This is a draft of a brochure that we will be printing for the Tygart Valley Rails-to-Trails project.

The format of the actual brochure is much different than what you see here.

It did not convert to html very well. I’ll try to get a PDF version of the brochure posted ASAP.

Any suggestions/comments concerning the brochure or the Rails-to-Trails project in general would be greatly appreciated.

John W. Grace

Tygart Valley Trail project volunteer

Jwgrace99@yahoo.com

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The Tygart Valley Trail

Pati Porter

Program Manager

(606) 286-5533

The completed Tygart Valley Trail will follow the course of the old East Kentucky Railway line from Lawton east through Olive Hill and continue to the northeast to the city limits.

This trail will draw the visitor into areas of unmatched natural beauty. heretofore inaccessible to the residents of Carter County.

This will be a whole new way of experiencing our wonderful Appalachian Mountains, cool creek glens and our abundant birds, wild flowers and emerald forests.

The trail will enhance the quality of life of Carter County citizens and visitors in countless ways. Young and old alike will use the trail system in ways that

best suits their personal desire for fresh air, exercise and exploration.

Lawton, Olive Hill and other communities along the trail can all expect some degree of economic benefit from the hundreds of visitors to the trail system.

The Trail will give residents of East Kentucky an excuse (and a good reason!) to come to Olive hill and other trail access points. Every year thousands of visitors pass

through or make brief visits to Carter County. The Trail will give them an opportunity to experience our community in a new way, and encourage them to

stop if they had not considered it before, and to stay longer if Carter County was their destination.

Short strolls or extended hiking will benefit the health and sense of well being of the users of our trail system. It will become a place where neighbors come

together to renew friendships, share the trail experience and create stronger bonds of community. Trail walking is especially attractive to our seniors in that the trail

will be level, well-cared for and convenient. For residents of Hydreco Village it will provide easy access to the Olive Hill commercial district including the Post office,

banks, drug stores, hardware store and food vendors. As foot traffic increases, we would expect increased commercial investment in communities along the trail.

The old train depot will experience a new life as a major trail access point. At the Depot there will be plenty of parking, trail support (maps, brochures, nature guides, etc.) ,

as well as permanent and rotating exhibits relating to local history, arts and crafts and civic activities. Numerous special events will use the Depot as a focal or

jumping-off point, including nature hikes, organized bike tours, fund raising walks, etc. Services and activities will evolve as use of the trail grows and its use stimulates new ideas

What Will Our Trail Look Like?

We will soon have photos available of our trail as sections of it are completed. Until then, let’s take a look at similar trail systems.

Here’s a photo of a creek-side trail in Inez, Ky. Few trail systems across the country can match the beautiful water side views that we will be able to experience along the Tygart Valley Trail.

Through experience with other trail systems we have learned that trails like ours are regularly used by young and older citizens, in all seasons of the year.

Like the Miami Valley trail shown here, some portions of the Tygart Valley Trail will be straight and shaded. Other parts of the trail will meander along streams and through wooded glens.

One of the ideas that we are most excited about is the possibility of restoring the old Swinging Bridge that at one time spanned the Tygart Creek in the Hydreco-Woodside area of Olive Hill.

We believe this would be a wonderful amenity for our Trail.

Progress on the Trail

The old C & O Train Depot in Olive Hill has been acquired. Trail easements have been acquired east of the Cross Street Bridge, and to the west of the Depot, a substantial open area adjacent

to the creek has been purchased and preparation of this portion of the trail soon begin.

Easements

Negotiations for easements for the trail to cross several properties to the west of the depot are in progress. Because this is very much a community trail, all of our Carter County neighbors

will have input on the precise course and character of our trail. The property owners along the trail are important members of our community and their concerns and desires will determine to a

large extent what the completed trail looks like. Those of us with trail experience know what a profound benefit a trail like this one can have on adjacent properties. Property owners will benefit

from the easy access to the trail for themselves and their family. The trail will be carefully designed and well cared for, and will complement the natural beauty of areas through which it passes.

Experience has demonstrated that trail-side land owners have found their properties more desirable and easier to market when it comes time to change ownership. Years into the future, our

trailside property owners will be recognized for their contribution to this valued community resource.