TOWN OF GLASGOW: THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN WV
Charleston
Kanawha City
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Located along Route 60 at the eastern edge of the Charleston metro area, Glasgow sits within easy reach of regional outdoor destinations and Upper Kanawha Valley recreation assets. Though the most distant of the three communities from Charleston, Glasgow maintains strong connectivity to the broader Route 60 corridor, providing a direct link west to Charleston and east toward Beckley and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The town also connects directly to Cedar Grove via the pedestrian bridge over the Kanawha River, creating an important walkable and bikeable connec‑ tion between river communities while reinforcing access to water‑based recreation along the Kanawha corridor. With close proximity to the Appalachian Outlaw Trails system and easy access to the nearby Mammoth Preserve, Glasgow is positioned as a quiet but well‑connected base for outdoor exploration within southern West Virginia. Strengthening riverfront access and enhancing trail linkages would further support Glasgow’s role as a gateway between the Upper Kanawha Valley’s growing adventure network, the Kanawha River, and major regional destinations such as Charleston, Beckley, and the New River Gorge.
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Dupont City
Appalachian Outlaw Trails
Appalachian Outlaw Trails
Belle Dickinson
Marmet
Regional Connections
Future Phases
Phase 01 (Under Construction)
Shrewsberry Chesapeake
Cedar Grove
Glasgow
Pratt
Chelyan
London
East Bank Proposed Rim Trail
Montgomery Cabin Creek Water Trail
Hansford
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Mammoth Preserve
WV Land Trust Project (Under Design) Smithers
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Proposed Rim Trail Proposed Rim Trail
Paint Creek Water Trail + Rail Trail
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Town of Glasgow Nestled along the Kanawha River in the Upper Kanawha Valley, the Town of Glasgow is a small but enduring community in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Incorporated in 1920 and covering less than half a square mile, Glasgow’s identity is shaped by its riverfront setting, mountain landscape, and close‑knit population. Much of the town’s mid‑20th‑century stability was tied to the nearby AEP Kanawha River Plant, which opened in 1953 and was considered one of the most efficient power plants in the nation. For over six decades, the plant served as Glasgow’s economic and social anchor—providing steady employment and supporting local businesses and families—until its closure in May 2015 marked a major transition marked by job losses and population decline. By the 2020 Census, Glasgow had approximately 703 residents, with recent estimates remaining near that level. The town’s population is predominantly White and skews older, reflecting long‑term residency and limited in‑migration
Reopened Glasgow Library
following industrial decline. Despite its size, Glasgow maintains several important community amenities. The Municipal Building, with a new gym and updated library, serves as a central gathering place, while the Senior Center hosts local programming and events. Glasgow City Park offers a playground, tennis court, picnic areas, and green space, alongside a closed pool and pool house that reflect the town’s recreational past. A pedestrian bridge connects Glasgow to Cedar Grove, reinforcing regional ties, and river access points support boating and fishing. Shaped by its industrial legacy and riverfront setting, and sustained by deep generational roots, Glasgow continues to embody a strong sense of place and community amid ongoing regional change.
AEP Kanawha River Plant 1952
Glasgow Pool 1973
Glasgow Fire Department
The Valley Masterplan (2019) Kelly’s Creek Trail
Starting in Cedar Grove, cycle enthusiasts can enjoy a 24 mile share the road path to Pond Gap that offers a steady uphill climb and waves through the mountains. Kelly’s Creek Trail will connect users to the proposed Blue Creek Rail Trail and to the north entrance of the Mammoth Recreation Area, where more trails and adventures await.
Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements
Glasgow City Park
View of Glasgow
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This existing boat ramp offers a great opportunity to revitalize the river access for Glasgow. Enhancements to circulation, parking, and pedestrian and ADA access will improve usage for the residents and attract new visitors to Glasgow. Located in the upper portion of the Marmet pool, the Glasgow Boat Ramp offers a great pull-in and take-out location for the water trail users.
Cedar Grove
North Rim Trailhead
Located in Cedar Grove, the North Rim Trailhead offers a starting point for various trail users. Positioned at the start of Kelly’s Creek Trail and along the North Rim Trail, the trailhead will be a hub for recreational activity. This location brings that traffic through the town and provides opportunities for economic stimulus to Cedar Grove and Glasgow. The North Rim Trail is a part of the overall community connection and tourism attractor, for “The Valley” making this trailhead an important contributor to the larger trail network.
Senior Center
Boat Launch Views
View The Valley Masterplan Here!
Glasgow
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Site Inventory NORTH
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1 Entrance Road
2 Maintenance Road
3 Fire Station
4 Glasgow Pool
5 Pool Building
6 Picnic Area
7 Playground & Courts
8 Thompkins Ave
9 Sewage Plant
10 Pedestrian Bridge
11 Boat Parking
12 Boat Ramp Access
13 Boat Launch
14 Senior Center
15 Municipal Building
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Site Analysis
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Town of Cedar Grove Connection *Clear and Safe Connection to Town of Cedar Grove. Towns Amenity & Recreation Areas*
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Primary Site Access
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7 Town Property
*Town Owned Property with Town Storage Building and Fire Station. Fire Station to be removed o reused once New Station Opens.*
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Pedestrian Bridge
*Good Condition, Creates Good Pedestrian Connection Between Cedar Grove and Glasgow*
Sewage Plant
*Needs Screened with Dense, Fragrant Plantings*
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6 Existing Pool Facilities
1 Boat Amenities
*Pool Building is Vacant and in Poor Condition. Pool is Vacant and in Poor Condition with Opportunities to Reuse Hot Tub as Splashpad.*
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6 Glasgow City Pool
7 Fire Station
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*Good Playground Equipment & Tennis Court, Close Proximity to Cedar Grove Connection and Other Amenities in Glasgow. Open Space Near Court Used as Burn Pile, Large Space to Reimagine Amenity area*
Existing Railroad *Active*
*Good, Walkable Location, Doubles as Event Center*
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*11 Boat Parking Spaces, Lot Space Could be Maximized. Steep OneWay Road to Single Boat Launch and Fishing Area. Opportunity to Expand Fishing Dock and Boat Launch, Turn Radius is Very Tight with Limited Access to the Boat Launch. Amazing Views of the River. Primary Access Along Kelly’s Creek is Not Ideal for Trailer Traffic.
The Town of Glasgow contains a concentrated cluster of municipal recreational assets with strong redevelopment potential, anchored by an abandoned pool and pool building that once served as a major community hub. This structure sits beside a public playground, a functioning tennis court, and a large open green space—all town‑owned—which together form a unified recreation zone well suited for new amenities and expanded programming. The combination of available land and existing infrastructure creates a promising foundation for a coordinated improvement strategy. The riverfront adds further opportunity. A public boat launch is accessed by a steep one‑way road leading to a tight‑radius launch point, creating maneuverability challenges for many users. Nearby, a small fishing area provides access to the water but is limited in size and difficult to reach on foot, reducing overall usability. These issues highlight clear opportunities to improve circulation, safety, and shoreline accessibility. Above the river access, the 11‑space boat‑trailer lot could be reconfigured to improve circulation, safety, and capacity. The space could also better support event parking or provide stronger pedestrian connections across the site. All amenities lie within easy walking distance and sit close to the senior center, which doubles as an event venue—creating opportunities for integrated programming and community activities. With the pedestrian bridge to Cedar Grove in good condition, the area is well positioned to grow into a shared recreation hub that strengthens connections between the two towns and enhances regional access to the riverfront. The close proximity of the boat launch, senior center, Glasgow City Park, and the municipal building presents strong opportunities to strengthen pedestrian connections across the site. With targeted improvements, existing paths and underutilized spaces could be linked into a clear, accessible network that supports everyday use, events, and intergenerational activity.
Glasgow Municipal Building *Municipal Building Serves as Library, Recreation Center with an Updated Gym, and Town Hall.
Glasgow Concept
The Glasgow Master Plan enhances the community’s riverfront and park amenities while improving recreation, accessibility, and circulation. Entering from 1st Street, visitors access a redesigned boat launch featuring a reversed one-way ramp system that allows trucks and trailers to efficiently launch boats or kayaks and exit smoothly via Thompkins Avenue. The boat launch is nearly double its current size and includes a dedicated fishing area and a proposed riverside trail that offers scenic views of the Kanawha River. Adjacent to the launch, a proposed bait and rental shop provides equipment rentals, ADA-accessible parking, trailer parking, and picnic areas that create a welcoming gathering space for visitors. Additional trailer parking and proposed vegetative screening have been strategically located to help buffer views of the existing sewage treatment plant and improve the overall visitor experience. The existing Glasgow City Park is envisioned as a vibrant recreation destination with an upgraded playground, a new splash pad that pays tribute to the community’s former pool, and a proposed skatepark. The former pool building would be renovated to provide concessions, restrooms, and indoor activity space, while the relocation of the existing firehouse creates an opportunity for expanded parking to support increased park use. Along Kelly’s Creek, the existing terrain and vegetation provide an ideal setting for a youth mountain bike training course, adding a unique outdoor recreation opportunity. Together, these improvements transform Glasgow City Park and the riverfront into a connected recreational hub that celebrates the town’s history while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Proposed Mountain Bike Training Area (12,500 sqft.)
Proposed Proposed Walking Playground Path (7,500 sqft.) Existing Sewage Plant
Proposed Bait Shop & Rental Facility
Proposed Trailer Parking
Proposed Vegetative Screening
Proposed Skate Park (10,000 sqft.)
Proposed Splash Pad (6,000 sqft.)
Proposed Parking Lot
Proposed Art Garden
Proposed Boat Drop-off Exit
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Proposed Trailer Parking 1st
Proposed Fishing Dock
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Proposed Boat Launch Access Proposed Riverside Trail
Proposed Parking & Picnic Areas Existing Senior Center NORTH
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