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The Elizabeth J. “Binky” Poundstone Memorial River Trail is nestled into the City of Buckhannon, tucked along the Buckhannon River in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. A short portion of the route (0.7 miles), parallels active railroad tracks in a configuration known as rail-with-trail.
The pathway—sometimes referred to simply as the River Trail or the Riverwalk—was named in honor of a former mayor who made significant contributions to the community. In 2018, the Poundstone–Ellis Legacies Plaza also opened to recognize her accomplishments and those of another local citizen, Franklin C. “Hank” Ellis; the plaza is located on the Wesleyan College campus.
The first section of the paved pathway, which opened in 1997, forms a loop around the Wesleyan College baseball and football fields. Over the years, more segments were added and the trail now totals nearly 2 miles. The picturesque trail offers views of the river, access to a dog park and is surrounded by beautiful trees and shrub plantings.
Future plans call for adding new amenities, including a fishing pier and picnic pavilion, and extending the trail another 2.5 miles from Marion Street to Buckhannon-Upshur High School.
Parking is available on the north end of the trail off Camden Avenue and at the Buckhannon Dog Park, which is located south of the Buckhannon River off Randolph Street.
I've been checking some of the local urban trails and this walk was next on the list. Some of the urban trails seem to push the concept of a rail trail but at least this trail does parallel an active railroad (the Cowen Subdivision). The trail is entirely paved and consists of two large loops that go around various balls fields. It does parallel the Buckhannon River a good bit and Buckhannon Riverwalk was the only name I saw listed anywhere. There is a spur that crosses the railroad and parallels it for a ways. It's a pleasant walk but unless you're in the area I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
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