Construction on the final phase of the Jackson River Scenic Trail has officially begun. Alleghany County received a $1.1 million grant from the Economic Development Administration that, combined with other grants received, will fund the completion of the Jackson River Scenic Trail.
The Jackson River Scenic Trail is one of the Alleghany Highlands most valuable economic and outdoor recreation assets. The trail, composed of smooth crushed gravel, is a rails-to-trails initiative on the old Chesapeake and Ohio railroad bed that travels through the Alleghany Highlands. The trail, open to cyclists and pedestrians, offers picturesque views of the Jackson River and surrounding countryside as well as native flora and fauna. “The Bath County Chamber of Commerce is excited that the next phase of the trail is beginning! The Jackson River Scenic Trail is one more way to bring our communities together and share commerce with each other,” states Jacqueline Wade, Executive Director for the Bath County Chamber of Commerce.
“Once completed, the Jackson River Scenic Trail will serve as a wonderful outdoor amenity for the Alleghany Highlands, highlighting its natural beauty and outdoor recreational assets. From an economic development standpoint, it will draw tourists to our area, benefiting the community through direct spending on lodging, food, gas, and convenience items. It also provides our local residents with another great reason to “get outside” and promotes an active lifestyle.” shares Teresa Hammond, Executive Director for the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
“This project will go far in advancing Bath County and the Alleghany Highlands as a premier tourist destination. Many thanks to the team at Alleghany County for extending this first-rate trail into Bath County,” says Bath County Administrator Ashton Harrison. The trail is also home to the annual Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K, which is hosted by the AHCCT and has attracted participants from all 50 states since its inception.
With the completion of this phase, the trail will span 16 miles, from within the City of Covington to Bath County. “The Jackson River Scenic Trail has continued to grow in use with locals and tourists alike. I’m excited that phase 5 of the project is underway. This autumn you will be able to hike/bike from the City of Covington, through Alleghany County and end up at the newly constructed trailhead in Bath County. The Jackson River Scenic Trail will be a destination rail-trail that will bring outdoor enthusiasts to the region,” says Alleghany County Director of Parks & Recreation Chad Williams. The Jackson River Scenic Trail currently boasts four trailheads throughout Alleghany County: Intervale, Petticoat Junction, Smith Bridge, and Natural Well. This final section will include a fifth trailhead in Bath County that will offer similar amenities as those offered at the Intervale Trailhead. “The new trail extension will take the trail into Bath County and provide a much-needed parking and trailhead for bikers to launch and peddle back to the Intervale outfitter location. As an outfitter we can’t wait for the extension to be completed and believe it will lead to increased trail traffic,” says John Mays, Manager and Owner of Alleghany Outdoors. The final trailhead will be named Cedar Creek Trailhead.
Phase 5 of the Jackson River Scenic Trail is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2022. “We appreciate the collaboration with Bath County in the extension of the Jackson River Trail. This extension ties our communities together and we look forward to continuing the great spirit of cooperation with Bath County on various projects. Working together is to key to smaller localities being able to make substantial progress. I would also like to commend Chad Williams for his work in pursuing EDA funding for this project. Utilizing multiple grants to allow something like this $1.4 million project is much much harder than pursuing individual grants. Indeed, in my 30 years working for localities, I have never heard of a trail project not requiring some level of local match. Chad is to be specially commended for his drive, determination, and perseverance in getting this project to this point,” says Pete Huber, Interim Alleghany County Administrator.
For any questions about the Jackson River Scenic Trail, please call Alleghany County Parks & Recreation at 540-862-6622 or the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at 540-962-2178.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.