this review.

BECKLEY OUTDOORS

Ou tdo o r Ec o no my Ac t i o n P la n

CASTING A COMPELLING VISION TO ENHANCE THE OUTDOOR ECONOMY, SMALL BUSINESS, AND QUALITY OF LIFE ADOPTED 6.25.2024

Beckley 2045: Comprehensive Plan Update (2024) • The 2024 update to Beckley’s 2014 Comprehensive Plan establishes a vision for the city’s future that is focused on 6 principles: Recreation + Tourism, Connectivity, Revitalization, Inclusivity, Cooperation, and Prosperity.

ADOPTED NOVEMBER 2024 • Reaffirms city’s commitment to recreation and tourism, emphasizing the need to integrate and connect Beckley to these outdoor resources.

• Document highlights need for missing ‘middle housing’ in the city.

• Document outlines city’s economic development vision and IDs target sectors - including manufacturing and outdoor recreation.

Beckley Outdoors: Outdoor Economy Action Plan (2024) • Plan establishes a road map to achieve Beckley’s vision of becoming a premier outdoor recreation destination for the region.

• Outlines key projects and opportunities to assist Beckley with achieving their vision.

• Some identified project opportunities are incorporated into concepts proposed in this masterplan.

• Guiding principles established in this Action Plan document create a outdoor recreation theme that is further explored in this masterplan.

Region I Planning & Development Council Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (2022) • Plan provides a comprehensive strategy for economic and community development for the multi county region of McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming counties.

• Document establishes regional housing needs and promotes tourism development in the counties.

• Document sets goal of developing alternate energy systems within the multi-county region.

• Encourages the identification of new economic development sites that are integrated with existing transportation systems.

Region I Planning & Development Council: Roadmap to Economic Recovery (2022) • As the region recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, several pre-pandemic trends re-emerged.

• This document performs a comprehensive analysis on these trends, IDs the region’s strengths and weaknesses pertaining to these trends, and suggests strategies for improvement.

• Several themes from the 3 other planning documents studied are consistent in this plan, including housing and infrastructure needs, employment and economic development goals and challenges, and a desire to utilize natural assets for tourism development.

Goal 4 - Sustainable Development Practices:

Goal 3 - Economic Development:

Cultivate sustainable economic growth by designing opportunities that foster innovation and support key industries in Beckley.

• Objective 3A: Identify areas for the development of new business and industry facilities in Beckley.

• Objective 3B: Leverage Beckley’s historical identity and assets to create new attractions and amenities for economic development.

• Objective 3C: Create innovative programming that reinforces Beckley’s ‘Outdoor Beckley’ brand and position the city as a premier outdoor and cultural destination in West Virginia.

Adopt sustainable design practices and technologies in the redevelopment of the former minelands that has minimal environmental impact. Protect and preserve the city’s natural resources.

• Objective 4A: Design development that blends harmoniously with the natural landscape, minimizing environmental disruption.

• Objective 4B: Preserve and protect Cranberry Creek’s headwaters, incorporating sustainable interventions that allow for low impact recreation and exploration.

• Objective 4C: Develop opportunities to implement sustainable energy technology on site that continues to diversify Beckley’s energy portfolio.

Cranberry Mine Properties Today

Parcels contianing the headwaters for Cranberry Creek present opportunity to create unique nature preserve close to Downtown Beckley. Opportunity to implement recreation to showcase preserve. Large, relatively flat areas above the headwaters present development opportunity. Presence of electric infrastructure lends site for solar electric use.

25 minutes to Fayetteville, WV

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Prosperity, WV

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Easy access to major transportation routes and surrounded by residential land uses creates a great opportunity to continue residential development here. Historical mine-related infrastructure presents opportunities for unique programming and recreation. Gradual slopes on land coud lend well to solar infrastructure.

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Engineered Cranberry Creek Creates Unique Restoration and Greenway Opportunity Commercial District

Heritage House Senior Living

Being located within or adjacent to Beckley ensures that public utilities are either on site or within a short distance to providing full public utility hookups. This helps to alleviate the large costs associated with bringing utilities to site.

• Water and Sewer: Provided by Beckley Sanitary Board.

• Electric: Provided by Appalachian Power.

• Waste Collection and Disposal: Multiple service providers in the area, including Beckley Garbage Disposal and Whitecap Waste.

• Cellular and Broadband Service: Cellular and broadband coverage is available on site by various providers.

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There continues to be a need for sites that welcome businesses to West Virginia. This area is adjacent to Beckley’s commercial district along Route 19. It is a short drive to Downtown Beckley and surrounding highways. This area provides the opportunity to expand the commercial district and existing housing for seniors.

Trails Opportunity: Identified trail opportunities and potential Cranberry Creek Greenway connects ID’d development properties together, connects to Beckley’s commercial district, and has potential to connect to Downtown Beckley and trails in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

1.25 mi to proposed Wildwood Trailhead + connection to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Commercial District

2 mi to Downtown Beckley, WV

Program Development

The following list of programs was developed for the Cranberry Mine Redevelopment Masterplan to envision projects that assist the city of Beckley with addressing known challenges and achieving their future growth plans. Each program is tied back to the defined goal it relates to. The projects proposed create a better quality of life for residents and establish economic development opportunities for the city. Local cultural and historical assets are preserved and celebrated. A unique restoration opportunity can be used to create a connection between neighborhoods and the New River Gorge Park and Preserve, further integrating Beckley into the outdoor recreation economy. To the right, an initial concept diagram begins laying out programs and shows how they relate to each other.

Multi - Family Residential Housing (Apartments and Town Homes) Preserve Natural Features for Recreation and Wildlife Viewing Incorporate Recreational Programming that Complements Existing Park System Preserve Historical Mining Infrastructure and Incorporate with New Community Uses Incorporate Solar Electric Infrastructure Where Possible Expand Senior Living Housing Trails to Connect Proposed Development Areas New Light Industrial Pad Sites New Campgrounds to Expand Visitor Lodging Re-naturalization of Cranberry Creek Corridor and Greenway Creation Create Cranberry Creek Headwaters Preserve and Incorporate Low Impact Recreation Trail Connection to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (For existing neighborhoods and new development)

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New River Gorge National Park Bridge Approx. 30 min. via US 19

Cranberry Mine Redevelopment Masterplan

The Cranberry Mine Redevelopment Masterplan envisions new growth opportunities for the City of Beckley that provides solutions to known community challenges, creates new economic opportunities, and integrates recreational programming to achieve comprehensive planning goals. Adjacent to the city’s Commercial District along Route 19, the masterplan is divided between 3 underused properties within or adjacent to city limits. Each of these properties have unique natural and cultural context that direct the designs, where surrounding land uses are expanded onto these new properties. Trails connect each property together and tie the new developments into the surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, the plan proposes for the restoration and re-naturalization of the Cranberry Creek Corridor as is travels through the Commercial District, along Route 19. Currently an engineered environment, this idea also includes the creation of a greenway along the creek.

This main pedestrian route will connect to the Wildwood Trailhead proposed in the 2024 Beckley Outdoors: Outdoor Economy Action Plan. From here, a direct connection can be made to trails in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (NRG NPP) via the proposed Piney Creek Preserve (also from the Outdoors plan). This significant tie in connects new and existing neighborhoods to the NRG NPP, strengthening Beckley’s position of being a Gateway Community to the 63rd National Park. With other city-wide projects aimed at incorporating recreation programming in progress, this final connection will make Beckley an adventure enthusiast’s haven.

The following pages in this document will explain each of the three focus areas in greater detail: 1. Project Site 1: Residential (150 Acres) - Initial project research concluded that Beckley is in need of community building projects that increase the supply of multi-family middle housing while incorporating amenities that improve the quality of life for residents.

The design of Site 1 is focused on residential development, providing a total of 442 new units in a variety of housing types, from apartment buildings to duplexes and town homes. Park related amenities are incorporated throughout the development, from trails to recreation fields and a playground. Unique historical elements related to the site’s mining identity are also preserved and re-purposed. A historic company store building is re-envisioned as a community event venue, community solar is implemented, and the historic rail bed serves as a great place for a multi-use trail.

Project Site 3: Power, Preservation, Recreation

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Prosperity, WV

Project Site 1: Residential

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2. Project Site 2: Industrial (80 Acres) - New economic development opportunities were also identified as a need from the start of the project. Site 2 provides 12 new light industrial sites adjacent to the City’s Commercial District, with opportunities to expand the design.

An existing senior housing facility is also expanded to better serve the community’s aging demographic.

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Downtown Beckley Approx. 8 min.

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3. Project Site 3: Power, Preservation, and Recreation (1,150 Acres) - This property includes Cranberry Creek’s headwaters and presents a unique opportunity for new renewable energy generation possibilities, visitor lodging, and recreation in close proximity to the city. This highly visible location can serve to raise awareness and educate the community on a variety of best development practices – from the importance of ecological preservation and nature based design solutions to the significance of utility scale renewable energy projects.

Approx. 1 mi. to Proposed Wildwood Trailhead + Connection to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

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Project Site 1: Residential

Wetland Nature Preserve

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Softball Field

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Court Games

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3.5 AC of Community Solar (On Restored AMD Treatment Facility)

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Historic New River Company Cranberry Store Preserved and Repurposed for Public Use

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Existing Rail Bed Converted Into Multi-Use Trail, to Light Industrial Area

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Amenities are designed throughout the community to promote recreation and sustainability while preserving unique site characteristics and historical features. Some key features include: • Preserves: Existing wetlands and forested hillsides are maintained as nature preserves, creating unique recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities for the community.

• Cranberry Store: The historic New River Company Cranberry Store is preserved and re-purposed for public use, such as a farmers market or community event facility.

• Community Solar: Restoration of an existing AMD treatment facility allows for 3.5 ac of community solar.

• New Recreation and Park Elements: A multi-use field, softball field, playground, and court games are included in the development. Proposed trails re-purpose existing roads.

• New Multi-Use Trail: Utilizes the existing rail bed to connect this site to U.S. Route 19. Full implementation of proposed projects have the potential to create a direct connection to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Creating this link will depend on the construction of projects proposed in the 2024 Beckley Outdoors masterplan, including the Wildwood Trailhead and Piney Creek Preserve.

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The multi-family neighborhood proposed on the former Cranberry Mine features a total of 442 new units. The concept responds to stated needs for greater diversity in Beckley’s housing supply, focused on non-single family residential housing types.

Complementing surrounding land uses, the layout of these residential buildings are designed to fit into the existing landscape and require minimal earthwork to implement.

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Project Site 2: Light Industrial Park

Site 2 of the Cranberry Mine Redevelopment Masterplan is focused on industrial and economic development, bringing new opportunities to Beckley. The plan envisions 12, 2 AC new pad sites for light industrial development. Adjacent to Beckley’s Commercial District along U.S. Route 19, this design complements and expands the existing commercial land uses. To the NW, an additional 28 AC have been identified for future expansion of the industrial park. Approx. 1 AC of solar has been identified for implementation, supplementing needed electricity with on site renewable alternatives for future tenants.

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Similar to the residential concept for site 1, trails connect areas of the site together and create a “greenway preserve” with wetlands and buffer zones. These trails tie into the multi – use trail that repurposes the existing rail bed. Implementation of ideas proposed in the plan, along with plans created by others, proposes a future connection to The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

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The proposed plan also considers existing businesses on site, seamlessly incorporating them into the final layout. In addition, the existing Heritage House Senior Living housing development is expanded, adding 60 new units with a central courtyard, walking paths, and opportunity for additional outdoor amenities. This fulfills a regional need to expand support for the growing 55+ demographic and provide needed resources that allow individuals to continue living fulfilling lives.

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Active Recreation

Project Site 3: Power, Preservation, Recreation

Active Recreation

Site 3 in the Cranberry Mine Redevelopment Masterplan creates a unique opportunity to incorporate renewable energy generation, recreational programming, and preserve the sensitive environment of Cranberry Creek’s headwaters – all within close proximity to the city! Ideas proposed can be divided into 3 categories:

Key Map

1. Power: Large swaths of relatively flat land at higher

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elevations on the property - remnants of the site’s historical mining land use - creates 340+ AC of ideal land for solar development. This has the potential to create 68 mega-watts of electricity, or power approximately 7,600 homes. Located behind Appalachian Power’s Administrative Building, the scale and visibility of the proposed concept can be used to raise awareness on renewable energy technology.

2. Preservation: Cranberry Creek begins in low valleys of the property. Protection of a stream’s headwaters is essential to preserving the ecological integrity of an overall watershed.

Establishing the proposed Cranberry Creek Preserve will help mitigate some of the negative consequences of urban development and protect the watershed. Light recreation uses through the preserve, such as trails, boardwalks, and wildlife viewing platforms, will give users a chance to observe this ecosystem’s flora and fauna. In addition, Cranberry Creek’s corridor through Beckley’s Commercial District is highly engineered and channelized. The plan proposes the restoration and naturalization of this corridor. A greenway can be established along the corridor that connects Site 3 to pedestrian circulation routes. This greenway is part of the link to connecting to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve via the Wildwood Trailhead.

3. Recreation: Beckley is a southern gateway into the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which has an ever growing annual visitorship. This property presents an opportunity to support this growth and increase the city’s lodging capacity through a proposed RV campground. In addition, much of the site lends well to active recreation programming. With its close proximity to the city and residential neighborhoods, trails and other opportunities proposed can serve both Beckley’s visitors and permanent residents.

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Campground at Cranberry Creek Preserve

Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens

The proposed campground at the Cranberry Creek Preserve creates an opportunity to increase Beckley’s lodging capacity and strengthen the city’s position of being a gateway community to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. There are limited campground lodging options in and around Beckley today. The proposed design will add recreation based lodging to the city and assist in creating the desired ‘Beckley Outdoors’ vision.

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Overlook

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Camp Site 1 (26 RV Sites, 3 Tent Sites)

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Camp Site 2 (51 RV Sites, 2 Buddy RV Sites, 6 Tent Sites)

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Camp Site 3 (67 RV Sites, 1 Buddy Sit, 11 Tent Sites)

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RV Camp Site (Typ.)

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RV Buddy Site (Typ.)

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Tent Site (Typ.)

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Bathhouse (Typ.)

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Existing Trail

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Proposed Highwall Park

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Parking Space

Pond

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Plan Key

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TYP. RV Site Layouts

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Stacking Lanes

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HIKING

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Welcome Center

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CK CLIMBING

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Picnic Seating Area

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Amenity Area:

Campground Entry off U.S. Route 19

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Picnic Seating Area Fire Pit Seating Area

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Mid-Range RV Spot

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Parking Space

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The campground is divided into 3 campsite areas, providing a total of 167 new RV and tent lodging sites for city visitors. Trails (both existing and proposed), overlooks, ponds, and highwall rock climbing parks provide recreational amenities for guests. The trails also create access to other areas of Site 3, including the proposed Cranberry Creek Preserve. From recreation enthusiasts to family vacationers, guests will have close access to Beckley’s amenities and services. Restoration of the Cranberry Creek Corridor and creation of the proposed greenway will create a direct connection from this campground to trails in the National Park in the future, via the Wildwood Trailhead and Piney Creek Preserve. (Proposed in 2024 Beckley Outdoors Plan)

Basic RV Spot

Existing Road to Connect to County Rt. 19-4 / Jim Bailey Farm Rd

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Key Map

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NORTH SCALE IN FEET 0’

400’

Connecting over

Recreation + Proposed Cranberry Creek Greenway

100 of trails Miles

Located an hour from Charleston and Bluefield, WV and 25 minutes outside of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Beckley is strategically located to be a prime gateway community to the 63rd National Park. The Cranberry Mine Redevelopment Masterplan proposes trail connections that work with proposed projects from the 2024 Beckley Outdoors Plan to connect the city and its neighborhoods to the National Park. This important connection is established through the proposed Cranberry Creek Greenway, linking the masterplan areas to the Commercial District.

From there, this greenway creates important connections to the Wildwood Trailhead and Piney Creek Preserve, following the E. Beckley Bypass. Future connections from Beckley’s neighborhoods to this trail will provide city residents with valuable access to the National Park and Preserve, giving access to the 100+ trails found within the park.

1.6 Million Annual Visitors

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Connections from Neighborhoods to Trail

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Minutes to

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eek Pre r Future Land Acquisition yC e in

Trail Connections to the NRG NPP is a part of the Beckley Outdoors Plan

Existing Cranberry Creek Corridor

Proposed Cranberry Creek Greenway

Site 2: Industrial

Charleston, WV

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il a r T e s e rv

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Wildwood Trailhead

WV Land Trust Property

to New River Gorge National Park

Beckley

Hour to

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Bluefield, WV

Direct Connection to NRG NP

Site 3: Recreational

Proposed Trail Connections

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National Park and Preserve New River Gorge

New River Gorge National Park Acres of Public Lands72K

Connections from Neighborhoods to Trail

Site 1: Residential

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Future Potential for Cranberry Creek Corridor Proposed Cranberry Creek Greenway

Connections from Neighborhoods to Trail

Raleigh County Memorial Airport