The Upper Kanawha Valley Masterplan

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................3-7 MASTER PLAN...................................................................................................................... 8-10 MASTER PLAN: NORTH 1............................................................................ 11-19 MASTER PLAN: NORTH 2................................................................................................ 20-55 MASTER PLAN: NORTH 3................................................................................................................. 56-67 MASTER PLAN: NORTH 4.............................................................................................. 68-85 VALLEY-WIDE FEATURED PROJECTS......... 86-95 CASE STUDIES.......................................................................... 96-101 BRANDING......................................................................................................... 102-109 SWOT ANALYSIS................................................................................................................. 110-111 IMPLEMENTATION................................................................................................................................... 112-113

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

Special Thanks: Claud Worthington Benedum Foundation Kanawha County Commission Upper Kanawha Valley Mayors Association Steering Committee

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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INTRODUCTION: Located within the hills of southwestern West Virginia, “The Valley” is an ecotourism destination concept that aims to revive communities within the Upper Kanawha Valley by connecting them through a greater outdoor recreation and tourism system.

Serving as a gateway between the city of Charleston and the New River Gorge, this project fills the missing tourism gap by providing amenities currently unknown to the area. Dramatic hillsides, tree canopies, and framed river views all offer a natural playground for recreational discovery and leisure. Connecting these resources reveals an extensive network of river access, walkways, and elevated trails that weave throughout The Valley. These tie together a hierarchy of outdoor spaces to 13 communities that are found along the banks of the Upper Kanawha River. The establishment of this recreational system will bring visitors to the area, stimulating businesses and recreating the rich communities that once flourished along the Kanawha River.

The Kanawha River has always been closely related to benefiting human development along its banks. Native tribes historically claimed parts of the valley as theirs, where it would serve as hunting land. A diverse wildlife community, established in part because of the river, would serve as a vast food resource to people. Following the settlement by Europeans, the shores of the Kanawha were often tied to industry, as the river itself became an important transportation resource. Beginning with the discovery of salt, these businesses would expand to include timber, coal, and chemical processing facilities. The river would allow goods to reach a large portion of the U.S. As the economy changed, however, these industries would begin to leave the area, and still are today. This leaves behind communities, damaged with the loss of business, but with the potential to become flourishing areas once again. By refocusing industry around outdoor recreation, the Kanawha Valley can utilize the River resource, this time for its natural beauty, and the surrounding hills to become a destination location.

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

Why Develop a Tourism Masterplan for the Upper Kanawha Valley Region?

The Kanawha River in West Virginia has historically played a significant role in the economy of the state and nation. Remnants of this great past can be witnessed in the communities established along this waterway, which served an important role in transporting goods produced in the region. Facilities used by extraction industries and chemical factories, many now abandoned, bear witness to the vibrant industrial culture that called the Upper Kanawha County home. As these industries began to experience a decline in recent years, companies have left these river communities, removing jobs and harming these unique communities. More recently, the region would be negatively impacted through the loss of the West Virginia University Institute of Technology campus. A process that began in 2015, 274 employees and 1,100 students would move from Montgomery, WV to

Beckley, WV. This event hurt local businesses and forced many to move 40 miles south. With the loss of these important regional industries and institutions, the river communities found in the Upper Kanawha Valley struggle to recover and reinvent themselves into new destinations.

The Upper Kanawha Valley, however, has much more to offer than only industry. Home to spectacular views and unique geography, the region boasts many opportunities to draw in visitors searching for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Through the careful planning and coordination established by a masterplan, nearby communities can find new ways to revive their home and restore the economy damaged by industrial decline. The benefits of a tourism economy can already be witnessed in nearby attractions. The Shawnee Sports Complex, located approximately 15 miles west of the town of Malden, hosts national events that fill the region’s hotels and restaurants, having an economic impact in the millions.

On the opposite end of The Valley, the recently redesignated New River Gorge National Park and other surrounding National recreational areas attracted approximately 1.4 million visitors in 2018, creating almost $70 million in economic value. The majority of spending was concentrated on the New River Gorge area. The hotel and restaurant sectors took in $15.3 million and $12.3 million respectively. Meanwhile, the value of spending on gas was estimated at $8.2 million, grocery spending at $8 million, retail spending at $4.3 million, and camping spending at $1.9 million. This revenue would support 847 jobs in the area. The redesignation as a National Park has the potential to increase the number of visits to the park by 21 percent. This expected growth will raise the amount of revenue made by the parks and their surrounding communities. In 2018, an estimated 318 million visitors traveled to lands managed by the National Park Service (NPS), according to the “2018 National Park Visitor Spending Effects” report. The report, conducted by economists from both the NPS and the U.S. Geological Service, said those visitors spent an estimated $20.2 billion in local gateway communities, which supported an estimated 329,000 jobs nationwide. With the expected growth of tourism in the state, which grew by 3.7% in 2018 according to the WV Tourism Office, there is a definite need for additional tourism attractors especially in gateway communities such as the Upper Kanawha Valley. Not only is there great potential for opportunity, but tourism development and growth can have additional positive impacts on other sectors of the economy, as it advertises the region’s national image as a place to live, start a career, establish a business, and retire. The

establishment of a new tourism attractor will have many economic benefits that extend the tourism economy.

The Upper Kanawha Valley is in a prime location to transform into a tourism attraction and will have a plethora of benefits to local communities. Popular attractions in the area already exist, such as white water rafting on the Gauley and New Rivers, Hawks Nest State Park and the Midland Trail National Scenic Highway, which showcase some of the most scenic views in the State. Creating a masterplan that links these sites together and connects them to the local communities and new projects, as well as to existing major attractions in the region, will help make the area appealing to visitors and will be essential to moving the region forward economically.

The establishment of a successful tourism system within the Upper Kanawha Valley and surrounding regions will assist the region in moving forward from industrial decline and will push the region’s tourism image to the forefront of top tourism destinations.

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PROJECT AREA: UPPER KANAWHA VALLEY

Pennsylvania

Ohio

The Upper Kanawha Valley is located in central-eastern Kanawha County and extends into the western part of Fayette county with the valley itself stretching 30 plus miles down-river from Charleston to Gauley Bridge. The Upper Kanawha Valley has a surprisingly close proximity to major cities, being only 150 miles from Columbus, Ohio, 170 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 170 miles from Lexington, Kentucky, 220 miles to Richmond, Virginia, and 240 miles from Washington DC.

PROJECT AREA

Kentucky Virginia

Charleston

Kanawha City

Malden

Dupont City

Marmet Belle Chesapeake

East Bank Dickinson

Shrewsbury

Glasgow

Pratt

Hansford Chelyan

Hugheston Smithers

Handley Montgomery

Longacre

Gauley Bridge

Boomer Kanawha Falls

Alloy Mt Carbon

Charlton Heights

PROJECT AREA

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

“The Valley” is an inspired ecotourism destination surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kanawha Valley. The location serves as a gateway between Charleston and the New River Gorge, filling in the missing tourism gap by providing amenities underutilized to the area. Dramatic hillsides, tree canopies, and framed river views offer a natural playground for recreation, leisure, and discovery. An extensive network of river access, walkways and elevated trails weave through the Valley, tying together a hierarchy of outdoor spaces to the thirteen communities nestled within the Valley. The existing landscape lends itself to engaging outdoor amenities such as boating, paddling, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, off-road jeep adventures, ATV networks and diverse lodging opportunities like glamping (glamor camping).

Our team’s vision serves as a catalyst for tourism growth in the Upper Kanawha Valley through providing master planning and design development for interventions along the Kanawha river as well as the surrounding valley landscape. The vision of starting and ending the adventures in the communities of the Valley will bring locals and visitors alike to a unique network of communities and outdoor recreation.

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CONCEPT BUBBLE DIAGRAM Our design team strategically evaluated existing locations and attractions to create a bubble diagram that simulates relationships between the critical components of the Upper Kanawha Valley. This begins the process that will categorically shape the future of The Valley.

Blue Creek Rail Trail

4x4 Off-road Excursion

Welcome Center

Mammoth Preserve

KANAWHA RIVER Welcome Center

Gauley Bridge

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

MASTER PLAN The Valley master plan begins to form, integrating the critical components onto actual locations on a map.

Symbols along the 30+ mile stretch of river display the riverside attractions within the communities while the colored shapes represent the different major attractors in the area. To fully program the space we pinpointed major existing attractions to guide our proposed designs. The interventions include tourism and community improvements such as share the road sharrows, boat and kayak access, welcome centers, diverse lodging opportunities, motorized and nonmotorized trail networks, and more spanning the valley.

Kanawha State Forest

Mammoth Preserve

Charleston

Hatfield McCoy Trails

New River Gorge

4x4 Off Road Excursion

5 mi

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MASTER PLAN To organize the regional plan, the Upper Kanawha Valley project site is divided into four geological regions; Quadrant North 1, North 2, South 1 and South 2. Working in conjunction with existing and potential attractors, the four areas accommodate features to make up small “puzzle pieces” that fit within the completed regional system of outdoor tourism. Each region has a major recreational draw as well as community improvements.

Quadrant North 1 includes the Elk River Rail Trail State Park, the Proposed Blue Creek Rail Trail, Potential ATV Trails, and Potential 4x4 off Road Excursion.

Quadrant North 2 contains the Mammoth Preserve, a gift to the West Virginia LandTrust; a former mine site with the potential to stimulate the local economy with ecotourism.

Charleston

North 1 Elk River Trail State Park

Quadrant South 1 includes the Kanawha State Forest and potential connections to the riverside communities.

Quadrant South 2 holds the land acquired by the Hatfield-McCoy Trail organization, providing a future for professionally managed ATV trails for the area.

These various attractions integrated with proposed elevated trails that weave through the Valley tie together a hierarchy of outdoor spaces to the thirteen communities nestled within the Valley and complete the tourism gap between Charleston and the New River area.

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

Blue Creek Rail Trail

Potential ATV Trails

North 2

Mammoth Preserve

4x4 Off Road Excursion

New River Gorge

Kanawha State Forest

South 1

Hatfield McCoy Trails

South 2

North 1

QUADRANT NORTH 1 MALDEN -Midland Drive Trail -Salt Works Boat Ramp -Access to North Rim Trail RAND -Midland Drive Trail -Access to North Rim Trail DUPONT CITY -Midland Drive Trail -Access to North Rim Trail BELLE -Witcher Creek Pedestrian Bridge DIAMOND -Midland Drive Trail -Access to North Rim Trail -Connection to 4x4 Off-Road Excursion DICKINSON -The Dickinson Welcome Center -ADA Multi Purpose Trail -Access to North Rim Trail SHREWSBURY -Lodging -Shrewsbury Boat Ramp -Access to North Rim Trail 12

The Upper Kanawha Valley

Elk River Trail State Park

Blue Creek Rail Trail

CHARLESTON

Potential ATV Trails Kellys Creek

Malden

Rand Dupont City

4x4 Off Road Excursion Diamond Dickinson

Shrewsbury

Midland Drive Trail: Creating a link between Malden and Dickinson through a share the road concept, the Midland Drive Trail will utilize approximately 8 miles of established roadway to connect communities within the North 1 area. This will be accomplished through marking the chosen route with sharrows and signage, indicating to vehicular traffic of the shared use designation. This cost effective technique quickly establishes a trail network while providing guests and users a welcoming and adaptive community experience.

N RIM TRAIL

Dupont City

N

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Saltworks

Rand

Historic African Zion Church

Salt Works Boat Ramp: This is the first boat ramp in the Upper Kanawha Valley system and is located adjacent to the existing regional attraction JQ Dickinson Salt-Works.

Access to North Rim Trail: As a part of the overall community connection and tourism attractor, the North Rim Trail outlined in this plan plays an important role in each town and connects the trail user to the communities of “The Valley”. Trail users will be able to start or end in Malden, Rand, Dupont City or Belle.

Malden

Mid

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Mald

en D

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Saltworks

Boat Ramp

Midland Drive Trail

Salt Works Boat Ramp

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QUADRANT NORTH 1 MALDEN -Midland Drive Trail -Salt Works Boat Ramp -Access to North Rim Trail RAND -Midland Drive Trail -Access to North Rim Trail DUPONT CITY -Midland Drive Trail -Access to North Rim Trail BELLE -Witcher Creek Pedestrian Bridge DIAMOND -Midland Drive Trail -Access to North Rim Trail -Connection to 4x4 Off-Road Excursion DICKINSON -The Dickinson Welcome Center -ADA Multi Purpose Trail -Access to North Rim Trail SHREWSBURY -Lodging -Shrewsbury Boat Ramp -Access to North Rim Trail 14

The Upper Kanawha Valley

CHARLESTON

Potential ATV Trails Malden

Rand Dupont City

4x4 Off Road Excursion Diamond Dickinson

Shrewsbury

The Dickinson Welcome Center: Identified as an area of opportunity, the property surrounding the Walmart store in Dickinson, WV is seen as having great potential to be developed into one of the main river attractions within the Upper Kanawha Valley. Currently vacant, our vision sees this piece of land developed into a central hub of commercial and recreational opportunities. As one of the only business districts of the region, and with easy access to the interstate and connections to proposed trails, our concept looks to develop this site and create additional buildings for local shops, artisans, and eateries.

To further the idea of building a hub, the site can also serve as a location for a welcome center, helping to draw in additional visitors to existing and proposed businesses. Connecting to the North Rim Trail, the proposed Jeep Excursion Area, and other Upper Kanawha Valley towns and trails, this center will not only benefit the town of Dickinson, but will also help attract visitors to other parts of the Valley. In addition, the river can be utilized for development along the water’s edge through the creation of an event sized boat ramp and marina, the establishment of lodging, such as RV sites and camping, and the creation of an amphitheater. There is also space for accessible trails. These trails connect to an urban trail system which encompasses the commercial and recreational areas found within town to the community schools and neighborhoods. Through this proposal, The Dickinson Welcome Center creates a dynamic and unique river destination which will attract visitors with its connection to the interstate and the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, ultimately connecting users to “The Valley.”

Witcher

IM NR

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Diamond

Riverside High School

Commercial District

Walmart

Dickinson

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Commercial District

Witcher Creek Pedestrian Bridge: As illustrated in the previous area, the pedestrian bridge plays an important role in connecting the communities along the Midland Drive Trail. This connection is also vital to the Dickinson Welcome Center. Tourist and residential users of the site such as hikers and bikers will provide foot traffic to the proposed commercial development, increasing the demand for lodging, shopping, and related businesses.

Expansion

Dickinson

RV Park Business District

Walmart

Ampitheater

Boat Ramp

The Dickinson Welcome Center

Wetland

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QUADRANT NORTH 1 MALDEN -Midland Drive Trail -Salt Works Boat Ramp -Access to North Rim Trail RAND -Midland Drive Trail -Access to North Rim Trail DUPONT CITY -Midland Drive Trail -Access to North Rim Trail BELLE -Witcher Creek Pedestrian Bridge DIAMOND -Midland Drive Trail -Access to North Rim Trail -Connection to 4x4 Off-Road Excursion DICKINSON -The Dickinson Welcome Center -ADA Multi Purpose Trail -Access to North Rim Trail SHREWSBURY -Lodging -Shrewsbury Boat Ramp -Access to North Rim Trail 16

The Upper Kanawha Valley

CHARLESTON

Potential ATV Trails Malden

Rand Dupont City

4x4 Off Road Excursion Diamond Dickinson

Shrewsbury

Lodging: Shrewsbury offers a simpler stay away from the Dickinson Welcome Center. With possibilities of modern RV sites to a more primitive tent camping island experience, backpackers or kayakers can stop by for the night to fish and recover from their day of adventure.

Shrewsbury Boat Ramp: Located near the middle of the lower pool, the Shrewsbury boat ramp offers a place to park boats after a visit to the Dickinson Welcome Center or a full day of competitive fishing.

Access to North Rim Trail: As a part of the overall community connection and tourism attractor, the North Rim Trail outlined in this plan plays an important role in each town and connects the trail user to the communities of “The Valley”. Trail users will be able to start, stop by for the day, or stay the night at the proposed campground in Shrewsbury.

Users staying in Shrewsbury will be able to enjoy a day hike to the Dickinson Welcome Center while maintaining a less commercialized experience.

NR

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RAI

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Shrewsbury S RIM TRAIL

Shrewsberry Campground Example

Primitive Tent Camping Island Example

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QUADRANT NORTH 1 FEATURED PROJECT: 4x4 OFF-ROAD EXCURSION & ATV TRAIL SYSTEM Potential ATV Trails Potential ATV Trails

CHARLESTON

Rand Dupont City

Malden

4x4 Off Road Excursion Diamond

Shrewsbury

Dickinson

N RIM TRAIL

Belle

Witcher

Diamond

Dickinson

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4x4 Excursion Park

Potential ATV Trails

Take a ride on the wild side and explore West Virginia’s rolling mountains and scenic views while riding your choice of off-road vehicle in the 4x4 Excursion Park of the Upper Kanawha Valley.

Accessed via the town of Diamond, users ranging from beginners to experts will be able to feel the rush of excitement as they maneuver through West Virginia’s deciduous forests and test their off-roading skills. With mountainous terrain and winding trails, riders will enjoy this unique way of exploring the ‘Wild and Wonderful’ state. To aid in creating a popular destination, opportunities exist to expand the site amenities available to guests through the creation of public/ private partnerships. Establishment of guided tours will appeal to those unfamiliar with the local area, providing history and information about the Upper Kanawha Valley.

In addition, options to rent a 4x4 vehicle will also attract tourists who may have not been prepared for this one of a kind adventure.

Situated on approximately 4,500 acres of abandoned mine land lies the ideal terrain for the creation of an ATV rider’s paradise. Found in a remote location, and comprising of rugged terrain and natural landscapes, this abandoned site boasts great potential for the creation of additional motorized trails within the Upper Kanawha Valley. Fields, hills, and cliffs make the location ideal for transformation into an OHV trail park. With similar attractions currently only found in southern West Virginia, in the Hatfield McCoy Trail Systems, this location allows for potential expansion of the Hatfield McCoy trail network to ensure that opportunities exist on both sides of the Kanawha River for ATV exploration.

Both of these featured areas could overlap and expand with cooperation of private land owners.

https://www.jeep.com/

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North 2

MASTER PLAN The Upper Kanawha Valley project site is divided into four geological regions; Quadrant North 1, North 2, South 1 and South 2. Working in conjunction with existing and potential attractors, the four areas accommodate features to make up small “puzzle pieces” that fit within the completed regional system of outdoor tourism. Each region has a major recreational draw as well as community improvements.

Quadrant North 1 includes the Elk River Rail Trail State Park, the Proposed Blue Creek Rail Trail, Potential ATV Trails, and Potential 4x4 off Road Excursion.

Quadrant North 2 contains the Mammoth Preserve, a gift to the West Virginia LandTrust; a former mine site with the potential to stimulate the local economy with ecotourism.

Charleston

North 1 Elk River Trail State Park

Quadrant South 1 includes the Kanawha State Forest and potential connections to the riverside communities.

Quadrant South 2 holds the land acquired by the Hatfield-McCoy Trail organization, providing a future for professionally managed ATV trails for the area.

These various attractions integrated with proposed elevated trails that weave through the Valley tie together a hierarchy of outdoor spaces to the thirteen communities nestled within the Valley and complete the tourism gap between Charleston and the New River area.

Blue Creek Rail Trail

Potential ATV Trails

North 2

Mammoth Preserve

4x4 Off Road Excursion

New River Gorge

Kanawha State Forest

South 1

Hatfield McCoy Trails

South 2

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 CEDAR GROVE -Kelly’s Creek Trail -North Rim Trailhead GLASGOW -Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements HUGHESTON -Booker T Washington Campground -Hugheston Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead SMITHERS -Smithers Boat Ramp -Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center -Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail MONTGOMERY N. PROPERTY -Montgomery Marina/Trailhead LONGACRE -Lodging -Longacre Boat Ramp -Wheeler Islands Primitive Camping BOOMER -Lodging -Boomer Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead 22

The Upper Kanawha Valley

FALLS VIEW -North Rim Trailhead CHARLTON HEIGHTS -Kayak Access -North Rim Trailhead GLEN FERRIS -Lodging -Improved Boat Ramps -Restored Bridge For Pedestrian Use -North & South Rim Trailhead GAULEY BRIDGE -Kayak Access -Jodie Rail Trail -Waterfall Trail -North Rim Trailhead

Cedar Grove Glasgow

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Gauley Bridge

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers Longacre

Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

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 weaves 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: 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 put-in and take-out location for the water trail users.

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 trail traffic through 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.

Cedar Grove

N RIM TRAIL

Glasgow

S RIM TRAIL

Example of share the road biking

Share the road signage

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 CEDAR GROVE -Kelly’s Creek Trail -North Rim Trailhead GLASGOW -Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements HUGHESTON -Booker T Washington Campground -Hugheston Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead

FALLS VIEW -North Rim Trailhead CHARLTON HEIGHTS -Kayak Access -North Rim Trailhead GLEN FERRIS -Lodging -Improved Boat Ramps -Restored Bridge For Pedestrian Use -North & South Rim Trailhead

SMITHERS -Smithers Boat Ramp GAULEY BRIDGE -Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center -Kayak Access -Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail -Jodie Rail Trail -Waterfall Trail MONTGOMERY N. PROPERTY -North Rim Trailhead -Montgomery Marina/Trailhead LONGACRE -Lodging -Longacre Boat Ramp -Wheeler Islands Primitive Camping BOOMER -Lodging -Boomer Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead 24

The Upper Kanawha Valley

Cedar Grove Glasgow

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Gauley Bridge

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers Longacre

Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

Booker T. Washington Campground: Positioned near the former Booker T. Washington High School, and found on the National Register of Historic Places, this campground offers a unique experience for Valley visitors. In addition to RV sites with river and North Rim Trail access, guests can explore the important role the town of London played in educational development of the African American youth in 1925 through land donation.

Glasgow

Hugheston Boat Ramp: As part of the Booker T. Washington campground, this boat ramp would provide the most upstream access to the Marmet pool. Having this would allow residents and visitors from the upstream London pool to partake in an easier means of entry to the Marmet pool through the elimination of the London Locks. This location also allows users to put in at the most upstream location and make a full day of river activity all the way to Dickinson.

Hugheston

Booker T Washington Historic School

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North Rim Trailhead: As part of the campground, the North Rim Trailhead provides valley visitors with another means of access to the North Rim Trail. The Trailhead would highlight all of the surrounding recreational opportunities for the campground users, supporting the community connection and tourism attractor. The North Rim Trail outlined in this plan plays an important role in each town and connects the trail user to each community of “The Valley”.

R MT

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SR

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TRA

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London Lock & Dam

Connection to North Rim

RV Park

Boat Ramp

Booker T. Washington Campground

Booker T Washington Historic School

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 CEDAR GROVE -Kelly’s Creek Trail -North Rim Trailhead GLASGOW -Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements HUGHESTON -Booker T Washington Campground -Hugheston Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead

FALLS VIEW -North Rim Trailhead CHARLTON HEIGHTS -Kayak Access -North Rim Trailhead GLEN FERRIS -Lodging -Improved Boat Ramps -Restored Bridge For Pedestrian Use -North & South Rim Trailhead

SMITHERS -Smithers Boat Ramp GAULEY BRIDGE -Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center -Kayak Access -Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail -Jodie Rail Trail -Waterfall Trail MONTGOMERY N. PROPERTY -North Rim Trailhead -Montgomery Marina/Trailhead LONGACRE -Lodging -Longacre Boat Ramp -Wheeler Islands Primitive Camping BOOMER -Lodging -Boomer Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead 26

The Upper Kanawha Valley

Cedar Grove Glasgow

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Gauley Bridge

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers Longacre

Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center: This welcome center will be the first stop for many Mammoth visitors as they start their adventure in “The Valley”. Situated just north of town center, the Welcome Center will increase visitation to Smithers. At the welcome center will be a beginners mountain bikers course, information about the mammoth preserve and surrounding region. In addition to the Mammoth information, the welcome center is also the connection for the North Rim trail and hut system.

N RIM TRAIL

Gauley River Trail: Starting in Smithers, cycle enthusiasts can enjoy a 18 mile share the road path to Gauley Bridge that offers a steady uphill climb and weaves through the mountains. Cycling routes can be added to exiting cycling tours. (for additional cycling tours see page 76).

Montgomery/Marina Trailhead: Located along the northern side of the Kanawha River in Montgomery, the Montgomery/Marina Trailhead provides an improved boat launch, along with vehicle and trailer parking. The marina will be designed to accommodate a 100 foot boat dock with a restroom facility. Users of this trailhead can enjoy open greenspace, boating activities, accessible fishing opportunities, and access to the Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail network. In addition, users will be connected to the overall Valley system through access to the Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center.

Smithers Gateway Center

S RIM

TRAIL

To N Rim Trails

Cannelton H

ollow Rd

Welcome Center

Expansion

To N Rim Trails

Mini- mountain bike course

Montgomery/Marina Trailhead

Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 CEDAR GROVE -Kelly’s Creek Trail -North Rim Trailhead GLASGOW -Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements HUGHESTON -Booker T Washington Campground -Hugheston Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead

FALLS VIEW -North Rim Trailhead CHARLTON HEIGHTS -Kayak Access -North Rim Trailhead GLEN FERRIS -Lodging -Improved Boat Ramps -Restored Bridge For Pedestrian Use -North & South Rim Trailhead

SMITHERS -Smithers Boat Ramp GAULEY BRIDGE -Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center -Kayak Access -Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail -Jodie Rail Trail -Waterfall Trail MONTGOMERY N. PROPERTY -North Rim Trailhead -Montgomery Marina/Trailhead LONGACRE -Lodging -Longacre Boat Ramp -Wheeler Islands Primitive Camping BOOMER -Lodging -Boomer Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead 28

The Upper Kanawha Valley

Cedar Grove Glasgow

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Gauley Bridge

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers Longacre

Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

Smithers Dock: The recently planned Smithers Riverfront Park features restrooms, a splash pad, a basketball court, an ADA hillside trolley with river access, and kayak entry opportunities. The next steps for this project is funding and implementation. This river location provides a great addition to the overall Valley recreational backbone and supports the overall ideals and goals of the project. The Riverfront Park will link visitors from the North and South Rim Trails, Mammoth Recreation Area, and other surrounding recreational attractors to the development along the London pool.

Smithers

Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail: Starting at the Montgomery Marina/Trailhead, this trail travels along a dedicated path that follows the Kanawha River to Smithers. After connecting to Smithers, the trail loops back to cross the Earl Vickers Bridge to connect to the town of Montgomery. Here users can access the multiple amenities available, such as the Montgomery Welcome Center or the Montgomery fishing pier. The commitment to having a strong connection between the towns creates an inclusive recreational experience, spotlighting the characteristics that the over “Valley” vision encompasses.

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Boat Ramp and Lodging: Situated upstream from Smithers and Montgomery, the Longacre Boat Ramp and lodging area will feature boater access, RV sites, and primitive camping opportunities on Wheeler Islands. This location offers a more remote lodging experience while maintaining a close relationship with the recreational hub activity Smithers.

RV Park

Boat Ramp

Smithers Dock

Longacre Boat Ramp and Lodging

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 CEDAR GROVE -Kelly’s Creek Trail -North Rim Trailhead GLASGOW -Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements HUGHESTON -Booker T Washington Campground -Hugheston Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead

FALLS VIEW -North Rim Trailhead CHARLTON HEIGHTS -Kayak Access -North Rim Trailhead GLEN FERRIS -Lodging -Improved Boat Ramps -Restored Bridge For Pedestrian Use -North & South Rim Trailhead

SMITHERS -Smithers Boat Ramp GAULEY BRIDGE -Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center -Kayak Access -Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail -Jodie Rail Trail -Waterfall Trail MONTGOMERY N. PROPERTY -North Rim Trailhead -Montgomery Marina/Trailhead LONGACRE -Lodging -Longacre Boat Ramp -Wheeler Islands Primitive Camping BOOMER -Lodging -Boomer Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead 30

Upper Kanawha Valley

Cedar Grove Glasgow

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Gauley Bridge

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers Longacre

Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

Boomer Lodging and Boat Ramp: Visitors to the Boomer Lodging area will have the opportunity to remain close to the recreational hub of Smithers and Montgomery while achieving a more remote lodging experience. In addition to the similar amenities of the Longacre Boat Ramp and Lodging area, this location offers a closer connection to the North Rim Trail. The Boomer boat ramp also creates a valuable river access point for water recreational enthusiasts looking for an easy and enjoyable half day float to Smithers. Development of this lodging area could not only include RV sites, but possibilities exist for the addition of cabins or yurts to create an interesting and individual experience to Boomer.

N RIM TRAIL Longacre Boat Ramp & Lodging

Lodging: Wheeler Islands provide a potential primitive tent camping island experience, kayakers can stop by for the night to fish and recover from their day of adventure.

North Rim Trailhead: As part of the campground, the North Rim Trailhead provides Valley visitors with another means of access to the North Rim Trail. The Trailhead would create a hub to educate visitors of the surrounding recreational opportunities.

Due to the North Rim Trail’s connection to all communities, visitors to the Boomer Trailhead would be able to hike for the day into Smithers or Montgomery for a rewarding dinner or ice cream before heading back for the night.

Boomer

RV Park

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Cabins

Boat Ramp

Boomer Lodging and Boat Ramp

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 CEDAR GROVE -Kelly’s Creek Trail -North Rim Trailhead GLASGOW -Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements HUGHESTON -Booker T Washington Campground -Hugheston Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead

FALLS VIEW -North Rim Trailhead CHARLTON HEIGHTS -Kayak Access -North Rim Trailhead GLEN FERRIS -Lodging -Improved Boat Ramps -Restored Bridge For Pedestrian Use -North & South Rim Trailhead

SMITHERS -Smithers Boat Ramp GAULEY BRIDGE -Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center -Kayak Access -Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail -Jodie Rail Trail -Waterfall Trail MONTGOMERY N. PROPERTY -North Rim Trailhead -Montgomery Marina/Trailhead LONGACRE -Lodging -Longacre Boat Ramp -Wheeler Islands Primitive Camping BOOMER -Lodging -Boomer Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead 32

The Upper Kanawha Valley

Cedar Grove Glasgow

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Gauley Bridge

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers Longacre

Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

Charlton Heights Kayak Access: Placed approximately 1.5 miles downstream from the Glen Ferris Lodging and Boat Ramp, this kayak access point offers users a takeout location prior to arriving in Boomer. The benefits of this include a more enjoyable experience of the surrounding natural area and increases options for the appropriate planning of floating trips... The access point also allows visitors a chance to take advantage of great fishing opportunities that are made possible through the rapids and rock outcroppings that characterize the river and enhance aquatic habitat.

Gauley Bridge

N RIM TRAIL

Glen Farris

North Rim Trailhead: The North Rim Trailhead located in Charlton Heights, although accessible to all, offers the residents of Charlton Heights and Falls View a connection to the rest of the “Valley”. This connection creates the opportunity for tourism to directly impact these towns in addition to vehicular traffic.

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Charlton Heights Kayak Access

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 CEDAR GROVE -Kelly’s Creek Trail -North Rim Trailhead GLASGOW -Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements HUGHESTON -Booker T Washington Campground -Hugheston Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead

FALLS VIEW -North Rim Trailhead CHARLTON HEIGHTS -Kayak Access -North Rim Trailhead GLEN FERRIS -Lodging -Improved Boat Ramps -Restored Bridge For Pedestrian Use -North & South Rim Trailhead

SMITHERS -Smithers Boat Ramp GAULEY BRIDGE -Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center -Kayak Access -Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail -Jodie Rail Trail -Waterfall Trail MONTGOMERY N. PROPERTY -North Rim Trailhead -Montgomery Marina/Trailhead LONGACRE -Lodging -Longacre Boat Ramp -Wheeler Islands Primitive Camping BOOMER -Lodging -Boomer Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead 34

The Upper Kanawha Valley

Cedar Grove Glasgow

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Gauley Bridge

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers Longacre

Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

Kanawha Falls Bridge: Kanawha Falls Bridge is currently closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

The bridge is on the WVDOH STIP list. This plan proposes that the bridge be rehabilitated to allow pedestrian traffic at a minimum, providing a connection for the North and South Rim trails as well as future access for the Hatfield and McCoy trail system.

Glen Ferris Campground: Located just below the Kanawha Falls lies the Glen Ferris Campground. With picturesque views of the falls, this campground creates a unique experience in “The Valley”. Adding to the quality site location is the convenient kayak access. This access point allows kayakers the ability to pull out above the falls and have a safe and easy put in location below. Additionally, inexperienced and less advanced users can have an up and close experience to the falls.

N RIM TRAIL

Gauley Bridge Glen Farris

Future Hatfield McCoy Trail Network

North Rim & South Rim Trailhead: The Glen Ferris Trailhead, starting in the Glen Ferris Campground, will host access to multiple trail adventures. With the rehabilitation of the Kanawha Falls Bridge, trail users will have access to the South Rim Trails from the northern side of the Kanawha River. In addition to this vital trail connection, the bridge will open up connectivity to all northeastern towns to host visitors of the Hatfield-McCoy trail system.

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Kanawha Falls Bridge

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 CEDAR GROVE -Kelly’s Creek Trail -North Rim Trailhead GLASGOW -Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements HUGHESTON -Booker T Washington Campground -Hugheston Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead SMITHERS -Smithers Boat Ramp -Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center -Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail MONTGOMERY N. PROPERTY -Montgomery Marina/Trailhead LONGACRE -Lodging -Longacre Boat Ramp -Wheeler Islands Primitive Camping BOOMER -Lodging -Boomer Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead 36

The Upper Kanawha Valley

FALLS VIEW -North Rim Trailhead CHARLTON HEIGHTS -Kayak Access -North Rim Trailhead GLEN FERRIS -Lodging -Improved Boat Ramps -Restored Bridge For Pedestrian Use -North & South Rim Trailhead GAULEY BRIDGE -Kayak Access -Jodie Rail Trail -Waterfall Trail -North Rim Trailhead

Cedar Grove Glasgow

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Gauley Bridge

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers Longacre

Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

Gauley Bridge Kayak Access: At the point where the Gauley River combines with the New River, Gauley kayakers pull out at an unmarked and muddy location behind the Auxier Welding Shop. This location sees a high volume of users throughout the recreational season, with the existing lot being used as a makeshift trail head for parking. Currently, visitors meet up with locals and get rides up to the town of Swiss for a full day of kayaking back down to their vehicles. Improvements made to this pull out site offer a safe and reliable exit that promotes visitation to Gauley Bridge and becomes a part of “The Valley” network. In addition to this access point, desires exist within the community to enhance the connection across the river. This location, found just below The Snack Shack restaurant, offers an alternative takeout point where users can come together for dinner. Alternatively they can visit the proposed park across US 60 to take in the unique character of the “Bus Rock” located on the New River. The proposed park would offer additional tourist parking with fishing access and picnic tables.

N RIM TRAIL

Bus Rock

Hidden Waterfall Trail

Cathedral Falls

Gauley River Rail Trail: Beginning just east of Gauley Bridge is the Gauley River Rail Trail, this former active line is now abandoned and offers another layer of recreational opportunity. Climbing at minimal grade up the Gauley, the proposed 8 mile rail trail is an ideal activity for any age group and provides a new activity along the Gauley River. Those interested in a longer ride beyond Jodie will be excited to know that plans are in place for a future connection to Ansted, as well as connections to the eastern entrance to the Mammoth Recreation Area. Future connections to Ansted, Meadow River Rail Trail, the Mammoth Preserve, and the town of Rainelle.

Gauley Bridge Lookout

Gauley River Rail Trail Example

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 CEDAR GROVE -Kelly’s Creek Trail -North Rim Trailhead GLASGOW -Glasgow Boat Ramp Improvements HUGHESTON -Booker T Washington Campground -Hugheston Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead SMITHERS -Smithers Boat Ramp -Smithers Mammoth Welcome Center -Smithers/Montgomery Town Trail MONTGOMERY N. PROPERTY -Montgomery Marina/Trailhead LONGACRE -Lodging -Longacre Boat Ramp -Wheeler Islands Primitive Camping BOOMER -Lodging -Boomer Boat Ramp -North Rim Trailhead 38

The Upper Kanawha Valley

FALLS VIEW -North Rim Trailhead CHARLTON HEIGHTS -Kayak Access -North Rim Trailhead GLEN FERRIS -Lodging -Improved Boat Ramps -Restored Bridge For Pedestrian Use -North & South Rim Trailhead GAULEY BRIDGE -Kayak Access -Jodie Rail Trail -Waterfall Trail -North Rim Trailhead

Cedar Grove Glasgow

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Gauley Bridge

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers Longacre

Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

Hidden Waterfall Trail: Many visitors from all over the region come to see the Kanawha Falls.

However, these guests often pass up the opportunity to visit Cathedral Falls and the numerous hidden waterfalls in close proximity. The Waterfall Trail provides waterfall admirers an adventure that takes them off the beaten path to explore the other scenic and picturesque natural attractions between the Cathedral and Kanawha Falls.

North Rim Trailhead: Located in the town of Gauley Bridge, this trailhead offers hikers a great starting point at the furthest upstream end of the North Rim Trail. In addition, the trail provides access to the Jodie Rail Trail and the South Rim Trail via the rehabilitated Kanawha Falls Bridge. Hikers can enjoy dramatic views of the Kanawha Falls, previously unavailable to the falls visitors.

N RIM TRAIL

Hidden Waterfall Trail

New River RV Park

Cathedral Falls

Railroad tracks you will cross on your way to and from the falls

Hidden Waterfall

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 FEATURED PROJECT: MAMMOTH PRESERVE Charleston

Blue Creek Rail Trail

Connection to Blue Creek Rail Trail

Mammoth Site

MAMMOTH PRESERVE

Gauley Bridge Cedar Grove Glasgow

Hugheston

Glen Farris

Smithers

Gauley River

Longacre Charlton Heights Boomer

Falls View

Hugheston

Smithers

Gauley Bridge

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Mammoth Preserve: A common landscape that can be seen throughout much of West Virginia are the remnants of the robust coal mining industry that, in recent years, has slowly declined as factors such as new technology, resources, and a need for sustainable practices has decreased the demand for coal. In result, many of these sites, scarred from the mining process, are left abandoned and noticeably different from their pre-mining state. Areas that have not been properly managed can further disrupt the surrounding environment as dangerous toxins uncovered while extracting coal slowly leach out and contaminate land and water resources.

An example of this can be found at a site SE of Charleston, WV. Called the Mammoth Preserve, the land consists of 5,000 acres of woodlands and abandoned surface mines. Ownership of the site has changed over time, with the most recent ownership being the West Virginia Land Trust (WVLT), a statewide nonprofit dedicated to

protecting WV’s natural lands, bodies of water, scenic locations, and recreational areas. The site was acquired by WVLT as part of a settlement during a 2012 lawsuit, where a coalition of environmental groups sued Alpha Natural Resources, the previous owners of the property, for violating the federal Clean Water Act and contaminating surrounding water sources with selenium. The land acquisition was negotiated by Appalachian Headwaters and it was given to the current owners to manage. This organization differs from previous landowners as they strive to correct the damage that has been done to the land and to restore the native forest community. Their vision is to transform the Mammoth Preserve into a regional destination for recreation and environmental education. This massive project, which involves reforesting approximately 2,000 acres of surface mines and restoring destroyed stream channels, is the largest WVLT project to date. Completion of the project will have lasting impacts on the local communities, delivering benefits such as restored native habitat, clean air and water, climate change mitigation, and will even be a benefit economically, providing jobs and other entrepreneurial opportunities to local communities. Our concept looks to expand upon WVLT’s vision to create a backcountry setting close to home through programs such as mountain biking, hiking, equestrian activities, and the implementation of camp sites and a hut system. Through planning and restoration, this land can

become an invaluable resource to local communities and the greater Upper Kanawha Valley region.

The location of the Mammoth property positions it in a great place for outdoor recreational tourism.

Regionally, it is close to several local towns and an hour from the state capitol, Charleston, as well as a few hours drive from several major urban centers in surrounding states. Nearby, other parks trails, and similar attractions can be found. This includes Hawks Nest State Park, the Midland Trail National Scenic Highway, and, most recently, the New River Gorge National Park. Attractions such as the Midland Trail also connect the area to other locations locally. Being close to other similar attractions is a great way to draw in visitors. Besides location, there are numerous statistics that support the idea of transforming the Mammoth Preserve into a non-motorized, outdoor recreational attraction and illustrate the positive impact it will have on surrounding communities. According to a 2019 report from the WV Tourism

Office, the state is positioned as being the next top tourism destination in the U.S. With increased popularity in outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, camping, and fishing, a total of 65.5 million visitors traveled to WV during that year. To support the large amount of visitors, 45,400 jobs have been created. These numbers are only expected to grow, as entrepreneurs realize the potential this industry has and create more attractions.

With the advantage of being located near several major urban centers in surrounding states, there is a large user market. As recreation tourism continues to expand within the state, the creation of a unique outdoor experience that can be found within the Mammoth Preserve will be a benefit to the Upper Kanawha Valley and will allow the region to become more competitive in the tourism market.

To reach its full potential, our team envisions transforming the Mammoth Preserve into a hub of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Following the site inventory and analysis phase of the project, we have developed a concept that identifies three main programed areas for the site that align with WVLT’s vision for the land. These programs are a welcome area and biking trails, backcountry camping, and horseback riding. The overall vision for the Preserve is to create a backcountry experience close to home. There are several limiting factors that prevent users

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from being able to hike in remote areas, including travel, access and the challenges presented to those with families. However, the vastness of the Mammoth Preserve allows us to recreate that backcountry experience in a way that is family friendly and accessible, giving all users the chance to experience the great outdoors.

Establishing a network of trails with varying difficulties and uses will allow each visitor to choose the outdoor adventure that is best suited for their abilities and expertise.

Accessing the site off of the Midland Trail National Scenic Highway, or U.S. Route 60, at the town of Smithers, visitors first experience the welcome center and biking area. This portion of the site, which features wetlands and smaller elevation changes, will consist of easier trails oriented to accommodate those with less outdoor hiking experience. The manmade wetlands will create great attractions, allowing trail users to experience wildlife and nature and can serve as an educational opportunity to teach on the importance

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of wetlands to the ecosystem. Biking trails can also be built here. With the large amount of space available for trail creation, the site has the potential to become a regional mountain biking hub. Establishment of this hub can have great economic impacts. According to a study by the WVU Extension Service, bike related trips contributed $11.3 billion to the economy in the South Atlantic Region (DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, WV, and Washington D.C.). It also supported 135,000 jobs, as other industries, such as restaurants and hotels, are needed to accommodate travelers. In addition, organizations such as NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) would be attracted to a bike hub to host competitions and events. Events such as this would attract a large number of visitors to the region. All of this would have great impacts on communities surrounding the Mammoth Preserve, bringing in visitors and helping local businesses to thrive.

For those looking for more of a challenge, a backcountry hiking experience can be created in the NW portion of the Mammoth property.

This area that contains forests, hills, and many great views allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature and experience the remote feeling of being far from development. These trails would be for more experienced hikers and would allow for multi-day trips. Accommodations at night can be provided through camp sites, which can move every few years to keep the experience interesting. Additionally, creation of a hut system would provide

users with shelter at night. Users would travel between cabins during the day as they move through the Preserve, and be able to sleep in them at night. Hiking opportunities can be expanded beyond the property too. Connections to the Blue Creek Rail Trail will be available, and new trails can always be integrated into the overall regional system as they are created.

The last program envisioned for the Mammoth Preserve is an area with trails to accommodate horseback riding.

Creating such a place would add to the uniqueness of the site and contribute to the overall outdoor adventure experience. With a seemingly unlimited amount of steep slopes and great views, riding will make travel easier and will give a unique opportunity not commonly found within the state. Just as with hiking, huts and camp sites can be created to allow for multi-day trips. Traveling by horse will allow visitors to visit far away and perhaps more difficult locations in a shorter amount of time than hiking.

This engaging activity will also be educational, teaching users a new skill

and helping to further defining the site as a recreational and educational center.

The vastness that can be found on the Mammoth Preserve can truly create a unique experience to visitors and has the potential to become a regional destination for outdoor enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

The 5,000 acres of available land allows for numerous programs to be implemented and for the creation of a multitude of trails to accommodate all experience levels. Giving a backcountry experience close to home will attract those who want to go on an adventure without traveling far. As the site is restored by Appalachian Headwaters, opportunities will exist to educate the public on sustainable practices and the harmful impacts that coal mining has on the environment. Through the work done by WVLT, the Mammoth Preserve can become a regional attraction and be made into an outdoor recreation icon for the Upper Kanawha Valley region.

Blue Creek Rail Trail

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Mammoth Location Map

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Mammoth Environmental Education Center

The Upper Kanawha Valley

Environmental Education Center: The Mammoth Preserve will come outfitted with a Environmental Education Center on site. The example we illustrated shows our preferred location. The Mammoth Environmental Education Center is an all inclusive stop. Access roads lead to overflow and event parking and parking on-site includes basic parking as well as RV/ Trailer parking. Pick up brochures, paper maps and directions at the welcome center and visit the wrap around deck for great outdoor views. Public use walking trails extend throughout the site’s wetland and add a connection to the rest of the Mammoth’s outdoor trials.

The unique Mammoth Preserve is a great example of both coal heritage and environmental reclamation within the region. Visitors will learn about the area’s coal history through signage and information detailing past high wall activity and current progress on the reclamation and re-establishment of WV’s hardwood forests. Additionally, manmade wetlands around the Welcome Center will be accompanied by an interpretive trail, birding area, and boardwalk. Signage will discuss the importance of wetlands within the headwaters of a watershed, along with teaching about the plant and animal communities found within the system.

NOLS Partnerships with outdoor education organizations, such as the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), provide great opportunities to advertise and promote the Mammoth Preserve. Such a partnership would be able to utilize the 4,000 Mammoth site as an educational hub. NOLS would also be able to integrate surrounding natural features; the Kanawha, Gauley, and New Rivers; the Rim Trails; and indoor classrooms in Montgomery at the Bridge Valley Community and Technical College into their programing.

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Environmental Education Center

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Mammoth Preserve Land Use: The Preserve has been designed with the end user in mind and the property divided into user group zones. The user group zones include Mountain Biking, Equestrian and Hiking. The site has an existing north/south access road that divides the site. The plan utilizes this road to help divide the use zones. For example, the equestrian area is separated by the road from the mountain bike zone which will help reduce user conflicts. The access road is the only road within the Preserve that motorized vehicles will travel and therefore the master plan shows a minimum of three campgrounds along this road and dedicated to the adjacent user zone. By keeping campgrounds close to the access road, it allows for easy programing of lodging, facilities and control of motorized vehicles. The campgrounds are separated by land features and allow for private settings and likeminded users at each campground.

The campgrounds will have multiple lodging options such as tent, RV and cabin/yurts to meet the needs of most visitors. In addition to the campgrounds, there are other important features located along the main access road. Locations for a welcome center, festival grounds and event overflow parking are uniquely placed to take advantage of the terrain and location it proximity to the road.

Blue Creek Rail Trail

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Mining Heritage and Reclamation Outdoor Classroom

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Mammoth Preserve Zone Map Legend

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Blue Creek Rail Trail Connection

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Mt Bike Campground Future Camp

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Wetland/ Environmental Education Center

Festival Grounds

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Hiking Camp Equestrian Camp

Canvas Tent Camping

Equestrian RV Camping

Yurt Camping

Canvas Tent Camping

Staying at the Mammoth Preserve: With all the recreation and leisure of the project site, the Mammoth Preserve also holds diverse lodging experiences. Overnight stayers can experience a mix of luxury camping (glamping), equestrian camping, RV camping, canvas tent camping, and backwoods camping.

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The Mountain Bike Zone:

The Upper Kanawha Valley

Event and Overflow parking

Festival Grounds

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Blue Creek Rail Trail

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With approximately 800 acres dedicated to mountain biking, the Mountain Bike Zone at the Mammoth Preserve provides trails to serve all user groups.

The use area is divided into an east and section, with 10 miles and 8 miles of trails, respectively. Adventure seekers ranging from beginners to experts will be able to explore the vast recreational area on paths ranging from gradual slopes to rugged terrain. This program area surrounds the proposed Welcome Center and forms key connections to the rest of the site, linking biking trails to the hiking and equestrian areas. Connectivity gives bikers additional trail options to explore. In addition to the Welcome Center, this use area contains programs for festival grounds, event parking, and a 20+ acre camping grounds. Each of these areas are within walking distance, or are adjacent, to the main access road to allow for ease of accessibility and to limit motorized vehicles within the site.

NICA The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes and organizes mountain bike racing events for middle and high school athletes. Made up of 31 leagues nationally, sponsored events can attract a large number of visitors to an area for competitions.

The West Virginia league has five races planned for the 2021 season and consists of 13 teams that represent major regions of the state. Proposed facilities at the Mammoth Preserve will be able to host one of these events, drawing in visitors from across the state and country to the Upper Kanawha Valley.

Mt. Bike Campground

Mountain Biking Campground: This lodging location is outfitted with various staying options. With a close proximity to the mountain bike trails, users and mountain bikers alike can stay close to the action. The site becomes a gateway with multiple trails connecting to the rest of the Mammoth Preserve in every direction. Lodging options can be interchanged with cabins, tents, yurts, RV spaces, ETC.

Mountain Biking Campground

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The Equestrian Zone: Blue Creek Rail Trail

Equestrian fans will be delighted to discover that the Mammoth Preserve also includes approximately 1,200 acres dedicated to horseback riding adventures. This use area is uniquely situated to be separate from other site programs, providing a peaceful setting to be enjoyed with your horse. Riders will get to choose their route, exploring the lower streams to the grand views of mountain ridgelines, on 30+ miles of interconnected trails. Dedicated camping areas, with the potential for tent and RV lodging, will be designed to accommodate riders. The current concept plan includes two campground locations. The initial lodging area, Equestrian Campground 1, is centrally located on approximately 12 acres of existing flat terrain.

The Upper Kanawha Valley

Equestrian Camp 1

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Future Camp

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Equestrian RV Camping with Cabin Expansion The Upper Kanawha Valley

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Mining Heritage and Reclamation Outdoor Classroom

The Hiking Zone: West of the main access road lies an area of approximately 1,800 acres dedicated to hiking.

With limited options for trails, adventurers will get explore West Virginia’s hardwood forests, coal heritage, and grand views of Kanawha County from within the Mammoth Preserve.

In addition to dedicated hiking trails, specifically marked multi-use trails will also be found within this space. This will create safe, larger loop systems for those riding a bike or horse. In addition to hiking, this programmed zone will also contain connections to the proposed Blue Creek Rail Trail, on the north end of the property, and a connection to the North Rim Trail on the south end.

The Upper Kanawha Valley

North Rim Connector Trail

Hiking Campground

North Entrance & Blue Creek Rail Trail Connection

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Blue Creek Rail Trail (See page 46)

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Day Use Trailheads Many trailheads can be found along the main access road to allow for even distribution of day trail users throughout the Mammoth Preserve.

Environmental Education The unique Mammoth Preserve is a great example of both coal heritage and environmental reclamation within the region. Visitors will learn about the area’s coal history through signage and information detailing past high wall activity and current progress on the reclamation and re-establishment of WV’s hardwood forests. Additionally, manmade wetlands around the Welcome Center will be accompanied by an interpretive trail, birding area, and boardwalk. Signage will discuss the importance of wetlands within the headwaters of a watershed, along with teaching about the plant and animal communities found within the system.

Hiking Campground The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT NORTH 2 FEATURED PROJECT: BLUE CREEK RAIL TRAIL Blue Creek Rail Trail: A wonderful opportunity for recreational and rail trail expansion, the Blue Creek Rail Trail (BCRT) is set for revitalization. Given the recent success of the Elk River Rail Trail State Park (ERRT), future expansion is planned connecting the ERRT to Elkview.

As part of the greater vision of the “Valley” system, the BCRT taps into the ERRT as link to draw cycle and rail trail enthusiasts to the Mammoth Preserve and the greater “Valley” system. The BCRT offers the trail user a gentle and scenic climb as it leaves Blue Creek and heads west to Hitop for 20 miles. As shown in the images on this page, bicyclist will encounter two tunnels cut out of the mountain with no traditional tunnel lining allowing for a surreal passage. Also found along this scenic rail trail are many trestles, many still in place ready for resurfacing.

With creek access for most of the trail, any user up for a stop to fish along the banks of the creek or off the trestles will be rewarded with a tranquil Appalachian rest. Adding to the desirable scenery the BCRT can offer the history buff or local

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resident a look into the past of the many uses the existing railroad offered. Bringing to light the once prominent and well connected area to the City of Charleston the Blue Creek area can once again be active and play a vital role to the future of the “Valley”.

Blue Creek Elkview

Tunnel 1

Tunnel 1 Quick

Blue Creek Rail Trail

Hitop

Connector Trail

Mammoth Preserve

Existing Abandoned Bridge

Abandoned Rail Tunnel

Existing Abandoned Bridge

Example of Rail Trail Tunnel

Historic Blue Creek Rail Map The Upper Kanawha Valley

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South 1

MASTER PLAN The Upper Kanawha Valley project site is divided up into four geological regions; Quadrant North 1, North 2, South 1 and South 2. Working in conjunction with existing and potential attractors, the four areas accommodate features to make up small “puzzle pieces” that fit within the completed regional system of outdoor tourism. Each region has a major recreational draw as well as community improvements.

Quadrant North 1 includes the Elk River Rail Trail State Park, the Proposed Blue Creek Rail Trail, Potential ATV Trails, and Potential 4x4 off Road Excursion.

Quadrant North 2 contains the Mammoth Preserve, a gift to the West Virginia LandTrust; a former mine site with the potential to stimulate the local economy with ecotourism.

Charleston

North 1 Elk River Trail State Park

Quadrant South 1 includes the Kanawha State Forest and potential connections to the riverside communities.

Quadrant South 2 holds the land acquired by the Hatfield-McCoy Trail organization, providing a future for professionally managed ATV trails for the area.

These various attractions integrated with proposed elevated trails that weave through the Valley tie together a hierarchy of outdoor spaces to the thirteen communities nestled within the Valley and complete the tourism gap between Charleston and the New River area.

Blue Creek Rail Trail

Potential ATV Trails

North 2

Mammoth Reserve

4x4 Off Road Excursion

New River Gorge

Kanawha State Forest

South 1

Hatfield McCoy Trails

South 2

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QUADRANT SOUTH 1 MARMET -Marmet Boat Ramp -ADA Walking Trail -South Rim Trailhead -Lens Creek Trail CHESAPEAKE -Updated Marina and Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead CHELYAN/CABIN CREEK -Lodging -Cabin Creek Kayak Launch -South Rim Trailhead

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Marmet

Kanawha State Forest Chesapeake Chelyan

Marmet Boat Ramp Campground and ADA Trail: Currently there is no boat ramp access located in the City of Marmet. The closest location along the south side of the river for entrance to the Winfield Pool is located approximately 7 miles downstream near the Capitol Building.

This proposed access point would not only meet the needs of the current residents in the surrounding area, but would act as a connector to the City of Charleston for the southern portion of “The Valley”. In addition to boater access, the project would expand the camping and RV options provided and give the visitor opportunities for a day trip to the city through the City of Charleston Marina. Expansion of the ADA trail network and fishing area, currently in place at the Bill Wells Community Park, ties this amenity to Marmet’s existing facilities.

South Rim Trailhead: Located in Marmet, and in close proximity to Chesapeake, lies the proposed South Rim Trailhead. With easy access to travelers of the West Virginia Turnpike, this location creates a point of entry to the South Rim Trail. For many “Valley” visitors, this location will highlight attractions in “The Valley” and advertise what lies ahead. Adding to the value of this location is the access provided to the Kanawha State Forest via the Lens Creek Trail, making this a gateway trailhead to adventure in the southern quad. Given the pedestrian disconnect between local communities in the South 1 Quadrant, due to I-64/I-77 interstate and industrial activity, a safe and exciting connection that binds the overall community as a whole was desired. The South Rim Trail provides an extraordinary tourism opportunity with noteworthy vistas and challenging terrain. This attraction will drive tourism not only to the trail, but will serve as an economic driver to Marmet, Chesapeake, Chelyan and Cabin Creek.

Lens Creek Trail: Beginning at the Marmet South Rim Trailhead, the Lens Creek Trail climbs in elevation and follows along Lens Creek for approximately 5 miles. This trail provides a connection for hikers and bikers and gives mountain bikers access to the trails in the Kanawha State Forest via a 4 mile road. Kanawha State Forest is a well-established park containing more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, camp sites and an abundance of active wildlife. Connecting Marmet, Chesapeake and “The Valley” to this amenity creates economic opportunities that are not currently available for both towns.

Lens Creek

S RIM

Marmet Lock & Dam

TRAIL

Marmet

I-77 I-64 61

Boat Ramp

Marmet Boat Ramp & Lodging

Marmet ADA Trail to Lock & Dam Viewing Platform

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QUADRANT SOUTH 1

Marmet

Kanawha State

Chesapeake Chelyan

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

Kanawha State Forest: Found within close proximity to the Kanawha Valley, and located 7 miles south of Charleston, WV, the Kanawha State Forest is a haven for outdoor wildlife and boasts a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Containing 9,300 acres of land, the forest offers visitors a chance to explore the famous rolling hills of West Virginia and to see rare wildlife. The park has activities that allow for year round use by users of all ages. 25+ miles of trails are available for hiking and biking adventures.

This growing network allows users to fully explore the outdoors and experience some of the unique features found in the area. On these trails, users can discover diverse wildflower and bird populations.

Birders are drawn to the area from as far away as Canada to witness the 19 species of wood warblers that can be seen nesting within the forest. However, this is not the only wildlife that can be found.

Trout, sunfish, and largemouth bass are a selection of the stocked fish that can be fished for. These, along with other hunting opportunities, give those old enough the chance to further explore the wilderness and to catch their own game. Also popular is the playground and swimming facilities available. Appealing to those visitors who may not be interested in the other opportunities the park has to offer, there is an activity for everyone to enjoy.

Kanawha State Forest Pond provides spring fishing for stocked trout to Children

and Class Q License holders. This pond provides a limited warm water fishery for sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. The general public is permitted to fish for trout after May 31.

Lens Creek Connection Adding to the value of this location is the access provided to the Kanawha State Forest via the Lens Creek Trail, making this a gateway trailhead to adventure in the southern quad. Given the pedestrian disconnect between local communities in the South 1 Quadrant, due to I-64/I-77 interstate and industrial activity, a safe and exciting connection that binds the overall community as a whole was desired

Tent camping in the Kanawha State Forest Example

Mountain Biking in the Kanawha State Forest Example

Foot Bridge in the Kanawha State Forest The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT SOUTH 1 MARMET -Marmet Boat Ramp -ADA Walking Trail -South Rim Trailhead -Lens Creek Trail CHESAPEAKE -Updated Marina and Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead CHELYAN/CABIN CREEK -Lodging -Cabin Creek Kayak Launch -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

Marmet

Kanawha State Forest Chesapeake Chelyan

Chesapeake Marina and Boat Ramp: This marina boat ramp, although existing, is set to become more active with development and will experience increased visitation as other camping and recreational activity is established. With the current infrastructure in place, improvements to the trailer parking, dock, and pier, along with additional marina space, create great opportunities for economic activities to occur.

This location will play an important role into the overall boat ramp and water access system in “The Valley”. Given its location as the most downstream access on the southern side of the Marmet Pool, many visitors can easily float or enjoy a day on the water from upstream locations and stop by to eat or end their day in Chesapeake.

N RIM S RIM

TRAIL

Chesapeake TRAIL Cabin Creek Trailhead

Chesapeake Marina and Boat Ramp Existing

Chesapeake Marina and Boat Ramp Artistic Representation

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT SOUTH 1 FEATURED PROJECT: CABIN CREEK MARMET -Marmet Boat Ramp -ADA Walking Trail -South Rim Trailhead -Lens Creek Trail CHESAPEAKE -Updated Marina and Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead CHELYAN/CABIN CREEK -Lodging -Cabin Creek Kayak Launch -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

Marmet

Kanawha State Forest Chesapeake Chelyan

Cabin Creek/Chelyan Boat Ramp and Campground: Found along the edge of the former power plant site lies a great opportunity for water trail access and campground amenities. This site provides water access to Cabin Creek and the Kanawha River allowing for a mix of water recreation. Guests can hop in their boat and take a short trip over to Dickinson Welcome Center to pick up groceries, get dinner, or shop the local stores. With the available size of the campground, many sites of varying accommodations can be put in place along with ADA trails and fishing access.

As the last location near the busy West Virginia Turnpike, this site creates a draw to “The Valley” and can showcase what the area can offer.

Cabin Creek Kayak Access: Situated where Cabin Creek meets the Kanawha River, the Cabin Creek Kayak Access creates a destination point for kayakers enjoying the day on the creek. Users will be able to enjoy a full day float from Cabin Creek Health Center to the Cabin Creek/Chelyan Boat Ramp and Campground.

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South Rim Trailhead: Located near the entrance to Cabin Creek Rd, the South Rim Trailhead ties the proposed Cabin Creek/Chelyan Boat Ramp and Campground to the South Rim Trail. Given its close proximity to the West Virginia Turnpike, this trailhead could be the start for many users as they work their way around the South and North Rim Trail systems. If visitors from the campground are there for a short day hike, this section of the trial climbs quickly for over 850 plus feet of elevation change, opening up to a very rewarding hike that showcases the vast views that the South Rim Trail provides.

Soft Launch Boat Ramp Boat Ramp

RV Park

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Cabin Creek/Chelyan Boat Ramp and Campground

Rd To S Rim Trail

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QUADRANT SOUTH 1 FEATURED PROJECT: CABIN CREEK MARMET -Marmet Boat Ramp -ADA Walking Trail -South Rim Trailhead -Lens Creek Trail CHESAPEAKE -Updated Marina and Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead CHELYAN/CABIN CREEK -Lodging -Cabin Creek Kayak Launch -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

Marmet

Kanawha State Forest Chesapeake Chelyan

Cabin Creek Water Trail: Kayakers can experience a 6 mile paddle beginning at cabin Creek Health Center. Multiple put-ins And take-outs along the creek allow users options for how long they plan on kayaking. The water trail ends at the cabin Creek trailhead where kayakers can take out or continue down the Kanawha River to their final lodging destination.

Sharon Boater Access

S RIM

Dry Branch Boater Access

TRAIL

Cabin Creek Trailhead (see page 53)

Chelyan

Cabin Creek Health Center

Kayak Launch

Cabin

Example of Kayak Launch

Start of Cabin Creek Water Trail

Creek

Rd

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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South 2

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

MASTER PLAN The Upper Kanawha Valley project site is divided up into four geological regions; Quadrant North 1, North 2, South 1 and South 2. Working in conjunction with existing and potential attractors, the four areas accommodate features to make up small “puzzle pieces” that fit within the completed regional system of outdoor tourism. Each region has a major recreational draw as well as community improvements.

Quadrant North 1 includes the Elk River Rail Trail State Park, the Proposed Blue Creek Rail Trail, Potential ATV Trails, and Potential 4x4 off Road Excursion.

Quadrant North 2 contains the Mammoth Preserve, a gift to the West Virginia LandTrust; a former mine site with the potential to stimulate the local economy with ecotourism.

Charleston

North 1 Elk River Trail State Park

Quadrant South 1 includes the Kanawha State Forest and potential connections to the riverside communities.

Quadrant South 2 holds the land acquired by the Hatfield-McCoy Trail organization, providing a future for professionally managed ATV trails for the area.

These various attractions integrated with proposed elevated trails that weave through the Valley tie together a hierarchy of outdoor spaces to the thirteen communities nestled within the Valley and complete the tourism gap between Charleston and the New River area.

Blue Creek Rail Trail

Potential ATV Trails

North 2

Mammoth Reserve

4x4 Off Road Excursion

New River Gorge

Kanawha State Forest

South 1

Hatfield McCoy Trails

South 2

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QUADRANT SOUTH 2 EAST BANK -Lodging -East Bank Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead PRATT -Improved Boat Ramp -ADA walking trail -Kayak Access -Improved Trout Fishing -South Rim Trailhead HANDLEY -Lodging -Handley Boat Ramp MONTGOMERY -Montgomery Welcome Center -Alternate Hatfield-McCoy Trail -Montgomery Fishing Pier -Montgomery to Smithers Trail -South Rim Trailhead MT. CARBON/DEEP WATER -South Rim Trailhead -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

KANAWHA FALLS -South Rim Trailhead -ATV Access

Kanawha Falls

East Bank

Hansford Pratt Crown Hill

Handley

Montgomery Mt Carbon Deep Water

Hatfield McCoy Trails

East Bank Lodging and Boat Ramp: Not too far upstream from the Cabin Creek/Chesapeake Campground is the East Bank Campground and Boat Ramp. Located near the East Bank High School, known nationally as the home of former NBA standout Jerry West, this campground is tied to existing greenspace and recreational activity. Currently residents of East Bank have to leave town to access the river. With the proposed East Bank Trailhead, the boat ramp will allow East Bank residents and visitors full access to “The Valley” system, creating economic benefits for the historic town. In addition to the town’s unique history, this location allows guests easy access to a more remote camping experience while maintaining a close proximity to the West Virginia Turnpike.

Barge Restaurant: Utilizing the existing mooring post from previous barge loading facility, the proposed East Bank floating restaurant will allow locals and visitors a creative dining experience with beautiful Kanawha River views. The proposed restaurant is a unique way to re-purpose a barge and brownfield site while honoring the past industrial heritage of the Kanawha River. Patrons will be able to arrive via boat to the dock located riverside or from land via the proposed adjacent lodging area.

RAIL

S RIM T

N RIM TRAIL

Glasgow

Share the Road to Mammoth Reserve

Cedar Grove

East Bank

South Rim Trailhead: Centrally located within East Bank, next to commercial development, lies the East Bank Trailhead. This trailhead can accommodate a larger amount of visitors than typically found within “The Valley” system and has room for future expansion, providing East Bank with many economic and recreational opportunities.. Located near the middle portion of the South Rim Trail, users can decide to head west towards Charleston along the ridge, or head east to climb nearly 1,000 feet above the river and lookout over the steep mountain sides.

Proposed Barge Restaurant Concept

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT SOUTH 2 EAST BANK -Lodging -East Bank Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead PRATT -Improved Boat Ramp -ADA walking trail -Kayak Access -Improved Trout Fishing -South Rim Trailhead HANDLEY -Lodging -Handley Boat Ramp MONTGOMERY -Montgomery Welcome Center -Alternate Hatfield-McCoy Trail -Montgomery Fishing Pier -Montgomery to Smithers Trail -South Rim Trailhead MT. CARBON/DEEP WATER -South Rim Trailhead -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

KANAWHA FALLS -South Rim Trailhead -ATV Access

Kanawha Falls

East Bank

Hansford Pratt Crown Hill

Handley

Montgomery Mt Carbon Deep Water

Hatfield McCoy Trails

Pratt Boat Ramp: The existing boat ramp in Pratt offers a convenient location for entry to the Marmet Pool in the Kanawha River. This location is highly visited and is in need of many improvements, including trailer parking, pedestrian access, ADA access, dock extension with boat slips, and signage. This will welcome new visitors to this location. Expansion opportunities to the dock can add ADA fishing and kayak access, increasing the recreational uses and allowing for future recreation project such as an ADA walking trail linking the existing baseball fields to town.

Paint Creek Trailhead: Situated north of the railroad tracks and along Paint Creek, the South Rim Trailhead and Kayak Access is an ideal location for hikers, kayak, and angler enthusiasts to take advantage of Paint Creek. From this point, hikers can explore east or west on the South Rim Trail or take a stroll up stream along the water and fishing trail. Previously the C&O Railway, the water and fishing trail is locally used and can be easily marked and designated for official use.

Fisherman have the option to leave their vehicle at the trailhead for a full day of pristine trout fishing along Paint Creek.

Handley

Paint Creek Rail Trail

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QUADRANT SOUTH 2 EAST BANK -Lodging -East Bank Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead PRATT -Improved Boat Ramp -ADA walking trail -Kayak Access -Improved Trout Fishing -South Rim Trailhead HANDLEY -Lodging -Handley Boat Ramp MONTGOMERY -Montgomery Welcome Center -Alternate Hatfield-McCoy Trail -Montgomery Fishing Pier -Montgomery to Smithers Trail -South Rim Trailhead MT. CARBON/DEEP WATER -South Rim Trailhead -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

KANAWHA FALLS -South Rim Trailhead -ATV Access

Kanawha Falls

East Bank

Hansford Pratt Crown Hill

Handley

Montgomery Mt Carbon Deep Water

Hatfield McCoy Trails

Paint Creek Scenic Trail A tributary flowing into the Kanawha River, Paint Creek today has been transformed from its former polluted state into what some now consider to be one of the most beautiful and accessible trout streams in the state. Up until the 1970s, the creek was heavily polluted with mine drainage from the surrounding mountains. Running orange at times and filled with waste, the body of water was inhabitable for many species of wildlife. Since then, much work has been put into turning it into a valuable resource for all to enjoy. The waste was removed, dams installed to improve fish habitat, and limestone sands added to re-mediate acid mine drainage. Improvements were also made to the banks of the river, with picnic areas and historical markers installed to remember where mines and their towns once stood. With the help of the WVDNR and Trout Unlimited, Paint Creek is now a valuable community resource.

Paint Creek is located in a prime location to become a tourist destination.

Located adjacent to the West Virginia Turnpike, it is easy to access and includes activities for multiple user groups for fishing, kayaking, biking and motorcycling tours. Although this is an existing resource, it has much room for improvement and this plan proposes projects that should take place to help further Paint Creek as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Projects at Paint Creek: Fishing: In order to best accommodate more fisherman and allow for a better experience for the visitors, we propose lengthening the existing 2 mile section of the catch and release section by an additional 3 miles in length and include new ADA fisherman accessible fishing locations. The proposed catch and release section will extend from Mossy downstream for 5 miles which is the most heavily utilized fishing area of Paint Creek due to the ease of access.

Kayaking: Kayaking is a current recreational use but has little improved access points. This plan suggests the creation of put-ins/take-outs and to work with local kayaking clubs on the locations they see best for access and safety. This plan shows a put-in at Mossy that will double as a trailhead for bicycling and the beginning of the fishing catch and release section.

Additional put-ins/take-outs will be required but additional planning efforts with local kayaking groups should be undertaken in order to locate the improvements.

Rail Trail: While there is currently a cycling tour on Route 83/Paint Creek Rd, this plan proposes that the abandoned Paint Creek Branch of the C&O Railroad become a 14 mile rail trail with a 6 mile extension of new trail that will extend the rail trail from Mossy to the proposed trailhead in Pratt. Not only does this offer bicyclist the opportunity for a new rail trail, it also allows for additional fishing access along the entire length of Paint Creek.

Paint Creek Rail Trail Existing Catch and Release 2 miles Proposed Addition 3 miles Pratt

Gallagher

Montgomery

Standard

Paint Creek Rail Trail Hatfield McCoy Trails Whittaker

Burnwell River Takeout Put in & Rail Trail

Burnwell

Mahan

Kayak 1st Takeout Kayak Put in Mossy

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT SOUTH 2 EAST BANK -Lodging -East Bank Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead PRATT -Improved Boat Ramp -ADA walking trail -Kayak Access -Improved Trout Fishing -South Rim Trailhead HANDLEY -Lodging -Handley Boat Ramp MONTGOMERY -Montgomery Welcome Center -Alternate Hatfield-McCoy Trail -Montgomery Fishing Pier -Montgomery to Smithers Trail -South Rim Trailhead MT. CARBON/DEEP WATER -South Rim Trailhead -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

KANAWHA FALLS -South Rim Trailhead -ATV Access

Kanawha Falls

East Bank

Hansford Pratt Crown Hill

Handley

Montgomery Mt Carbon Deep Water

Hatfield McCoy Trails

Handley Lodging and Boat Ramp: With its location as the proposed most downstream ramp in the London Pool, this campground site can provide a lot of visitor activity. In addition to its position in the London Pool, the campground will help accommodate visitors to Pratt and the Paint Creek area, as well as visitors to Montgomery that prefer a more remote camping experience.

Railro a

d Ln London Lock & Dam

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N RIM TRAIL

TRAIL

London Lock & Dam

RV Park Kanawha River

Boat Ramp

Ra il

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Handley Lodging and Boat Ramp

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT SOUTH 2 EAST BANK -Lodging -East Bank Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead PRATT -Improved Boat Ramp -ADA walking trail -Kayak Access -Improved Trout Fishing -South Rim Trailhead HANDLEY -Lodging -Handley Boat Ramp MONTGOMERY -Montgomery Welcome Center -Alternate Hatfield-McCoy Trail -Montgomery Fishing Pier -Montgomery to Smithers Trail -South Rim Trailhead MT. CARBON/DEEP WATER -South Rim Trailhead -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

KANAWHA FALLS -South Rim Trailhead -ATV Access

Kanawha Falls

East Bank

Hansford Pratt Crown Hill

Handley

Montgomery Mt Carbon Deep Water

Hatfield McCoy Trails

Montgomery Welcome Center and Lodging: The Montgomery Welcome Center, located along the southern side of the Kanawha River and along Morris Creek, provides an improved public river access to the residents of Montgomery. This site gives the opportunity for multiple trailer parking spaces, boater access, cabin rentals with courtesy docks, picnic areas, and a pedestrian bridge linking the proposed Montgomery Welcome Center to the lodging area. This site requires the acquisition of the property west of Morris Creek in order to accommodate vehicles with trailers. If the Welcome Center is able to acquire the western property, then the city should consider making the public fishing pier at this site.

Hatfield-McCoy Alternate Trailhead: Just north of Montgomery and upstream along Morris Creek, “Valley” visitors can find a gateway trailhead to the Morris Creek Hatfield-McCoy trail system.

Not only will this trailhead provide access to the adventurous and highly visited ATV trail system, but the connection taps into the numerous users of the current trail network to draw visitors into Montgomery. This is currently for day users only, but as an alternative, this site could be used as the Montgomery Welcome Center Pool Property Alternative*

AIL

S RIM

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Courtesy Docks

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Kanawha Riv

Restaurant Kanawha River Courtesy Docks Montgomery Welcome Center

Cabins

Tiny Homes

Parking/Trailer Morris Creek

Rt 61 Third Ave Third Ave

*If the city of Montgomery is unable to acquire the property west of Morris Creek, we propose that the old pool site become a lodging opportunity such as a tiny home village. The Pool house building could become a restaurant with direct access to the Kanawha River.

Rt 61

Montgomery Welcome Center and Lodging (Previous Pool Property)

Morris Creek

To Rim Trail

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT SOUTH 2 EAST BANK -Lodging -East Bank Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead PRATT -Improved Boat Ramp -ADA walking trail -Kayak Access -Improved Trout Fishing -South Rim Trailhead HANDLEY -Lodging -Handley Boat Ramp MONTGOMERY -Montgomery Welcome Center -Alternate Hatfield-McCoy Trail -Montgomery Fishing Pier -Montgomery to Smithers Trail -South Rim Trailhead MT. CARBON/DEEP WATER -South Rim Trailhead -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

KANAWHA FALLS -South Rim Trailhead -ATV Access

Kanawha Falls

East Bank

Hansford Pratt Crown Hill

Handley

Montgomery Mt Carbon Deep Water

Hatfield McCoy Trails

Montgomery Fishing Pier: In the planning phase for a few years, funding was recently secured to build the Montgomery Fishing Pier. In addition to creating kayak and fishing access to the river for Montgomery residents, this project will build a connection to the Montgomery to Smithers Trail. This trail will invite visitors from the pier to town to grab a bite to eat, or to shop the store fronts along a unique and welcoming downtown area. Train enthusiasts can get up close to the railway cars that run down Third Ave, providing for an unmatched experience exclusive to Montgomery. (See additional fishing pier option on previous page).

Montgomery/Smithers Town Trail: Starting at the Montgomery Marina/Trailhead, this trail travels along a dedicated path that follows the Kanawha River to Smithers. After connecting to Smithers, the trail loops back to cross the Earl Vickers Bridge to connect to the town of Montgomery. Here, users can access the numerous available amenities. Examples include attractions such as the Montgomery Welcome Center or the Montgomery fishing pier, found by continuing on Ferry Street down 4th or 6th avenue, respectively. Trail goers can continue across the railroad tracks to the YMCA and existing trails such as Levi Morris Trail or the Montgomery Mountain Trail. The commitment to having a strong connection between the towns creates an inclusive recreational experience, spotlighting the characteristics that the overall “Valley” vision encompasses. Montgomery has an Amtrak station and that visitors can travel to the Valley by train. Amtrak allows bikers to bring their bike on the train.

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Montgomery

South Rim Trailhead: Located within the former West Virginia University Institute of Technology campus this trailhead location provides visitors with many recreational opportunities. People arriving to this trailhead will be able to access the South and North Rim Trails, existing Levi Morris Trail, Montgomery Mountain Trail, or Montgomery/Smithers Town Trail. This location will provide the opportunity to promote and educate what is available in “The Valley” system.

Proposed Montgomery Fishing Pier

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT SOUTH 2 EAST BANK -Lodging -East Bank Boat Ramp -South Rim Trailhead PRATT -Improved Boat Ramp -ADA walking trail -Kayak Access -Improved Trout Fishing -South Rim Trailhead HANDLEY -Lodging -Handley Boat Ramp MONTGOMERY -Montgomery Welcome Center -Alternate Hatfield-McCoy Trail -Montgomery Fishing Pier -Montgomery to Smithers Trail -South Rim Trailhead MT. CARBON/DEEP WATER -South Rim Trailhead -South Rim Trailhead

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

KANAWHA FALLS -South Rim Trailhead -ATV Access

Kanawha Falls

East Bank

Hansford Pratt Crown Hill

Handley

Montgomery Mt Carbon Deep Water

Hatfield McCoy Trails

South Rim Trailhead: On the far eastern side of the Upper Kanawha Valley lies the communities of Mt. Carbon, Deep Water, and Kanawha Falls. With trailheads to the South Rim Trails, these locations will form important connections between the River and the Hatfield McCoy Trail system. They will also serve as locations for amenities to benefit those traveling along the Southern Rim Trail. In addition, Kanawha Falls plays a key role as a potential connector between the North and South Rim Trails through the repairing of a local dilapidated bridge for pedestrian use.

S RIM TRAIL

Kanawha Falls Deep Water

N RIM TRAIL

Trailhead and parking example

Mt Carbon

Trailhead signage example

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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QUADRANT SOUTH 2 FEATURED PROJECT: HATFIELD MCCOY Kanawha Falls

East Bank

Hansford Pratt Crown Hill

Handley

Montgomery

Montgomery

Kanawha Falls

Mt Carbon Deep Water Mt Carbon Deep Water

Hatfield McCoy Trails

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

Morris Creek Hatfield McCoy Trail With the addition of the Morris Creek Hatfield McCoy Trail system, the Upper Kanawha Valley will get to be a part of one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world. Having been featured on the Outdoor Channel, and in magazines such as ATV Illustrated, this wellknown network of professionally managed trails allow users to explore some of the most rugged and exotic landscapes of southern West Virginia. This newest section of recreational riding trails will add an additional 9,000 acres to the already 800+ miles of trails that have already been established. Designed to provide adventure for all experience levels, these newest trails will build on to this already popular regional tourism attractor.

The Morris Creek Trail will start at the Montgomery Welcome Center, and users will utilize Morris Dr. to and from the trail system. The expansion of this already famous network will have a great impact on the Valley, drawing users looking to experience off-road thrills into Montgomery and the surrounding towns and attractions of the area.

Kanawha River Courtesy Docks Montgomery Welcome Center

Cabins

Parking/Trailer

Third Ave Third Ave

Rt 61

To Rim Trail Montgomery Welcome Center (see page 71)

Morris Creek

https://trailsheaven.com/

The Upper Kanawha Valley

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Feature Projects: Valley-wide

86

The Upper Kanawha Valley

The Upper Kanawha Valley

87

FEATURED PROJECT: Rim Trails & Hut System Rim Trails and Hut System

Utilizing the ridge-line that surround the Upper Kanawha Valley, the North and South Rim trail system gives users access to the surrounding mountains and takes advantage of sweeping views that showcase what the area has to offer. The creation of this trail will unite the proposed outdoor recreation and tourism system created within “The Valley” concept and connect the 4 geographical regions and their respective attractors together, forming a regional ecotourism destination. Each Rim trail will be made up of numerous trail segments, which connect to each community on the Northern and Southern portions of the Valley.

With this system in place, guests will be able chose their day’s adventure based off of their desired experience. For those with less outdoor recreation expertise, a day hike between towns, such as Malden and Rand, would be possible. At the same time, those looking for more of an adventure can use the North Rim Trail to move from Malden to Gauley Bridge, which are located on opposite ends of the project. Being able to choose your desired length allows the user experience to be tailored to the individual, giving great opportunities of adventure to both new and dedicated hikers and mountain bikers. No matter the situation, visitors can utilize the trail to travel from one outdoor attraction to the next, spending the day in the mountains before traveling back down to the river communities for the night.

The Rim Trails will also connect to a hut system. Located at points with spectacular views into the surrounding Valley, this

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The Upper Kanawha Valley

collection of huts will be found between segments of the North and South Rim Trails.

Using one of the Rim trails to access, they will provide lodging options for anyone, from those looking for a longer outdoor experience to simply a night in the remote mountainside.

This collection of rentable housing will be made up of a variety of buildings, from yurts to A-frames and cabins. Opportunities exist to incorporate the Rim Trails and hut system into each major site attractor found within the Upper Kanawha Valley. For example, connections can be made between the huts around the Mammoth Preserve, allowing users a multi-day experience in the outdoor adventure destination by providing evening lodging. This creates a flexible system for tourists and allows them to customize their trip to the Upper Kanawha Valley in a way that best suits their desires.

Together, the Rim Trail and Hut System will tie together the various puzzle pieces of the Upper Kanawha Valley and unite the River communities together. Each user’s experience within this system will be completely customizable, making this destination flexible for both families and experienced adventurers.

They will connect attractions in the mountains to the towns below them, allowing guests to navigate the Valley with little use of a car.

Upon the repair of the bridge at the eastern side of the Valley, Northern and Southern Rims will be united, allowing guests complete access to all attractions available through the use of a Rim trail. This unity and flexibility will be essential to the visitor experience within the Valley.

NORTH RIM

SOUTH RIM

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PAINT CREEK TRAILHEAD

PAINT CREEK HUT

HANSFORD VIEW HUT

MT CARBON HUT

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FALLS VIEW HUT

MORRIS CREEK HUT

LONDON LOCKS HUT

HUGHESTON HUT

HUGHESTON TRAILHEAD

Upper Kanawha Valley

Rim Trail & Hut System The Upper Kanawha Valley 89

FEATURED PROJECT: Trail Towns Trail Towns

The 5 Keys to Trail Town Success

What is a Trail Town?

A trail town is a destination found along a long distance trail or extensive trail system that attracts trail users to venture into the town to explore its shops, services, and heritage. These communities are vibrant, welcoming hubs that are easily accessible and provide needed amenities and attractions for all users. Part of a greater system, a trail town is linked to other trail communities along the path and serves as a stopping point of varying length, whether it’s for a meal or for lodging overnight. Through planning and partnerships, a trail has the potential to revitalize a community by bringing in visitors, stimulating existing businesses, and attracting additional business growth. By being attentive to the needs of trail users, a town can transform themselves into a destination worth visiting that will continue to grow. As a trail town increases in popularity, more tourists are encouraged to stop, growing town revenue and increasing its appeal to outside businesses.

As these outside companies locate into the community, more visitors are attracted to visit, creating a system that supports and builds on itself. When found along a trail with continued use, a well-planned trail town becomes a selfsustaining community.

1. Partnerships – Strong programs grow from stronger partnerships. These relationships give access to information and resources that may not have been as easily accessible, and lend more legitimacy to program. This is essential when approaching larger partners and applying for funding.

Basic Elements Include: -Elements that entice trail users to take detours off of trail and explore town.

-Information about town is available in a prominent and easily accessible location.

-Substantial path connecting the town to main trail.

-Businesses that are welcoming to trail users and meet their needs.

-Accommodations for all types of trail users.

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2. Assessment and Research – To take full advantage of trail tourism, a trail town must know the needs and opinions of its community and visitors. This can be done by assessing the town’s strengths and weaknesses. Input can be included from community members and tourist through surveys and meetings.

3. Connecting Town to Trail – In order for a town to benefit from a nearby trail, strong connections must be made that entice users to leave the path. Information must be easy to find.

The town should be accommodating for all trail users and activities.

4. Development – To bring trail travelers into town and keep them exploring and spending, basic services are needed, such as food and lodging. By working together, local businesses can create a welcoming network that meets all trail user needs. Revitalization of unattractive aspects is essential to creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages trail users to leave the path.

5. Marketing – Creating a brand is essential in advertising the destination. Utilizing a variety of printed and digital media to advertise the location is essential in gaining public attention of the opportunities that await them.

Trail Town Character

Facade Improvement

MARMET Marmet Boat Ramp & Lodging

Bike Lane

Period Lighting

Improved Community Center

Trail Town Signage

Maccorkle Ave

Trailhead

Suggested trail town concentration: between 88th St. & 93rd St. Illustration of Maccorkle Ave. Trail Town

MONTGOMERY Smithers Marina

Montgomery Welcome Center

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Suggested trail town concentration: Adams St. to Ferry St. on Third Ave Trail town opportunities exist in most of the communities within The Valley project area. The future project market lead is to work with communities to institute trail town elements Rendering of Adams St. to Ferry St. on Third Ave

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FEATURED PROJECT: Road Cycling & Motorcycling Road Cycling Cycling enthusiasts will be delighted at the adventures that await for them within the Upper Kanawha Valley. Not only can mountain bike trails be found in several attractions, but road cyclists can find that existing and proposed routes travel along scenic roads and connect to several major areas within the northern and southern sides of the Valley. These trails wind through the mountains, revealing scenic landscapes and views of the historical mines that have since been abandoned. The first proposed trail, Kelly’s Creek Trail, is approximately 24 miles and travels along Kelly’s Creek Road beginning in the town of Cedar Grove. Heading north, cyclists experience a steady uphill climb along a country road which weaves through the mountains before connecting to Pond Gap. At this point, and shortly after, connections to both the Blue Creek Rail Trail and the north entrance to the Mammoth Recreation Area provide riders with opportunities to take detours and experience other trails.

On the Southern portion of the Upper Kanawha Valley, road cyclists can enjoy a ride on the scenic and historical Paint Creek Scenic Trail. A 44 mile route with an audio tour that can be found online, users will get to cycle through ghost towns and past historical mines. Along the road is Paint Creek, a stream that has been transformed from its polluted past.

Named after the Native American tradition of painting trees to tell stories, the creek is home to many species of fish, such as trout, and is valued for the water recreation opportunities that exist. Traveling uphill from Pratt to Beckley, the trail has pull off locations to take a break and appreciate the surrounding scenery. Choosing any of these routes will take cyclists through the rolling hills of West Virginia and showcases the many scenic landscapes and historical locations in this region of the state.

From Gauley Bridge riders have additional opportunities to take detours and experience other trails and waterfalls nearby. Riders can travel a short distance to Glenn Ferris Inn and observe the widest waterfall, Kanawha Falls, or head east to Cathedral Falls which is the tallest waterfall in the state and one of the most photographed.

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Share the Road Examples

Motorcycling Motorcyclists will also get a chance to experience the great views and attractions within the Upper Kanawha Valley. Riding through the mountains and past many small towns, these routes showcase the best views that can be found within this region of the state. The 67 mile route connecting Marmet to Beckley, along WV-3, gives riders a chance to view historical coal mine sites and has many opportunities to pull off and take in the great views that surround users. Similarly, the Coal River Route takes riders through 81 miles of curvy roads, giving views to the surrounding mountains and having access to the Hatfield McCoy Trail System.

There are also routes that showcase the water and waterfall landscapes that can be found within the region.

For those looking for waterfalls and adventure, the Hairpin Adventure passes by 12 seasonal waterfalls and includes over 245 curves. In addition, the 129 mile Coal Heritage Ride North travels through the heart of “The Valley”, along the Midland Trail Scenic Byway and Kanawha River.

Meanwhile, the National River Route includes a connection at Gauley Bridge and travels to the New River Gorge National Park. No matter what route is chosen, riders will not be disappointed by the attractions and stunning scenery that they will encounter on their journey.

Visit visitwv.com/motorcycle to expand on more motorcycle tours seen in WV. West Virginia Motorcycling Examples

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FEATURED PROJECT: Midland Trail & Waterfalls Midland Trail Midland Trail National Scenic Byway is the road of choice for those who want to leave the interstate behind and see the Best of West Virginia as Route 60 winds the 180-miles across WV’s midsection offering a drive filled with fabulous vistas, world-class rafting, outdoor fun, art and artisan treasures & pioneer history.

Midland Trail / US Route 60 extends 180+ miles border to border across WV, through 41 towns and communities.

The Midland Trail is divided into three sections.

To make it easier to find the towns and attractions that might interest you the most during your trip to West Virginia, you can use these sections to filter your search results. Or, you can simply view all towns and attractions and filter by location, direction of travel, activities of interest and more.

The Trail Association and additional info are available at the Gateway Center in Smithers. www.midlandtrail.com

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Waterfalls One unexpected feature that can be found within the Upper Kanawha Valley are waterfalls. Ranging in size, some of these falls are well known, such as the 60 plus foot tall Cathedral Falls. Located one mile east of Gauley Bridge, this waterfall is one of the highest and considered to be one of the most scenic in the state. However, there are many other lesser known waterfalls that are located on tributaries that flow into the Kanawha River. Formed due to the unique topography of the region, these natural resources provide great attraction opportunities. An example can be found in another waterfall on the Kanawha River, outside the town of Glen Ferris. Named the Kanawha Falls, this is the largest waterfall in the state. Providing stunning views, many travel to visit this area. Taking advantage of this picturesque scenery, the Glen Ferris Inn, which overlooks the falls, attracts visitors to stay the night using the appeal of waterfalls. Like the Kanawha Falls, other falls in the region can be utilized to create a tourist destination. Creating a driving tour and trail links to these locations of interest would help to showcase some of the unique natural resources that have created the unique geography of the Valley.

In additional to waterfalls, historical features in the area, such as the remains of the original Midland Trail completed in 1790, with the support of George Washington, would also provide interesting destinations along a trail. In addition, local guides can use their knowledge of the area to give tours of these scenic and historical resources, drawing in interest from those looking to discover the natural beauty and landscapes within the state.

Along with waterfalls in this area, one of the largest bat caves in West Virginia is located adjacent to the midland trail in the town of Smithers.

“Exactly how many waterfalls are in the state is unknown. Like its neighbor Kentucky, very few of West Virginia’s waterfalls are listed in the online USGS data” - Great Lakes Waterfalls & Beyond The Upper Kanawha Valley

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CASE STUDIES Case Studies are a process or record of research into the development on different projects, master-plans, communities, specific issues, and much more. These will give us a an idea of pros and cons of a design that may have a positive effect on our project.

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BENTONVILLE, AR Considered the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” by many local citizens, Bentonville, AR (pop. 50,000) has been transformed from a town focused on agriculture to a place full of history, culture, and bike paths.

With over 350 mi. of mountain bike trails and 130 mi. of shared use paved trails, this area offers options for bikers with a wide range of experiences and abilities. Headquarters for several corporations, including Walmart, the town is only growing in population. Through the efforts of Walmart and other partners, Bentonville has become a destination location.

Historically, the small town, founded in the upper northwestern portion of Arkansas, was an agricultural based community, focused on apple and poultry industries. Beginning in 1950, this would change, with the creation of Walton’s 5 & Dime store, today known as Walmart. As the corporation grew, they struggled to retain good employees at their headquarters.

They identified that the major cause of this problem was the living environment of Bentonville.

It lacked the uniqueness and culture that attracts millennials,

their target employee demographic, to other major urban centers across the U.S. In response, Walmart, along with other partners, would bring in some of the best mountain bike trail designers in an effort to make the community a place that attracts and retains top talent.

As a result, Bentonville, AR is consistently recognized as being one of the best biking communities in the nation, and is used as a model for other towns looking to integrate biking into their own neighborhoods. Their network further solidified their position in the region, connecting the town to major regional bike routes nearby. They are also a model for utilizing mountain biking for tourism.

Opportunities exist for riders of all ages and levels of expertise, and draw in an estimated $137 million in economic benefits, according to the Walton Foundation. The success of Walmart’s vision has created an increasingly young and diverse population that is only expected to grow.

making process. The town also provides emphasis to the economic impact of creating an outdoor recreation destination.

By transforming the town into a mountain biker’s paradise and attracting tourists, Bentonville became an appealing location for new businesses, drawn in by economic activity produced by visitors. This relationship between tourists and businesses would work together to create a community in which citizens would want to work, live and play in.

The success that can be found in Bentonville provides a model for the Upper Kanawha Valley when considering expanding available mountain bike opportunities.

Aspects such as connectivity, inclusivity, way-finding, and trail design techniques can all be referred to during the decision

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5 RIVERS METROPARK, OH Nicknamed “America’s Newest Adventure Capitol” by National Geographic Magazine in 2017, Dayton, OH is a great example of a city that transformed itself into an ecotourism destination. Due, in large part, to work from the 5 Rivers Metropark System, the “Gem City” reoriented itself from an area struggling with the loss of industry to an attractive metropolitan area with extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors now have access to 265 mi. of waterways and 340 mi. of paved trails. Users from several surrounding metropolitan areas, including Cincinnati and Columbus, travel to take advantage of activities such as backpacking, camping, paddling, cycling, mountain biking, and fishing.

today. Impacted by the Great Recession in the late 2000s, the city was identified as one of “America’s Fastest Dying Cities” by Forbes Magazine. 5 Rivers Metropark System wanted to change this image and make the city an attractive place to live, work, and play.

It is through this idea that their vision was created, to become the “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest.” The metropark system wished to mimic the relationship between Boulder and Denver, Colorado.

Through the implementation of outdoor amenities, they strive to reform Dayton to an outdoor recreational hub to nearby cities.

Their vision was a success, and through their planning efforts, the city of Dayton has received national attention for all that the area has to offer to nature enthusiasts and adventurers.

Dayton’s history has always been connected to industry, from textiles in the 1800s, to aerospace and industrial manufacturing

Dayton CVB Area Map

Rivers Metropark, OH

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5 Rivers Metropark had 4 main goals when creating their vision. First, build facilities to support independent use for the 21st century. This refers to programming activities and amenities geared towards the interests of modern audiences. By providing a wide variety of unique opportunities, from kayaking to mountain biking, the park was able to gain support from a large user base. However, many of these users came without the knowledge to fully utilize all that the park has to offer. In response, their second goal was to give visitors the skills needed to use the park amenities. Through educational programs teaching skills such as backpacking and kayaking, the park system would create a loyal user base with the ability to fully utilize all that the park has to offer. In return, these educated users would bring visitors with them, and, in the process, pass along the knowledge learned. This educational cycle of teaching and being taught allowed the metropark system to reach a wider variety of users who would continue to return and utilize park amenities.

The third and fourth goals of 5 Rivers Metropark involved engaging the community and promoting a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Through major events, such as their annual

Outdoor Adventure Festival, the public is made aware of the outdoor recreational opportunities that exist in Dayton. These events also build connections to local clubs and outdoor specialty shops, helping to further spread the word on all that the park has to offer.

These relationships, in addition to partnerships with companies such as Subaru, aid in building 5 River Metropark’s credibility, allowing them to gain support in the community and providing further funding opportunities. 5 Rivers Metropark is also looking beyond their immediate community, with the goal of becoming a regional training and certification hub for organizations such as the Wilderness Medical Associates International and the League of American Bicyclists.

By building these connections, the park is able to ensure continued use of their spaces, bringing in visitors to the community and provide the resulting economic stimulus to the surrounding areas.

Revitilized Streetscape - E 5th St, Dayton, OH

With the many outdoor recreational opportunities that exist within the Upper Kanahwa Valley, Dayton and the 5 Rivers Metropark system provide an excellent example on how to revision a struggling, industrial area into an outdoor recreational hub.

Kayackers at Riverscape River Run Mural - Dayton, OH

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TUCKER COUNTY, WV Located largely within the Monongahela National Forest, Tucker County, WV, is a hot spot for outdoor adventure and recreation. Local towns still retain the historic Appalachian charm and culture that attracts numerous visitors annually as they travel to their outdoor destinations.

Combined with a diverse offering of natural attractions, including hiking, biking, and winter sports, this location brings in a variety of tourists, from serious hikers, to families looking to escape into the forest for a day. The current conditions of the county, however, involved a transition away from coal, timber and related industries to a focus on tourism. This change is essential to the economic success that can currently be seen throughout local communities, and is important to the future of the county.

being recognized as a ski destination. Drawing in visitors from the Washington D.C. area and further, Tucker County would experience the majority of its guests during the winter season through the 1990s. During its peak, 100,000 visitors would travel to the resort annually. Development of smaller resorts in the Appalachian region, closer to the greater D.C. area, would draw these users away from Timberline and Canaan Valley Ski Resorts. This would mark the decline of Tucker County’s importance as a winter destination and its transition to a summer and fall attraction. During the past 15 years, with the further development of Dolly Sods, the Monongahela National Forest, the Allegheny Wildlife Area, and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Tucker County has been defined by summer tourism. Traveling from all over the United States, visitors come to take advantage of the many recreational trails, along with some of the most spectacular views in the state.

Blackwater Falls - Blackwater Falls State Park Tuckey County, WV

Historically, this area of WV was known for its coal and timber industries. Most notably, it was home to the Davis Coal and Coke Company, founded

by Henry Gassaway Davis in the late 1800s.

The success of these industries would cause a boom of development, as immigrants came to the area looking for work. Following a period of high productivity, industry would begin to leave the area, leaving behind the towns that are an important part of today’s tourism industry.

The economic shift in Tucker, WV towards tourism would begin in the 1980s with the creation of Timberline Ski Resort and the further establishment and development of Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls State Parks. The area, while being known at this time for its hiking and mountain biking resources, was increasingly Blackwater Bikes shop - Davis, WV

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The small towns and communities found throughout the county play an important role in the economic development of the region.

Tourists are attracted to these locations, as they are final opportunities to purchase essential food and supplies before departing into the surrounding forests. This creates an important economic opportunity for these communities.

The towns of Thomas and Davis, in particular, have fully realized the potential they have within this system. Capitalizing on the local culture, these towns have been transformed into small “hip” communities complete with local shops and eateries. Their uniqueness has attracted not only visitors, but also further economic development, as businesses realize the potential that the area has to offer. The unique culture that has been created, combined with affordable store fronts, has attracted many artisans, breweries, and other shops without the use of incentives. Today these areas only continue to expand.

Purple Fiddle - Thomas, WV

This local example provides a good illustration of the potential that the Upper Kanawha Valley has to transition away from its industrial history and to be developed into a successful outdoor recreational hub. The surrounding hills in the region provide opportunities to develop unique attractions, creating an identity for the area.

This will aid in attracting the attention of tourists, bringing along economic development to the nearby communities.

Stump Town Ales - Davis, WV

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Welcome to Branding the Ingram Upper Kanawha Valley

Real. Outdoor. Connections.

It’s no secret that West Virginia is experiencing a tourism boom, with a growth of 9.9% in two years. The West Virginia Tourism Office’s “Almost Heaven” campaign has resulted in 1.6 billion impressions, showcasing the outdoor experience at the heart of what makes the state of West Virginia special. Recreation spending is also up 10.2%, indicating that tourists are traveling to West Virginia for recreational experiences. This presents an aligned opportunity for the UKV and in the development of its brand.

and design elements are visual representations of this experience.

Therefore, the towns, people, and assets of the UKV work to shape the emotional appeal of the UKV and the logos help to instill an identity for that brand.

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But how do we develop a brand that attracts tourists to UKV? The Baseline Before diving into the aspects of regional branding and a strategy for regional brand development for the UKV, it is important to establish a clear definition of the term “brand.” Many people interchange the words “brand” and “logo,” which is incorrect. A logo is an element of a brand but is not its total. Digital guru, Ze Frank, defines “brand” as the “emotional aftertaste” following someone interacting with your company, product, or service. In thinking about the brand of the UKV, we are thinking about the emotional aftertaste someone has after visiting and experiencing the Valley. The experience establishes the brand--the towns, the people, the assets--all help to inform and influence the emotional connection with the audience. Logos

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Developing the Regional Brand The UKV is developing its regional assets in a commitment to recreational tourism. However, these recreational assets are only one piece of the puzzle.

Beyond the obvious aligned elements of accommodations, eateries, outdoor retail/rental facilities, and more, there remains one important developmental PUBLIC need for the region...the development BOAT LAUNCH of its residents.

Building a regional attraction strategy and brand takes buy-in from the local residents and a spirit of determination to drive this strategy forward. Utilizing a region’s citizens in the development of a regional brand is an ideal way to build understanding, excitement, and engagement amongst a region.

The most successful organizational, municipal, and regional brands are co-developed by leadership and their constituents. Top-down branding is not easily embraced by residents and can be construed as being forced onto citizens. When residents are engaged in an intentional branding process at a grassroots level, passion for the cause is exponentially earned and achieved.

Therefore, this report does not seek to build the brand for the UKV. Rather, this report will provide foundational guidance on how the UKV region can

begin the process of developing a brand that is co-created by the region to attract visitors to the new recreational playground of the UKV. A brand mapping process should be initiated to establish a deeper understanding of the audiences that UKV is looking to attract, as well as set core foundational elements of the brand. A brand map is a way for regions to visually see all elements of a brand and how those elements relate to one another. It is important to understand how the rational and emotional appeal of a region’s audience is influenced by a brand through identity, core messaging, etc. The brand mapping process explores elements of the brand that exist, gaps in the brand, and areas that may stand for some improvement. Parts of the brand map typically include: HIKING 5.2 MILES

● Impact audience ● Rational appeal ● Emotional appeal ● Problems/Solutions ● Vision Statement ● Mission Statement ● Personality Traits ● Brand Promise ● Belief Statement ● Core Values ● Value Proposition ● Competition ● Market Opportunity ● Tone ● Channels ● Growth Opportunities ● Interactions A brand map will provide structure for

brand guidelines as well as all other elements of the region’s marketing effort. It sets a solid foundation for how the region should communicate its brand.

public leaders, service providers, etc.). The identities, personalities, and visions for each of the towns should be considered in the overall regional brand.

The Towns One of the unique features of the UKV is the number of small towns in the region connected by trails and waterways. While this presents a wonderful opportunity for the towns, it also creates a problem for the branding process. Branding needs to be unified and representative of the entire region, as well as each town. The towns have a unique charm and identity of their own. And it has been noted as part of this study that there are sightseers, motorcyclists, birders, and more driving through the region all of the time. The towns can do themselves a service to develop their own brands to attract these passersby into the hamlets that dot the river.

The People “The People” will be a common thread throughout these recommendations.

Because a brand is only as engaging as those promoting it. As mentioned, a grassroots effort to develop the brand is important to encourage buy-in and advocacy for the region. Involving the residents as part of the brand process through surveying, assessments, forums, and creative consultations on the brand is a very important step in building identity affinity. But, not only are the people an important part of the branding process, but they are also a critical part of the brand’s story. The identities of the people--their stories, their passion, their experiences--help to create and cultivate the brand. As part of the branding process, these stories should be identified and categorized to determine similarities and cluster likeminded ideals across the region.

Therefore, the towns themselves should work to understand their individual identities, as well as how those identities play a role within the region and the recreational assets being developed. A coordinated and facilitated discussion individually with each town should explore the identity of the towns, their unique features, the personality of each town, and the vision each town has for its future, relative to the plans within the region.

These facilitated sessions should be public and open, but there should be careful consideration for engagement across various audiences within the town (residents, business owners,

The Assets Regions often incorrectly believe that the regional assets are the most important element to consider in a brand. The truth is that, while the assets are important and that a traditional asset mapping process should be conducted, they need to have even consideration alongside the other elements we’ve identified. The assets are the easiest to identify. When fully developed, the UKV will have the Kanawha River, bat caves, waterfalls, birding, ATV trails, horse

trails, biking, camping, Jeep tours, and more as regional assets that should be considered as part of the brand.

However, the focus should not merely be on the assets themselves, rather the unique qualities of these assets.

What sets these assets apart from other rivers, trails, and outdoor experiences?

Identifying the unique qualities of these assets will set the UKV apart from other areas with similar assets. One important factor to note is that the combination of these assets, e.g. having these all in one location, makes the region unique. Emphasis in the brand should not squarely be on the assets, but the unique qualities of these assets.

The Audience The individuals and families that the UKV is looking to attract to the region is another critical consideration for the Valley’s brand. In thinking about the recreational economy and those participating in outdoor experiences, the brand development should focus on aligned brands that already attract this same type of person. For example, looking at the audience personas and attraction strategies for brands like REI, North Face, Eagle Claw, CanAm will provide guidance on brand development for UKV.

Mon River Trail Signage Example

For example, based on an analysis

by Pittsburgh company Civic Science, the typical REI customer is someone who prefers to eat at local restaurants, enjoys craft beer and wine, enjoys technology, prefers sustainable practices, and leads a healthy lifestyle. In order to attract these same customers to UKV, the regional brand

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needs to be sure to incorporate these Welcome flowtoof the waterfalls and rivers and the aspects into its regional branding bountiful wildlife and birds provides strategy. a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Many of the assets are It will be important to understand already in place. Coupled with the rich the brands with which this audience history of the area, these “pre-built engages in the development of the assets” should be foundational to the brand for UKV. The brand and visual UKV brand, as these all contribute to identity of the region should fit within the allure of the Valley. the outdoor family of brands, or those brands that represent the outdoor As part of this process, we’ve identified culture. a number of names that have resonated with participants in focus groups and Brand Ideas with the study team. The Valley is a While the purpose of this regional “Gateway” to both Charleston and the analysis was not to develop a brand New River Gorge. The rural and urban for the UKV, recognizing that the juxtaposition of these two areas is also PUBLIC process to develop this is much more unique. This “gateway” concept works BOAT LAUNCH extensive, it is natural to have brand to link those two assets on either side ideas develop through conversations, of the UKV in more than just a physical research, and engagement with the way. It is also important to note that the region. While our process was not a Charleston Convention and Visitors grassroots brand development effort, Bureau has used “Gateway to Outdoor we have archived some ideas we have Recreation” as a marketing angle in the heard through our study and ideas past. we’ve developed on our own. Again, these ideas should be vetted through a From a different perspective, salt has public process. been a unique and historical asset of the region, so utilizing the “salt” concept It’s been noted that visitors have a is also unique and aligns with some of sense of “welcoming” and “peace” after the current activity already happening visiting the Valley. There are year-round within the valley, such as the Malden recreational activities for all types of Salt Fest. people, so the brand should reflect this sentiment. While there are adventures The New River Gorge’s world-class indoors and out, there is also a sense whitewater empties into the UKV. of calm and serenity that should play a Exploring a brand that aligns with role in the brand of the Valley. this concept, such as “lost paddle” or “cascade” would provide a named Naming connection to one of the identified The natural beauty of the UKV, with anchors of the region. the rolling hills and mountains to the

Ingram

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As with any brand, these should be tested to ensure the name resonates with an external audiences, while still being reflective of the region and its people.

Brand Alignment The UKV brand should align with, and complement anchors on both sides of the Valley. Charleston provides an urban vibe that focuses on the “hip and historic” theme of its shops, eateries, and galleries. On the other side of the Valley, the New River Gorge focuses on the “wild” outdoors with extreme outdoor activities like rock climbing and white water rafting. The UKV is a transition between these two regions, where travelers driving from Charleston to the Gorge experience an increase in their immersion into the outdoors as the river, woods, and experience gets more wild.

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Aligning the brand of the Valley with these two areas will be important for several reasons. First, both of these areas have an established brand and audience. In particular, the Gorge has an outstanding following with outdoor enthusiasts, while Charleston’s brand works to attract families and businesses. Second, there is value in recognizing the Valley area as a gateway to adventure or to a vibrant city (depending on which direction you travel). Connecting with these other areas not only helps to elevate the brand of UKV, but also helps to strengthen the brand of these other areas. Marketing the UKV to either region provides additional assets for

Trail Signage Example

the visitors to experience more while on their visit. Collaboration with these neighboring regions should be natural and critical to the branding of the Valley.

Consideration in the brand development should also compliment and encourage positive attributes and counter negative attributes. The focus groups for this study have identified the internal perception of the region as: Safe, Beautiful, Clean, Quiet, Good Value, Peaceful The same focus groups identified the external perception of the region as: Depressed, Hillbillies, Rundown, Struggled, Senior, Friendly However, it is important to note that research by the Charleston CVB has indicated that external audiences actually have little to no predefined perception of the region, as many remain uneducated in the region and its identity. This would indicate that the region has an easier job of crafting a brand from scratch without having to overcome the hurdles of negative perception of the region. It is up to the region to ensure that those negative perceptions that are believed to exist do not come to reality. Ensuring that the region does not get rundown or depressed will be important to ensure that those perceptions remain myths. Similarly, ensuring that those internal perceptions continue to be emphasized and fostered will help emphasize the positive attributes.

Showcasing the Brand While the core focus of this study was not to develop a new brand or identity for the UKV (again that is something that should be developed with a strong public engagement strategy), we have developed some conceptual artwork that should serve as inspiration for future branding discussions.

In our example, the identity is featured on wayfinding and streetscape materials, using the opportunity to link the towns to the region, and to point out recreational and amenities of the region.

It was noted by focus groups in the study that authenticity is a critical component to building the brand of the UKV. Authenticity builds trust and should be foundational in the development of the UKV brand.

Developing local stories and a sense of neighborhood commitment and pride should be cultivated. Now is a perfect time to begin this work. As people are emerging from their homes post pandemic, they are finding greater value in shared spaces around them, and searching for experiences that work to engage their communities.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has forced us inside to a world of seclusion. However, it has also placed a greater emphasis on neighborhoods, towns, and the championing of small businesses and towns.

Locals are critical to balance a sustainable tourism economy. They are active members and champions of the economy, serving as regional

hosts to those who are visiting. The people behind the experiences are what drive memories for visitors. This should not be underestimated or taken for granted.

However, there often remains a disconnect between locals and their own backyard. Residents often lack true knowledge of regional assets, activities, and happenings within their communities. Ongoing, consistent training and programming of these amenities needs to be ingrained as part of the culture for UKV. Think of it as training for local concierges. Locals help to create memories, recommend local eateries, suggest things to do, and the must-see assets within the region.

To develop a sound and sustainable tourism industry, you must first empower and educate residents on their own region and cultivate their connection to the region. Frequent trainings for residents on UKV will create a more immersive experience for guests and establish a network of consistent visitor support and experience. UKV residents should be reintroduced to the community again and again and again.

This turns residents into marketing advocates and results in engaging and memorable experiences for visitors who will want to return because of their local engagement.

The Valley should use the stories of local people and businesses to showcase the regional culture and personality as a first introduction of the brand. What are some stories of inspiration that show the heart of the

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to residents? This emphasizes the brand’s Welcome localhood as our shared identity and tone and personality. Local people common starting point. should be positioned as “guides”. The region’s story should always be told Events from the perspective of the locals When planning events around the and not the visitor. Local stories and UKV brand, consideration should be engagement foster trust. This is more given for both internal and external valuable than paid advertisements. events. Internal events, as previously Authentic storytelling builds trust, mentioned, cater towards residents integrates visitors into local life, and and offer an opportunity to educate instills a sense of pride for residents. To residents on the assets and details of start: the region. This helps build internal brand ambassadors for the Valley, 1. Start talking to local residents. Use armed with regional hospitality for social media to uncover unique stories those visiting the region. An example of and experiences that align with the this is the Outdoor Adventure Festival brand direction of the UKV. in Dayton where the public is made PUBLIC aware of the outdoor recreational BOAT LAUNCH 2. Develop marketing that builds a opportunities that exist in Dayton. connection with the people.

These events also build connections to local clubs and outdoor specialty 3. Keep it relevant. Share what’s going shops, educating the public about on right now. local assets. Locally, the Malden Salt Fest is a perfect example of an event Signe Jungersted, is one of the that encourages and emphasizes most innovative voices in the regional ambassadorship. Another tourism industry. She coined the recommendation for events is to term “localhood” to represent a new activate the trails with events and harmony between visitors and locals. activities to encourage local use, She states: promotion, and stewardship. Events like trail runs or bike races will encourage Localhood is a long-term vision that local participation and likely drive a supports the inclusive co-creation visitor base, as well. Music and arts of our future destination. A future festivals will help elevate the local destination where human relations culture scene and drive regional are the focal point. Where locals engagement. and visitors not only co-exist, but interact around shared experiences of External events, or events developed localhood….And where tourism growth to attract an external audience, would is co-created responsibly across likely involve collaboration with the industries and geographies, between Charleston Convention and Visitors new and existing stakeholders, with Bureau in working to attract outdoors-

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related conventions that target recreational audiences around specific experiences. These events use the lure of their hobby or sport to experience the region. It’s been noted that the Charleston CVB has recognized that outdoor recreation activities are something that their constituents are asking for and aligns with the West Virginia brand. Therefore, there is a ready-built audience looking to take advantage of outdoor events and activities in the region.

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UKV needs to consider, in both internal and external attraction strategies, the event audience and what things interest them. Aligning the events with audience personas is key to driving attraction.

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Tools and Resources Social media will be a major channel for attracting audiences to UKV. Not only is it growing in popularity, but younger families and millennials are in the key demographics that intersect with outdoor recreation and, in many cases, their use of social media is more than 10% higher than other audiences. Local stories, picturesque scenery, events and other highly-visual and engaging content aligns well with channels like Instagram and Snapchat, and thus this demographic.

It has been noted that the target audiences and demographics have a high usage of technology. This means that, despite the “remote” and “unplugged” characteristics of the outdoors, technology cannot be

Trail Signage Example

ignored. In our increasingly connected society, technology must be a consideration in cultivating the brand.

There are noted broadband issues throughout the Valley, so increasing this infrastructure is important to the development of the towns, but also in ensuring continued engagement of the core audience the region is looking to attract. Until this infrastructure is in place, the region should be marketed as a place to disconnect and unplug from the daily grind.

these assets, it shows a connected network of engaged activities and provides mental linkage for the end user. For example, if someone comes to UKV for fishing, but sees a waterfall trail under the same brand family as the fishing, many will associate the waterfalls with their fishing activity and are more likely to hike the waterfall trail, recognizing that “this activity must also be for me.” This creates a deeper engagement to the region and its assets for the user.

Technology infrastructure would also need to include online trip and itinerary planners for users to develop their schedules and plans easily online.

Mobile applications should also be considered. Ideas have been floated around motorcycle trails, birder spots, waterfall trails and more. Creating an online one-stop-shop where all audiences can engage with the Valley, plan their trip, and plan their treks will build affinity with core audiences.

Town Identity It’s been noted previously that the towns are unique and critical nodes along the river, as they will work to support the recreational industry of the Valley. With each town being unique and having their own stories, the towns, themselves, should consider building their own individual brands, establishing an identity within the system. A perfect example of this is located up river with the town of Fayetteville, which has developed an identity in its support of the New River Gorge brand. The towns that actively work to build their identity and brand will be stronger within the outdoor economy of the valley.

It will be important for the region to keep track of travel ranking sites, such as Yelp and Tripadvisor to monitor the attractions that users rate and rank as top sites in the region. Working to have the new, outdoor attractions be added and ranked on this list will help drive user experience for the area and those activities.

The region should also consider sub brands for things like the motorcycle trail or waterfall trail and ensure they relate to the larger brand. By developing aligned sub brands for

Monitoring Trends Trends in the core audiences of the UKV, as well as larger consumer trends, should also be part of the consideration of the brand development and the cultivation for the Valley’s brand over time. As trends change over time, changes to messaging, communications, and styling needs to shift to ensure the brand of the Valley remains innovative and forward-

thinking. The Outdoor Industry Association’s 2020 Forecasting Report has identified five macro trends that will impact the outdoor economy and its participants. These include: 1. Rise of Millennials and Aging Boomers According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the youngest Millennials will have reached adulthood by 2020 and will account for 28 percent of the U.S. population, as well as 50 percent of the working population. Meanwhile, every single day, more than 10,000 Boomers reach the age of 65.

2. Urban Migration The U.S. Census Bureau projects the urban population to account for 82.5 percent of the total U.S. population by 2020.

3. Obesity If the obesity trend continues on its current trajectory, 42 percent of the U.S. population will be obese by 2020.

4. Heightened Attention on Health Instigated in part by the obesity epidemic and the rising cost of healthcare, there is a push toward creating a healthier America. Health initiatives aim to reduce the proportion of obese adults to 30.9 percent and increase the proportion of healthy adults to 33.9 percent by 2020.

5. Hispanic/Latino Growth The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the Hispanic/Latino population will grow from 17 percent to represent 19.4 percent of the total U.S. population by

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2020 whereas Caucasians will drop to 60.1 percent over that time period.

These factors impact the outdoor economy and therefore will impact the Valley’s brand. Maintaining a watchful eye on industry trends over time will be important for maintaining the UKV brand.

What’s Next?

As the UKV embarks on developing its outdoor amenities, it should not ignore the branding process. This process can start now to build a solid foundation for the experience that the Valley is creating. To get started, here are the recommended next steps: 1. Launch a public process to develop foundational brand work, create a brand map, and develop a name and identity for the region.

2. Create an intentional branding process for the towns, with a unified vision under the larger brand, and the role that the towns will play in the outdoor economy.

3. Begin to develop events for locals showcasing the brand and introducing them to local culture and amenities.

Use these events as an opportunity to gather regional stories for capturing content for social media channels.

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Welcome to

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Welcome to

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S

STRENGTHS

What is SWOT? SWOT analysis (or SWOT matrix) is a strategic planning technique used to help a person or organization identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to business competition or project planning.

W

WEAKNESSES

Regional Collaboration / Recognition of a Shared Upper Kanawha Valley Common Interest

Insufficient Quality Access Points

-Narrative on alignment of local/regional/state officials/ agencies on the need for a common vision/strategy for the UKV

-Highlight a few collaborative entities - trail collaborative, economic development groups, watershed groups, the COG, etc.

-Few clear trailheads, little parking, no signage/wayfinding

-Highlight Montgomery/Smithers collaboration

Abundant, Diverse, and Accessible Natural Recreation Opportunities -Quality of Rivers/Mountains - Current/Potential Utilization

-Proximity of Communities to these areas

-Specific Narrative on Upper and Lower Pools, and connections to specific towns

-Lack of enough boat launches w/ appropriate parking

-Access requires knowing someone to “show you the way” -Very little trail networks for public use

Disinvestment & Decline - Realities and Perceptions Industry/Mining will return ‘some day’ Years of decline have created an image of an area in decline w/ all the preconceived Notions of blight, poverty, and crime that follow

Recreation doesn’t create economic opportunity

Lack of Supportive Lodging, Camping, and Retail Options

-Specific Narrative on N/S unbroken expanses of wilderness -Other than areas with interstate connectivity (like Marmet),

most towns in the area lack restaurants, small businesses, etc.

Proximity to Charleston/New River Gorge “The Gateway” that would benefit most from increased tourism, this lack itself is barrier to attracting tourists -Well positioned to attract tourists -Walmart is major retail in area - useful for residents, but out of -Residential/Tourist/Economic Development Opportunities character with small town shops and restaurants likely to be based on locational advantages frequented by tourists -Small town feel right beside very urbanized area

-Easy positioning to “sell” to potential residents/visitors/ investors -Create a map of UKV in context of Charleston and New River Amenities

Internal Connectivity

-Easy to string together a series of recreational investments (existing, enhanced, and new) within no more than a 25 minute drive from each other

-Road network map

-Connectivity of Rivers (Single lock), Northern and Southern adjacencies of mountain areas

-Ridge trails potential

UKV Residents Understand, Appreciate, and Utilize Outdoor Recreation Amenities -Rich local history of current and historic boating, fishing, atv riding, hiking, camping, etc. in river/mountains

-Awareness of extent of trail assets, awareness of interesting “off-map” destinations and features

-Easier to get local understanding and buy in

-No hotels or even well-serviced camping options in the area

Lack of Cohesive Regional Marketing

-Area without a distinct regional identity -Towns/Cities seem to work in silos

Lack of Main Attraction -The river currently is not readily accessible and is generally viewed as an industrial use and not recreation.

-When asked, what is there to do the residents point to outside attractions in Charleston and the greater surrounding area.

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OPPORTUNITIES Creation of Regional Collaborative Group to Work on Comprehensive Recreation Projects/Initiatives/Marketing in UKV

-Based on success of UKV COG group, creation of entity focused solely on developing UKV as recreation destination - fundraising, marketing, etc.

-Ability to bring in corporate and university partners

Numerous Options to Create Better Accessibility to Outdoor Recreation Amenities -There are many water access and trailhead locations that will lead visitors to each town/city -In many cases, some infrastructure exists (for example the various boat launches), these just need improved -Bringing up more boaters/fishermen from Charleston area in particular -Flat develop able land along the river

Ridge Trail Enhancements / Observation Areas

-The sharp topography between the town on floodplains and the adjacent mountains, create a unique opportunity for ridge line trails and lookouts with unmatched views -Trails will allow for day hikes to multi-day trips -Proximity to regional population

Growth of Supportive Commercial Enterprises Throughout The Valley -Growth of recreation utilization, leads to growth of coffee shops, restaurants, bike shops, rental places, etc.

-Small business support services tailored to recreation supportive uses like above (start up funding, incubation, etc.)

-Targeted incentive program to attract and retain startup small hospitality and recreational businesses

Coordinated Events in Multiple Towns Around Rivers/ Trails -Building the regional identity via coordinated events in multiple town (either single day or over a longer period) - ex. Riverfest, Trail days, Bass Pro Events, etc. w/ complimentary food/entertainment events across The Valley

Growing an Affiliate Organization, Supporter, and Volunteer Network -The close proximiaty of numerous entities and organizations focused on river / trail recreation creates a great opportunity to build a quick network of volunteers and supporters

Wayfinding/Marketing

-So much already exists and can be enhanced simply by better wayfinding signage -Easy to use maps, signage, trailhead maps, etc. that improve accessibility and understanding of network

Fishing Fishing in tributaries and the main branch of the Kanawha provide many types of sport fishing.

Campgrounds/Lodging Primitive campgrounds to RV Campgrounds. The Valley wide strategy for creating a network of lodging options/sites for campers and RV enthusiasts.

Low impact lodging for remote areas such as geo-domes, yurts and A Frames

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Numerous vacant, utility serviced sites are available in The Valley area along with former mine lands and forest holdings.

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THREATS Resident Backlash (Wildcat Utilization is Standard) -Residents are accustomed to using local outdoor amenities in a certain manner - with little oversight or restrictions.

Things like increased policing, alcohol prohibition, controlling access, etc. may not be well received -Sense that these are their amenities, and willingness to share with outsiders can be issue - feelings of trespassing, etc.

Resident Backlash (Recreation Economy is More Indirect than a Traditional “Bring Back the Employers” Approach) -Communicating how the recreation strategy can grow the local economy and create local jobs can be difficult, certainly more so than the straightforward approach of trying to land companies in the area -Work needs to be done to explain how this recreation based strategy only enhances ongoing business/resident attraction strategies

Community Administration/Local Level Financial Issues

-General limitation of numerous UKV communities in financial distress -Communities that have disincorporated already and have a more difficult time participating/contributing to UKV work -Local level ability to invest in substantial new infrastructure -Continued priority investment in capital plan for recreation improvements

Land Access/Liability Issues -Private land holdings along rivers and mountain areas -Active railroads on both sides of the Kanawha River -Busy highways on both sides of the Kanwaha River

Socioeconomics of The Valley KEY FACTS

LifeMode Group: Rustic Outposts

Diners & Miners

38,470

EDUCATION

10C 45.3 15%

Population Median Age

Households: 810,000 Average Household Size: 2.54

2.3

$37,834

Average Household Size

Median Household Income

Median Age: 41.3 Median Household Income: $42,100

26% No High School Diploma

Some College

45%

14%

High School Graduate

Bachelor's/Grad/Pr of Degree

EMPLOYMENT

BUSINESS

WHO ARE WE?

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD

SOCIOECONOMIC TRAITS

Close to one in five employed residents work in mining, oil and gas extraction, or quarrying industries. Diners and Miners is a very rural, primarily Southern market.

Married-couple families reside in over half of the households, with a quarter of households that live in mobile homes. This socially conservative group earns a living working with their hands. In addition to mining, construction and agriculture are common industries for employment. They take pride in the appearance of their homes and their vehicles. Budget-minded residents enjoy home cooking, but nothing too fancy. This is a gregarious group that values time spent with friends.

• Rural living; homes are sparsely located throughout the countryside.

• They hold strong to religious beliefs.

• These families have roots in their communities and do not move often; over three-quarters of all households are owner occupied.

• They are slow to adopt technology; “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” mentality.

• Over half of owned homes are worth less than $100,000.

• Married-couple families make up over half the households.

• A quarter of all housing units are mobile homes; the rest are primarily single-family dwellings.

60% White Collar

• Most residents did not go to college.

• TV is the main source of information, news, and entertainment.

762

• They make purchases for today because tomorrow is Total uncertain.

Businesses

21% 10,405

Blue Collar

19%

Total Employees

• Budgeted vacations are taken within INCOME the US, not abroad.

Households By Income The largest group: $50,000 - $74,999 (17.1%) The smallest group: $200,000+ (2.0%)

TM

SEGMENTATION esri.com/tapestry

Unemployment Rate

Services

• They are happy to go to work whenever the opportunity presents itself.

• High-vacancy rate—nearly one in six housing units is vacant.

TAPESTRY

10.5%

Note: The Index represents the ratio of the segment rate to the US rate multiplied by 100.

Consumer preferences are estimated from data by GfK MRI.

$37,834

$22,106

$57,610

Median Household Income

Per Capita Income

Median Net Worth

Indicator <$15,000 $15,000 - $24,999 $25,000 - $34,999 $35,000 - $49,999 $50,000 - $74,999 $75,000 - $99,999 $100,000 - $149,999 $150,000 - $199,999 $200,000+

Value 15.2% 16.5% 14.1% 16.7% 17.1% 7.5% 8.7% 2.1% 2.0%

Difference -3.9% +3.8% +1.5% +2.5% -3.3% -1.3% -0.2% +0.1% +0.6% Bars show deviation from Fayette County

This infographic contains data provided by Esri, Esri and Infogroup. The vintage of the data is 2020, 2025.

© 2020 Esri

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Implementation It is recognized that implementation of the vision presented here will take a minimum of 10 years. As such, we have identified Phase 1 projects that will be developed over the first 3-5 years.

Some projects, such as the Mammoth Preserve, Hatfield McCoy Trails, and Jeep/4x4 sites, will be undertaken by external partners, and some will require partnerships with the private sector. The projects included in Phase 1: •Dickinson Welcome Center Boat Ramp and Lodging •BMX Bike Competition Course •Saltworks Boat launch •8 miles of Share the Road bike trail •Cabin Creek Trailhead, Boat Ramp and lodging •South Rim Trail – 3 sections, approximately 22 miles total •East Bank Trailhead •Paint Creek Trailhead •Montgomery Welcome Center, Boat Ramp and Lodging •Paint Creek and Cabin Creek Water and Rail Trails •Hatfield McCoy Trail System •Mammoth Preserve (partial development of trail systems)

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The County will need to engage the appropriate human and financial resources to advance these projects.

As such, it is recommended that these resources be utilized to undertake the following steps that will move projects toward completion: •Create a sustainable organizational structure to lead this effort. This is envisioned to be a tourism development and marketing entity.

•Develop the sustainability plan for funding the staffing, marketing, and project development components of this plan.

•Promote the development and approval of a multi-county trail authority which is essential to the success of the Rim Trail system (already underway and expected to be approved by the Kanawha County Commission by the end of February).

•Oversee the considerable negotiations between land owners and the Trail Authority, coordinate the mapping, easement agreements, and other matters associated with the Rim Trail system.

•Secure funding for 22 miles of the South Rim Trail •Secure landowner agreements or conduct land transactions as appropriate for two lodging/boating projects on the Kanawha River •Undertake developer solicitation or recruitment of investors in the beforementioned lodging facilities on the Kanawha River

•Negotiate commitments from the WV Department of Natural Resources for the development of two boat launch facilities •Oversee design of Paint Creek and Cabin Creek boat launch and take-out facilities.

•Secure funding for Paint Creek and Cabin Creek boat launch and take-out facilities.

•Oversee design of Paint Creek and Cabin Creek trailheads and secure funding.

•Secure designation of both Paint Creek and Cabin Creek and State Water Trails.

•Oversee design of Paint Creek rail trail and secure funding for construction.

•Coordinate with Hatfield McCoy Authority and the City of Montgomery on design for the Montgomery Welcome Center, lodging and trail head.

In addition to the actions listed above, the county may want to coordinate a trail town initiative so that all of the communities in the Valley are prepared to support the increased visitation that will be occurring. Such actions include: •Organizing leadership teams in each community.

•Working with the communities to prioritize public improvements as recommended in the plan.

•Assistance securing funding for improvements.

•Development of a regional façade improvement fund that can be accessed by building owners.

•Oversight of the development and implementation of a Trail Towns branding study and marketing plan.

PHASE 1 PROJECT LOCATION MAP

Charleston Malden Dupont City

Glasgow

PHASE 1 NORTH Belle

Marmet

Shrewsbury Dickinson

East Bank

Pratt

Hugheston

PHASE 1 SOUTH

Smithers Montgomery Longacre Handley Boomer

Hansford

Chesapeake

Mt Carbon

Gauley Bridge Kanawha Falls Charlton Heights

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600 Marketplace Ave. • Suite 200 Bridgeport WV, 26330 114 The Upper Kanawha Valley 304-933-3119 • www.cecinc.com