Rock Creek Recreation Masterplan by cecinc

Pennsylvania Ohio

BOONE COUNTY

Hamlin

PROJECT SITE

Dunbar Alum Creek

LINCOLN COUNTY PROJECT SITE

Kentucky

Virginia

Mud River Wildlife Management Area

Altman

Adams Julian

Bulger

North Carolina

Site Introduction

The Rock Creek Development Park, formerly the Hobet Mine site, spans more than 25,000 acres across Boone and Lincoln Counties in southern West Virginia. Located outside the Town of Danville, which is directly along U.S. Route 119, one of the region’s primary north–south transportation corridors. From this central location, Charleston is less than an hour away, and Huntington and Beckley are within 90 minutes. Over 2.1 million people live within a three-hour drive, making Rock Creek one of the most accessible large-scale recreation and development opportunities in Appalachia. For decades, this landscape was defined by its role in the coal industry. Southern West Virginia’s coalfields fueled the growth of the state’s economy and powered industries across the country. The Hobet Mine, once the largest surface mine in the state, was a symbol of both the scale and the challenges of the extraction industry. It employed thousands of miners over its lifetime and left a lasting imprint on the land. However, with the industry’s decline, the region experienced steep job losses, population decline, and a lack of new economic investment. Communities once tied to steady employment in coal have faced shrinking tax bases, fewer services,

Big Ugly Wildlife Management Area

PROJECT SITE

and limited opportunities for the next generation. The closure of Hobet and similar operations across the southern coalfields reflects a broader story of transition. Oncevibrant towns built around extraction have struggled to find new identities, and large tracts of reclaimed land remain underutilized. While northern and central parts of the state have seen more diverse economic growth, southern counties continue to lag behind, grappling with unemployment and limited access to new industries. The Rock Creek Development Park represents one of the most significant opportunities to reverse this trend. Transforming the property once into a hub for recreation, business, and conservation, Rock Creek serves as a model for adaptive reuse in Appalachia. It introduces unique tourism opportunities not currently available in West Virginia while also providing a foundation for longterm economic development. With its central location, scale, and accessibility, this site has the potential to kick start new investment in the region and to help create a sustainable path forward for communities of the southern coalfields.

Van Camp

Cameo

Rock Creek

Danville Spurlockville

Mining History N/A Completely Released 797 Acres N/A Phase 2 Released, Revegetated 1,090 Acres Hobet 21 West Ridge Surface Active, Reclamation Only 6,760 Acres

Anchor

N/A Active, No Coal Removed 1,001 Acres West Ridge No. 2 Surface Mine Active, Reclaimed 2868 Acres

Property Owner: West Virginia Economic Development Authority Mine Status: Phase 2 Released & Active Reclaimed Size: Approx. 25,000 AC

Conceptual Design by GAI

Project Vision

The Hobet mine site, which will be referred to as the Rock Creek Development Park throughout the master plan has been the subject of several studies, reuse plans, and research projects. However, few have made it past the initial investigation. In 2016, two consultant teams, GAI and Community Solutions Group, developed a strategic plan and marketing analysis for the Rock Creek Development Park. Their plan became the first comprehensive vision for repurposing the former Hobet Mine. The plan identified the site’s unique advantages: more than 25,000 acres of contiguous, relatively flat land, direct access to U.S. Route 119 and regional rail, and utility infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale industry. GAI’s work emphasized the potential for industrial, commercial, and residential development, positioning Rock Creek as one of the most versatile redevelopment opportunities in Appalachia. Their framework explored infrastructure needs, site suitability, and flexible land-use configurations that could accommodate major manufacturing tenants to mixeduse community hubs.

While the GAI plan provided a strong foundation for infrastructure and economic redevelopment, this Rock Creek Master Plan takes the next step by layering recreation, conservation, and tourism into the mix. This expanded vision transforms the reclaimed mine into a world-class outdoor destination introducing program areas such as mountain biking, ATV resorts, rustic camping, sport aviation, and backcountry preserves. By complementing GAI’s industrial and residential framework with new recreation opportunities, the masterplan ensures Rock Creek can deliver both economic diversification and nationally significant visitor experiences, securing its place as a cornerstone of southern West Virginia’s future.

Project Goals and Objectives Goal 1: Transform one of West Virginia’s largest reclaimed mine sites into a regional and national model for recreation, conservation, and tourism • Objective 1A: Develop six interconnected program areas: Recreation Park, Gravity Mountain Bike Park, Gates of Hell ATV Resort, Rustic Camping & Mudding Valley, Sport Aviation Aerodrome, and Nature Preserves & Big Ugly Backcountry. • Objective 1B: Connect program areas through a network of trails and roads to create a seamless visitor experience. • Objective 1C: Foster partnerships with state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and private operators to ensure long-term sustainability and economic impact.

Goal 2: Work within the existing landforms, reclamation features, and Rock Creek Development plan to minimize earthwork and site clearing to highlight the unique character of the site and region. • Objective 2A: Take advantage of reclaimed benches for development of campgrounds, fields, and other program elements. • Objective 2B: Position cabins, overlooks, and scenic destinations along the ridges. • Objective 2C: Activate valleys for off-road recreation, creating water features and other program elements that respect the sites topography. • Objective 2D: Integrate the program elements into GAI’s plan’s land-use recommendations to ensure that the recreational elements blend together alongside economic and industrial development.

Goal 3: Diversify West Virginia’s outdoor economy by introducing new tourism opportunities. • Objective 3A: Establish the sport aviation aerodrome to create a unique attraction not currently available in the region. • Objective 3B: Design dedicated facilities based around off-roading and motor-sport-based recreation to add to the already existing ATV recreation economy. • Objective 3C: Create inclusive opportunities such as adaptive hunting and adaptive biking to ensure accessibility for visitors of all abilities.

Goal 4: Strengthen southern West Virginia’s recreation network by complementing existing destinations like Hatfield-McCoy Trails, Chief Logan State Park and the New River Gorge National Park.

LEGEND

1,200

Scale 1” = 1,200’

2,400

4,800

SITE BOUNDARY ROADWAYS LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (600 ACRES) RESIDENTIAL (775 ACRES) TOWN CENTER (300 ACRES) EMPLOYMENT / INDUSTRIAL (300 ACRES) SOLAR (3,500 ACRES)

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (PHASE I) AMENITY AREA

AMERICARBON

CSX RAIL LOADING

RESIDENTIAL (PHASE II)

RECREATION | TRAILS (PHASE II)

A GAI Consultants, Inc. Service Group

Hobet Property Framework Concept Plan | Phasing Plan

SOLAR DEVELOPMENT

500 Lee Street East Suite 700 Charleston, West Virginia 25301 T 304.926.8100 gaiconsultants.com/communitysolutions

• Objective 4B: Connect trail networks and program areas in ways that link with larger regional tourism initiatives.

SOLAR DEVELOPMENT

TOWN CENTER (PHASE II)

• Objective 4A: Position Rock Creek as a complementary destination by offering experiences not available elsewhere in the region.

RESIDENTIAL (PHASE II)

• Objective 4C: Partner with existing operators, outfitters, and visitor bureaus to market Rock Creek as a part of a broader statewide initiative.

AMENITY AREA

SOLAR DEVELOPMENT

AMENITY AREA

EMPLOYMENT (VARIOUS LOT SIZES)

Goal 5: Balance conservation and recreation by establishing nature preserves, wildlife corridors, and habitat reintroduction areas. • Objective 5A: Establish wildlife reintroduction zones for elk, bison, ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, and other native species. • Objective 5B: Protect ecological assets through nature preserves and backcountry areas. • Objective 5C: Integrate wildlife corridors into the design to ensure connectivity between habitats.

Nature Preserve

Program and Concept Development GAI and Community Solutions Group presented CEC with a conceptual design for Rock Creek Development Park, along with plans to develop a recreational program missing from their original vision. Their plan placed residential and industrial uses on the easternmost side, with the rest divided between solar energy and recreation. Review and analysis revealed opportunities to use flat areas, benches from past mining, existing haul roads, and natural ridges and valleys to create a diverse recreational program, positioning the site as a tourism destination. The program builds on existing recreational industries while introducing unique ideas to the state, all designed to work

• Wildlife Corridors • Animal Re-Establishment Zones • Elk • Bison • Ruffed Grouse • Northern Flying-Squirell • Bob White Quail • Eco-Tourism Areas • Wildlife Viewing Towers

within existing landforms to minimize earth movement. A key goal was connecting new recreation areas to planned neighborhoods through trails and existing roads. The Rock Creek Development Park Recreation Master Plan is broken down into six major programmatic pieces: 1. Sport Aviation Aerodrome 2. Rustic/Primitive Camping 3. Gates of Hell ATV Resort 4. Recreation Park Area 5. Gravity Mountain Bike Park 6. Nature Preserves & Big Ugly Backcountry

Mountain Bike Park • Bike Village • Welcome Area • Check-In • Store / Repair Shop • Rentals • Camp Sites • Cabins • Bike Park • Gravity Trails

Resort Area

Remote Camping

• Tent Sites • Group Campground • Truck and Trailer Parking • Mud Bogging Track

• RV Campgrounds • Tent Sites • Cabins • Resort Hotel • Amphitheater • Day Use Facilities

Recreation Park

• Large Flat Areas for Parks, Fields, Multi-use Areas • Recreational Lake • Trail Development Areas • Adaptive Hunting Program

Sport Aviation Aerodrome • 2,000’ Grass Runway • Fly-In Campground • T Hangers • Control Tower • RV Campground • Cabins • Event Parking

Gates of Hell ATV Resort • Off-Road Trail Skill Areas • ATV Trails • Connections to Resort and Camping Areas • Trail Head Areas

Big Ugly Backcountry

• Over 5,000-acres • Hunting Opportunities • Wildlife Corridors • Animal Re-Establishment Zones • Elk • Bison •Backcountry Recreation • Hiking • Biking

Nature Preserve

• Wildlife Corridors • Animal Re-Establishment Zones • Elk • Bison • Ruffed Grouse • Northern Flying-Squirell • Bob White Quail • Eco-Tourism Areas • Wildlife Viewing Towers

NORTH

Ru ass nway r G

To Mudbog Area and Primitive Campground

Plan Key

rlook Cabin e v

2000’ Grass Runway

Display Area for Fly-Ins

Fly-In Campground (15 Spaces)

Hidden Valley Campground • 27 Class A RV Sites • 2 Bathhouses • Amenity Area

T-Hangers

10 Foot Launched Aircraft Area

Taxiway

Fuel Station

12 Plane Viewing Park

Vendor Area

13 Shuttle Pick-Up / Drop-Off

Admission, Concession, Restrooms

11 Overlook Cabins (13)

AIR

L A N E S HO

14 Event Parking (500 Spaces)

3 5

e/Unmann e

2 13 8

TION EVEN IA

6 14

ra Pa

-Motorin

g Unit Totals

To Gates of Hell Resort and ATV Resort, Recreation Park, and Mountain Bike Park

The Sport Aviation Aerodrome is one of the most unique elements of the Rock Creek plan, introducing an entirely new tourism market to West Virginia. The design leverages flat benches and open airspace to establish a 2,000-foot grass runway, suitable for planes up to the size of a Cessna 172 as well as ultralights, paramotors, and drones. Supporting the runway are a control tower, fuel station, and vendor areas, along with event parking for 500 vehicles. Around the airfield, three lodging clusters provide options for visitors: a 15-site fly-in campground for pilots, 13 overlook cabins on ridges with direct views of the runway, and a 27-unit

RV campground with bathhouses. Special zones are designated for unmanned aircraft, paramotoring, and paragliding, expanding the appeal to multiple user groups. Modeled after national case studies like Oshkosh, Sun ’n Fun, Crow Island, and Stanton Airfield, the aerodrome is designed for both annual festivals and year-round use. STEM-focused education events, fly-ins, and aviation showcases ensure that the facility can drive both tourism and workforce development, all while working within reclaimed benches and open valleys.

Overlook Cabins

Hidden Valley Campground

Total Lodging Units

KEY MAP

Fly-In Campground Detail

NATURE PRESERVE

60’

RECREATION PARK PRIMITIVE CAMPING

NATURE PRESERVE

60’

Sport Aviation Aerodrome

Fly in Campground

SPORT AVIATION AERODROME

RESORT GATES OF HELL ATV RESORT

NORTH 0’

150’

NATURE PRESERVE

MTN. BIKE PARK

Case Study Profile Sports aviation parks and facilities provide a mix of recreation, community, and economic development by attracting aviation enthusiasts through grassroots initiatives and large-scale aviation events. Across the United States there are just a handful of dedicated sport aviation parks, and they have become an important part of supporting the community of sport aviation and aviation hobbyists, creating unique destinations that can draw substantial tourism revenue. Aviation events such as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin and Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo in Florida demonstrate the immense scale of what aviation-centered programming can achieve. These events generate hundreds of millions of dollars in local economic impact while continuing to build and cultivate a strong sports aviation community through education, partnerships, and public engagement. West Virginia may not have the opportunity to host events quite as large as AirVenture and Sun ‘N Fun, however, the success of Crow Island Airpark in Massachusetts and Stanton Airfield in Minnesota shows that smaller sport aviation facilities can thrive and build local and regional communities. By modeling programming on these examples, a sport aviation park in West Virginia could open a new avenue for tourism, create meaningful STEM education opportunities, and contribute to regional economic growth while introducing a unique recreational attraction to the state. These four case studies, two events and two year round facilities, provide some insight to the benefits that could be possible for West Virginia.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh •One of the largest aviation events in the world, with over 600,000 visitors each year. •A showcase of thousands of aircraft from vintage planes to experimental aircrafts. •Offers a variety of events from workshops and training to air shows and career fairs •Generates over $500 million in economic impact for the local area. •Helps to grow a stronger aviation culture through partnerships with the FAA, aviation manufacturers, and various aviation schools

Sun n’ Fun Aerospace Expo •Second largest aviation event in the U.S. •Various aircrafts from vintage to experimental aircraft •Hosts daily air shows, night displays, educational events and trainings, youth programs •Serves as a fundraising event for Aerospace Center for Excellence which supports STEM education •National and Global Attendance •Provides nearly 250 million dollars in local tourism revenue each year. While these events are large in comparison to what could take place at a smaller venue or airpark, they can serve as models for what a successful event can do. Smaller facilities could take advantage of the following opportunities to help build a local aviation culture while driving economic growth for the area:

•Host Community Fly-In Events •Aviation Education Events / Training •STEM Education Partnerships •Aircraft Showcase Events •Historic Flights / Reenactments •Pilot Networking Events •Niche Aircraft Amenities, Experimental Aircraft, Paragliding, Paramotoring, Drones

Crow Island Crow Island Airpark has a primary focus on ultralight and light sport aircrafts. It has become a popular destination for hobbyist pilots across the Northeast. The location is a privately owned turf airstrip that is located along the Assabet River. It has been primarily built through community driven grassroots efforts by the ultralight aviation community. Existing Features: • • • • • • •

2,200’ Grass Runway Hangers and tie-downs Picnic and camping areas Adjacent recreational opportunities Local fly-ins and aviation events Strong local aviation culture No control tower

Stanton Airfield Stanton airfield is widely known for the preservation of vintage aviation and educational programs, making it a place to truly experience vintage aircraft while also a place to train the next generation of pilots. Stanton Airfield maintains a World-War 2 era airfield with a large number of users flying vintage gliders and tailwheel aircraft. The offer year-round training, education and tour events, and have become a popular destination for local gatherings where people can engage with sport aviation as a hobby. Existing Features: • • • • •

Two Grass Runways • 1,970’ • 2,550’ Hangars and tie-downs, fuel, light maintenance, and basic visitor amenities Home to Stanton Sport Aviation, an educational organization Historical Aviation Displays, WW2 history Regular Fly-In Events

Crow Island AirPark

Stanton Airfield

AirVenture OshKosh

Para-motoring

Crow Island AirPark

Stanton Airfield

Sun n’ Fun AirShow

Drone Flights / Unmanned Aircraft

Primitive Camping Areas

For visitors seeking a more rugged experience built into existing landforms using existing roads where possible, the Rustic Camping Area provides 51 sites distributed across ridgetops, benches, and remote clearings. Group camps on benches serve families or off-road clubs, while remote campsites on ridges offer solitude and sweeping views. These campsites are accessed utilizing an existing dirt road that loops around the landscape.

To Nature Preserve

The focal point of this area is the full-scale mud bogging track, complete with bleachers, a staging zone, and day-use parking for trucks and trailers. Designed for large-scale events and festivals, the track ensures Rock Creek has a signature product to attract both participants and spectators.

Campsite Layout (typ)

Rid

to ge

p Camp si

s te

p Camp S it

The camping and mudding areas are directly connected to the ATV resort through the designated Mudding Valley trail corridor, allowing visitors to move seamlessly between the two areas. Together, the resort and rustic camping form a complete off-road tourism system that works across multiple visitor types—from festival-goers to backcountry campers.

u ro

12 13

2 12

am ch C psite n e

Camp sit ote m

3 11 5

To Sport Aviation Aerodrome

To Gates of Hell Resort & ATV Resort

7 6

KEY MAP

Plan Key

NATURE PRESERVE

400’ Shut Down Area

Entry Road

Truck and Trailer Parking (54 Spaces)

10 Mudding Valley

Parking (133 Spaces)

11 Bench Campsites

Mud Bogging Track

12 Ridgetop Campsites

Staging Area

13 Remote Campsites

Bleachers

14 Valley Trail Access

Parking (25 Spaces)

Support Building

RECREATION PARK

Unit Totals

PRIMITIVE CAMPING

Bench/Group Campsites

Ridgetop Campsites

Remote Campsites

Total Lodging Units

NATURE PRESERVE

SPORT AVIATION AERODROME

RESORT GATES OF HELL ATV RESORT

NORTH 0’

150’

NATURE PRESERVE

MTN. BIKE PARK

Gates of Hell ATV Resort

The Gates of Hell ATV Resort builds on the state’s already strong off-road culture and aligns with national trends in motorized recreation. The design layers multiple lodging options across the site: 186 RV sites, 54 cabins perched on ridges, 147 tent sites, and a 60-room lodge. Combined, the resort offers nearly 450 accommodations, catering to everyone from family groups to large off-road clubs.

In the valley bottom, the plan designates day-use staging areas for 86 trucks and trailers, with direct connections to both onsite trails and the HatfieldMcCoy system. This ensures the resort functions as a basecamp and a gateway into hundreds of miles of trail.

10 12

At the heart of the resort sits a 40,000-squarefoot lodge paired with a 3,000-seat amphitheater. These facilities are designed to host concerts, festivals, and large gatherings, bringing a second revenue stream beyond off-road recreation.

The result is a resort that doubles as both a tourism destination and an economic engine for the region. Its strategic location along the main access road and proximity to existing trail networks makes it a natural hub for ATV enthusiasts. The site’s varied topography creates opportunities for unique camping experiences, from ridge-top views to secluded valley sites, all while showcasing the area’s dramatic scenery. By leveraging these advantages, the design transforms this property into the premier off-road destination in the region, making it a true ATV hub that connects people, landscape, and adventure.

3 4

3 5 8 9 7

5 2

NORTH 0’

To Sport Aviation Aerodrome Area

150’

KEY MAP

112 46 28 54 147 60

Total Lodging Units

387

im Ca

Plan Key

NATURE PRESERVE

s in

Plateau Top RV Campground Midway RV Campground Back Valley RV Campground Canyon Rim Cabins Back Valley Tent Sites Resort Lodging (Rooms)

on R ny

Unit Totals

To Gates of Hell ATV Resort Area and Recreation Park

RECREATION PARK PRIMITIVE CAMPING

NATURE PRESERVE

SPORT AVIATION AERODROME

RESORT GATES OF HELL ATV RESORT

NATURE PRESERVE

MTN. BIKE PARK

Entry Road

Amenity Area

Day Use Truck and Trailer Parking (86 Spaces)

Hill Top Off-Road Area

Parking (734 Spaces)

10 Plateau Top RV Campground

Resort (40,000 Sq. Ft.)

11 Midway RV Campground

Valley Bottom Off-Road Area

12 Canyon Rim Cabins

Amphitheater

13 Back Valley RV Campground

Welcome Center

14 Back Valley Tent Camping

Gates of Hell ATV Resort - Phasing

Future Phases As Needed

PHASE 5 14

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4

Phase 5

Future Phase

PHASE 2

3 3

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

3 9

3 5

PHASE 1

PHASE 01 - Day Use Area The initial phase establishes a welcoming gateway with an entrance area, day-use parking, and staging facilities for ATV riders and visitors. This area provides immediate functionality for trail access, short-term recreation, and site orientation, setting the foundation for expanded uses.

PHASE 04 - Amphiteater + Additional Parking Phase four enhances the resort’s event-hosting capacity by adding an outdoor amphitheater for concerts, festivals, and gatherings. Additional parking is incorporated to support larger crowds and special programming, strengthening the site’s role as a regional destination.

PHASE 02 - RV Campground The second phase introduces a modern RV campground designed to attract long-stay visitors. With pull-through sites, utilities, and amenities tailored to RV users, this area extends the visitor season and brings in families and groups traveling with larger vehicles.

PHASE 05 - Expanded Camping The fifth phase brings additional camping opportunities to the site, increasing both RV and tent camping options. This ensures the resort can accommodate peak visitation periods and special events while diversifying lodging experiences.

PHASE 03 - Cabins / Campsites The third phase expands overnight capacity with a variety of cabins and tent camping options. These accommodations highlight the scenic ridges and valleys of the site, offering both rustic and comfortable lodging that complements the surrounding trail system.

FUTURE PHASES - Resort + Expanded Camping Looking ahead, future phases envision a full-service resort complex with expanded camping areas, additional cabins, and amenities such as food service, indoor gathering spaces, and event facilities. This ultimate buildout will position Gates of Hell ATV Resort as a signature attraction in southern West Virginia, balancing outdoor recreation, hospitality, and entertainment.

Plan Key 1 Entry Road

5 Valley Bottom Off-Road Area

9 Hill Top Off-Road Area

13 Back Valley RV Campground

2 Day Use Truck & Trailer Parking (86 Spaces)

6 Amphitheater

10 Plateau Top RV Campground

14 Back Valley Tent Camping

3 Parking (734 Spaces)

7 Welcome Center

11 Midway RV Campground

4 Resort (40,000 Sq. Ft.)

8 Amenity Area

12 Canyon Rim Cabins

Recreation Park The Recreation Park is designed as the central gathering place for Rock Creek, balancing everyday amenities for residents with attractions that can draw visitors. Mining activity left wide, flat benches here, which are now repurposed for active recreation. These areas provide 139 acres of sports fields, courts, playgrounds, and community gathering spaces, ensuring that local neighborhoods have direct access to high-quality facilities. Surrounding these benches, 649 acres of sloped woodland offer opportunities for a network of hiking, biking, and ATV trails. These trails wind along ridges and through valleys, creating varied experiences while allowing for reforestation and conservation of native species.

Neighborhood Connector

At the park’s heart lies a 32-acre lake designed for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and family picnics. The lake is connected to each neighborhood by both road and trail, making it a shared amenity for all.

Town Connector

Recreation Area • • • •

On the wooded edge of the park, a unique program sets Rock Creek apart: adaptive hunting access. Specially designed blinds, stabilized paths, and vehicle access routes allow hunters of all abilities to participate in West Virginia’s outdoor traditions. Modeled after case studies such as Back in the Woods Again and LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve, this program positions Rock Creek as a national leader in inclusive recreation.

Road Connection all Fiel seb ds a B

Trail Area • • •

Sports Fields Courts Playgrounds Community Gathering Spaces

Walking Trails Neighborhood Connectors Trail Connectors

orts Courts

Road Connection Trail Connector

Pla

ygrounds

Neighborhood Connector KEY MAP NATURE PRESERVE

RECREATION PARK PRIMITIVE CAMPING

Trail Area • • NORTH

•

Walking Trails Neighborhood Connectors Trail Connectors

NATURE PRESERVE

SPORT AVIATION AERODROME

RESORT GATES OF HELL ATV RESORT

NATURE PRESERVE

Recreation Area Positioned along the edge of the park, this recreation area acts as a welcoming gateway between the town and its green spaces. Its playgrounds, athletic fields, and courts provide opportunities for active play, while shaded seating and gathering zones invite residents to linger and socialize.

cc So

Directly connected to nearby streets and sidewalks, the space encourages easy access for pedestrians and cyclists, strengthening the link between neighborhoods and the park. This thoughtful integration makes the area a lively extension of the town, where recreation and community life naturally intersect.

Recreation Area

Town Connector

hood Conn or

Courts & Fields

s tion ing Sp

Neighborhood Connector

h er at

Walking Paths

Gathering Spaces

Neig hb

Sports Fields Courts Playgrounds Community Gathering Spaces

er Field s

Play Areas

• • • •

Trail Connector

KEY MAP NATURE PRESERVE

Trail Area • • •

Walking Trails Neighborhood Connectors Trail Connectors

RECREATION PARK PRIMITIVE CAMPING

NATURE PRESERVE

SPORT AVIATION AERODROME

RESORT GATES OF HELL ATV RESORT

NATURE PRESERVE

NORTH

Lake & Trail Area The trail system weaves through the park’s wooded slopes, creating a dynamic experience that connects neighborhoods to the heart of Rock Creek. Meandering along ridges and valleys, the main trail embraces the natural contours of the land before curving around the 32-acre lake. This scenic corridor offers opportunities for

alk W

ing Trai

hiking, biking, and casual walks, with framed views of water and forest enhancing the sense of immersion. Multiple neighborhood spurs tie directly into the trail, ensuring residents have seamless access to both the lake and the broader recreation network. Together, these connections foster an active lifestyle while reinforcing the park’s role as a shared community resource.

Recreation Area Walking Paths

• • • •

Town Connector

Sports Fields Courts Playgrounds Community Gathering Spaces

eT Lak rail

Lake

Trail Connector Neighborhood Connector Trail Area • • •

Walking Trails Neighborhood Connectors Trail Connectors

Neighborhood Connector

KEY MAP NATURE PRESERVE

Road Connection

RECREATION PARK

Recreation Area

• • • • NORTH

Sports Fields Courts Playgrounds Community Gathering Spaces

PRIMITIVE CAMPING

NATURE PRESERVE

SPORT AVIATION AERODROME

RESORT GATES OF HELL ATV RESORT

NATURE PRESERVE

Mountain Bike Park Rock Creek’s eastern ridges are naturally suited to mountain biking, and the design transforms these slopes into a destination-scale gravity biking resort. At the base of the system is a bike village, featuring a welcome center, shop, rental facilities, and camping areas. This acts as the hub for both local riders and traveling tourists.

Camping Area Village

By organizing the park like a ski resort—lodging on ridges, trails on slopes, and a village at the base— the design creates a tourism product that currently does not exist in West Virginia, while working seamlessly with the reclaimed topography.

Parking Top of Ridge Trail

Bike Park

8 4

ib ed

Inc r

le Views

Various

Ridge Top Cabins

l Levels Inc k il

rated po or

From the village, a series of trails ascend into the ridges and descend back into the valleys. The system includes beginner-friendly loops, intermediate runs, and advanced competition-level gravity trails. A skills park near the base gives riders a place to practice before tackling larger routes.

To Danville

Bike Town

The ridgeline above hosts 35 cabins with dramatic views and direct trail access, along with 15 campsites that offer a more rustic overnight option. Trails are designed to include adaptive biking routes, ensuring that the facility is inclusive while also making it eligible to host IMBA and NICA competitions.

4 5 1 4

Plan Key

Access Road

Boone County PSD

Bike Town

Existing Rail Crossings

Mountain Bike Bowl

United Motorsports of Danville

Ridge Top Cabins

Coal River Inn

Collector Trail

10 Active Rail-line

7 6

2 4

To Recreation Park, Gates of Hell Resort, Sport Aviation Aerodrome, and Primitive Campground

KEY MAP NATURE PRESERVE

MTN. BIKE PARK

RECREATION PARK PRIMITIVE CAMPING

NATURE PRESERVE

SPORT AVIATION AERODROME

RESORT GATES OF HELL ATV RESORT

NATURE PRESERVE

NORTH 0’

150’

Nature Preserves / Big Ugly Wildlife Management Area Case studies highlight the potential. Chief Logan State Park has become the public face of elk reintroduction in West Virginia, while Benezette, PA demonstrates how wildlife viewing can anchor a rural economy, attracting over 400,000 visitors annually. Land Between the Lakes and Białowieża Forest show how rewilding efforts can combine ecotourism, education, and cultural history.

These preserves are linked by wildlife corridors that ensure safe passage and habitat connectivity. Visitors will experience these landscapes through viewing towers, interpretive trails, and guided tours, blending conservation with education.

By building on these models, Rock Creek positions itself as a national leader in rewilding and eco-tourism, offering visitors the chance to see Appalachia’s wildlife heritage restored on former mine lands.

Ha b

t ita

E rd

Ed u

Wi ld

Big Ugly WMA • 3,061-acres • Mixed Hardwoods, Second Growth Woodlands • Camping Not Available • Hunting

Develop

stablishm

t en

life Corrido ild

• Guided Hunting Areas? • Eco-Tourism / Wildlife Viewing • Wildlife Corridor Connections

Mon ito

t en

• Elk • Bison • Ruffed Grouse • Bob White Quail • Northern Flying Squirrel

iewing

a re

eV lif

ch & ar

Nature Preserve • Wildlife Re-Establishment Areas

rin

& Interp re

tion ta

n tio

Re se

Ecological restoration and eco-tourism form the backbone of the Nature Preserve and Big Ugly Backcountry areas. Directly adjacent, the 5,000acre Big Ugly WMA already supports hunting and hiking. The plan expands this landscape by creating wildlife reestablishment zones for elk, bison, ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, and the northern flying squirrel.

Wildlife Corridors • Green / Natural Corridors • Wildlife Viewing Access • Protected Wildlife Crossings

• Deer • Grouse • Raccoon • Squirrel • Turkey

Nature Preserve • Wildlife Re-Establishment Areas • Elk • Bison • Ruffed Grouse • Bob White Quail • Northern Flying Squirrel

• Guided Hunting Areas? • Eco-Tourism / Wildlife Viewing • Wildlife Corridor Connections

NORTH

Nature Preserve 01

Big Ugly WMA

Nature Preserve 02

Adaptive Hunting Case Study Profile Overview:

•

Educational Facilities / Guided Trips

LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve

This site has the opportunity to provide adaptive hunting access for individuals with different levels of mobility and physical abilities. Adjacent to the recreational park area is a heavily wooded habitat that is ideal for this inclusive program. The site is within proximity to local neighborhoods and offers a remote and natural setting. Implementation of this unique amenity will balance accessibility with conservation of native woodlands

•

Opportunities for youth and veteran hunting programs

Regulatory Framework:

Back in the Woods Again

The state of West Virginia offers a Class Q hunting license which gives individuals with qualifying disabilities the opportunity to hunt from designated stationary positions or from a stationary vehicle on private lands. This establishes a baseline for beginning an adaptive hunting program that follows these regulations through design and proper land management.

A nonprofit organization that plans and guides adaptive hunting experiences for individuals with various levels of physical ability. They partner with private landowners and sponsors / vendors to provide everything from specialized gear to volunteer assistance. The mission of Back in the Woods Again is to provide a safe hunting environment for children and adults who use wheelchairs or have other physical challenges that could not otherwise hunt.

This facility is a nationally recognized model located in PA. This site is a preserve that is dedicated to providing wounded veterans with accessible lodging, guided hunts, and rehabilitative outdoor experiences. LEEK believes in providing a safe and friendly environment where U.S. service members can assist each other through the healing process, both mentally and physically. LEEK offers recreational opportunities specifically geared to each veteran’s needs and abilities. LEEK believes in encouraging our wounded heroes to focus on their abilities, without compromising their current physical or mental limitations.

Opportunities: The existing terrain and proposed infrastructure provides the opportunity to transform this wooded and natural area into a site that can accommodate hunters with different needs and abilities. The proximity to the neighborhoods and roads provide an opportunity for developing: •

Accessible hunting blinds / buildings

•

Stabilized vehicle paths / trails

Case Study Examples: There are several organizations throughout the US that can serve as a precedent for a program like this. Two of the organizations studied were Back in the Woods Again and LEEK Hunting and Mountain Preserve.

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Volunteer Model

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Specialized and Adaptive Hunting Equipment

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Hosts Annual Events and Hunts

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Strong Focus on Youth, Veterans, and First Responders

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Successful in building Partnerships

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Creates media content that celebrates the participants while raising awareness

• • • • • • •

Entire facility and preserve is designed for accessibility Fully guided hunts available Focus on Healing with Nature Operated by Veterans for Veterans Majority of gear, lodging and meals are free with support of non-profit funding and donors Outdoor Skills Training Nationally Recognized for its support of veterans

Opportunities, Potential Outcomes and Community Benefits: Offers enhanced inclusion for all levels of mobility • • •

Tourism and economic development Partnerships and Business Opportunities Education, Training, and Outreach

Nature Preserve Case Study Profile Chief Logan State Park, WV: Chief Logan State Park is the public face of West Virginia’s modern elk reintroduction—where habitat restoration, science, and community pride meet. Building on the successes seen in places like Benezette and Land Between the Lakes, Chief Logan has created a combination of viewing opportunities, education, and research to grow a sustainable, wildlife-driven tourism economy for southern West Virginia.

and national eco-tourism destinations, with facilities like their Elk County Visitors Center. This provides seasonal opportunities for wildlife viewing. •Over 1,000 elk today, with the original restoration beginning between 1913 and 1926. •Elk County Visitors Center sees over 400,000 visitors annually •Observation and Elk Viewing Trails and Areas

•Guided elk-viewing experiences with seasonal opportunities to see and hear the herd

•Public-Private Partnerships

•Designated overlooks, signed viewing areas, and interpretive trails

Land Between the Lakes

•Habitat improvements on reclaimed lands and forest openings to support forage and cover •Ongoing monitoring and scientific research to guide herd health and expansion

•Rural Economic Growth Engine

Located in western Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes (LBL) is managed by the U.S. Forest Service for a closed preserve featuring elk and bison. LBL has developed an extensive educational program, controlled public access for wildlife viewing, and several additional recreational opportunities

•Public-private partnerships linking WVDNR, local landowners, and regional conservation groups

•170,000-acre national recreation areas

•Emerging eco-tourism anchor for Logan County and surrounding communities

•Drive-through scenic experiences.

Benezette, PA: Benezette is a small town with a big success story. It is home to one of the country’s most successful and robust elk reintroduction projects. It has become a model for creating regional

•Cultural history programming, native peoples sites and historic information

Białowieża Forest, Poland This is considered one of Europe’s oldest forests and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is home to several rewilding efforts and tourism all surrounding the reintroduction of the European Bison. This is a showcase of conservation paired with ecotourism and scientific research.

Benefits and Outcomes •Habitat Restoration for native Appalachian species •Education and Scientific Research •Job creation and economic development •Enhanced biodiversity •Cultural and historical connections

•Coexistence model between people and nature

Conservation, economic development, and public engagement can be achieved through building public-private partnerships between WVDNR, land holders / owners, and regional conservation groups. Collaboration between these groups will help in the development of natural corridors and provide conservation easements. Federal partnerships can create an opportunity to secure funding through research and USDA grants, assisting with habitat conservation and restoration. The ability to engage local schools, universities, non-profit organizations who can help in creating grassroots efforts and citizen science efforts will create a sense of community. Phased development can be established which can follow an overall masterplan

•UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the last and largest remaining primeval forests, which once stretched across the European Plain •Shared conservation efforts across borders, Poland and Belarus •Global eco-tourism destination •Specific zoning for conservation

•700-acre native prairie habitat featuring elk and bison •Educational programing •Various recreation opportunities; hiking, camping, astronomy, and more •Success large mammal re-introduction

Proposed Viewing Platform at Chief Logan State Park

Benezette Pennsylvania, Elk Herd

Land Between the Lake, Kentucky

European Bison Restoration Białowieża Forest, Poland

Elk Release at Chief Logan State Park

Benezette Pennsylvania, Elk Viewing Area

Bison Herd Land Between the Lake, Kentucky

European Bison Restoration Białowieża Forest, Poland

Nearby Wildlife Management Areas

243

Ashland

The project site is strategically located within a network of significant Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and state forests in western West Virginia, creating an opportunity to enhance regional ecological connectivity. Nearby areas include Big Ugly WMA to the east, Chief Logan WMA to the south, and Upper Mud River and East Lynn Lake WMAs to the west, all characterized by mixed hardwood and oak-hickory forests that support diverse wildlife populations. Additional resources such as Beech Fork Lake WMA, Cabwaylingo State Forest, and Tomblin WMA expand the conservation footprint, offering habitats for game species, migratory birds, and native flora. These areas collectively form a mosaic of protected lands that can serve as anchors for a broader green infrastructure network.

62 Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area • 1,470-acres • Oak, Pine, and Hickory Forest • Hunting • Camping is prohibited

775 2

Huntington 60

Beech Fork Lake Wildlife Milton Management Area Pea Ridge • 7,531-acres • Oak, Pine, and Hickory Forest • Huning & Fishing • Camping

By integrating the project site into this regional network, planners can foster Louisa a landscape-scale approach to conservation that benefits both wildlife and local communities. Establishing green corridors and open-space linkages would not only strengthen biodiversity but also provide recreational and educational opportunities, aligning with broader sustainability goals. This ms vision positions the project site as a critical node within a connected system of WMAs and forests, ensuring long-term ecological health and reinforcing the value of collaborative land stewardship.

152

Nitro

Forks of Coal-State Natural Area • 102-acres • Education Center

Dunbar

Upper Mud River Wildlife Management Area • 1,425-acres • Oak & Hickory Forests • Hunting outside of Lake areas East Lynn • Fishing • Camping

Charleston

Kanawha State Forest • 9,300-acres • Hiking & Biking • Camping • Fishing & Hunting • Geocaching

214

Kanawha State Forest

Sod

Griffithsville

Chesapeake

Yawkey 94

Big Ugly Wildlife Management Area • 3,061-acres • Mixed Hardwoods, Second Growth Woodlands • Hunting • Camping Not Available Seth

PROJECT SITE

Pinch

Institute

East Lynn Lake Wildlife Management Area Wayne • 22,928-acres • Oak & Hickory Forest • Hunting & Fishing • Primitive Camping

Elkview

Cross Lanes

Hilbert Wildlife Management Area 34 • 290-acres 10 • Oak & Hickory Forest • Hunting • Camping Prohibited

Connecting these WMAs through local open spaces and natural corridors would significantly reduce habitat fragmentation and promote species movement across the region. Riparian zones along streams, utility rights-ofway, and undeveloped agricultural lands can function as ecological linkages, 52 creating continuous pathways between major habitat blocks. Reclaimed mine lands and roadside greenways present additional opportunities for restoration and corridor development, ensuring that wildlife can traverse safely between the project site and surrounding conservation areas. Such connectivity would also enhance ecosystem resilience, supporting pollinator routes and genetic diversity for forest species.

Hurricane

Cle

Spurlockville

152

Madison

Harts

Cabwaylingo State Forest • 8,296-acres • Camping • ATV Trails • Hunting & Fishing

Little Coal River Wildlife Management Area • 8,034-acres • Hunting & Trapping • Fishing

Chapmanville

Whitesville

Van

Chief Logan Wildlife Management Area • 325-acres • Hiking 17

119

Inez

Debord

Logan

Kermit

Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area • 12,856-acres 52 • Mixed Hardwood Forest • Game Hunting • Fishing

Chauncey

Tomblin Wildlife Management Area • 27,475-acres • Elk Viewing • Hunting • Previous restoration projects such as invasive species removal

Mallory Chattaroy Williamson

Big South Wildlife Management Area • 5,168-acres • Hiking 119 • Hunting & Fishing

Red Jacket

Cyclone

R.D. Bailey Lake Wildlife Oceana Management Area • 17,280-acres • Oak & Hickory Forests • Hunting & Fishing

NORTH VGIN, Esri, To 54

NPS, USFWS