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The Meadow River Rail Trail is a developing rail-trail that meanders along its scenic namesake river in West Virginia's Fayette and Greenbrier counties. The rail-trail follows a former CSX spur line built in 1907 that once serviced a lumber company.
Running 9.19-miles between Nallen and Rainelle, the first phase opened on October 13, 2023. The compacted stone unpaved trail will be suitable for walking, mountain biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding.
From the Nallen Trailhead at its northern end, the rail-trail runs along the western border of Fayette County. Continuing south, it crosses Russellville Bridge into Greenbrier County and passes the Russellville Trailhead. The trestle bridge is one of two crossing over the Meadow River along the route. The rail-trail meanders south along the eastern bank of the river to its southern end at the Meadow River Bridge. Currently, the trail is an out-and-back as the southern end of the trail dead ends in the woods at the bridge and the Burdette Creek.
It's 2.9 miles from the Nallen Trailhead to the Russellville Trailhead and 6.29 miles from the Russellville Trailhead to the Meadow River Bridge.
When complete, the rail-trail will be 23.1 miles and may one day connect to the Gauley River National Recreation Area at its northern end.
Parking is available at the northern end by Nallen Trailhead, which is near the Nallen Post Office (9001 Wilderness Hwy, Nallen) just off WV-41/Wilderness Hwy in Fayette County.
Visit the TrailLink map for detailed directions.
I started at the Trailhead sign in Russellville and headed north. There is an a gravel section suitable for parking near the Trailhead sign. I will point that there were "No Parking" signs here. I believe it meant "No Parking" on the grass area, but it was ambiguous. I went ahead and parked there anyways without issue.
I ran north all the way to the Trailhead sign in Nallen. The path is mostly flat, well maintained, and very suitable for running. I ran a faster "tempo" run without issue.
From Nallen 9 miles to the second bridge crossing is wide smooth trail that follows the River with only slight grade.
Very remote area of WV with beautiful mountains and no crowds. You won’t meet very many people on this trail. Good for bicycles or walking. At any age.
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