A new water trail that leads through the mountains of southern West Virginia is springing to life, providing continuous river access to anglers and boaters across 160 miles that include some of the state's most ruggedly beautiful terrain.
The National Coal Heritage Area Authority and the newly formed Guyandotte Water Trail Alliance will hold a series of public meetings to share information about the Guyandotte Water Trail and recruit volunteers and board members.
Meetings are scheduled in each of the five counties through which the trail passes, including Wyoming, Mingo, Logan, Lincoln, and Cabell, according to authority spokesperson Linda Hawkins.
Meetings will be held at the following locations in August and September:
- Monday, August 24 – Chief Logan State Park picnic shelter
- Wednesday, August 26 – Veterans Memorial Park in Gilbert
- Monday, August 31 – West Hamlin Town Hall
- Tuesday, September 1 – Pineville Palisades Park
- Wednesday, September 2 – Barboursville City Park
All meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. and will last approximately one hour. All will be held outside and social distancing will be observed. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available.
The Guyandotte Water Trail is now officially recognized as a West Virginia water trail and provides recreational opportunities for non-motorized boaters and fishermen.
For the past three years, National Coal Heritage has worked with a group of residents, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations to develop the Guyandotte River as a flat-water paddling trail through the five counties.
The alliance has developed plans for new access points, held river cleanups and river-based events, and is marketing the water trail to residents and visitors.
With the assistance of Legal Aid of West Virginia, the Guyandotte Water Trail Alliance will be an independent, nonprofit organization with representation from each of the five counties on the board.
The meetings will provide information about the Guyandotte Water Trail but also offer an opportunity for residents to become involved in a variety of ways.
"We encourage you to come out to one of the meetings and learn how you can help in the development of the Guyandotte Water Trail as an asset for your community," Hawkins said.
For questions or further information, contact Linda Hawkins at 304-465-3720 or lhawkins@coalheritage.org
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