Historic West Virginia railroad bridges to be restored for hikers in $11.8 million project
A $11.8 million effort has begun to refurbish five 1906 railroad bridges in West Virginia’s New River Gorge, turning the old rail line into a continuous hiking trail.
An $11.8 million project funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund is underway to rehabilitate five century-old railroad bridges that once carried coal through West Virginia’s New River Gorge. Beginning with a groundbreaking at the Minden Trailhead, the National Park Service will replace the aging wooden structures with durable aluminum tread, fix key retaining walls, and resurface the 3.2-mile Rend Trail that follows the historic Thurmond-Minden rail grade.
Additional upgrades include regrading the path, installing better drainage, adding an accessible ramp at Big Rock, and building a restroom at the trailhead. The effort aims to reopen the full trail for hikers of all abilities after years of partial closures. Construction is expected to last roughly 16 months, with a reopening ceremony anticipated next fall. Officials hope the restored trail will boost tourism, which generated an estimated $95.5 million for the local economy in 2024.
Why it matters
Restoring the bridges will reconnect communities, improve safety, and support local tourism in West Virginia.
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