Lewis McManus Memorial Honor Trail

The Lewis McManus Memorial Honor Trail, also known as the Beckley Rail Trail, travels from Mabscott, through the heart of Beckley, north to the Beckley Crossing Shopping Mall. It follows the route of the former Piney River & Paint Creek Railroad, which began construction in 1905. It was later taken over by the C&O Railroad (now CSX) and hauled coal, freight and passengers.

The paved rail-trail offers a mix of busy urban areas and quiet neighborhoods. A spur via a restored trestle over Robert C. Byrd Drive takes trail users to popular New River Park.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at New River Park (100 Adair Street), which is along the short spur trail, and at the Beckley Crossing Shopping Mall (124 Beckley Crossing Shopping Center) at the north end of the main trail.

nice trail.. shady area

April 2022 scott.pillath

If you’re a strong male and have a weapon, it’s a cool trail to be on. If you’re a single woman who isn’t a martial arts expert, I would advise against it. The parking area has a lot of nefarious looking people loitering about. When I first pulled up there were two cop cars questioning shady looking people. Sad that a nice trail is in such a bad area

Do not park at Adair

July 2016 aliciavandall

It's nice trail, but parking at Adair park is not a good way to access the trail. You must go down a large hill (paint creek) and cross Robert C Byrd to go up a gravel trail to gain access to the trail. I do not see this as ideal for families on bikes or anyone using roller skates or inlines.

Fine if you are in Beckley for shopping already

September 2015 mmcnickle

I sometimes go to Beckley for the stores, so I hope on my bike and do this trail too. Some people have told me that it is dangerous and known for druggies, but I have noticed it.

A community trail

February 2015 charlesdove

Was in the area for the day so decided to try this trail. Not really a destination railtrail, but very useful for locals as it links several areas to the northern mega retail section of the city. Parked at the Beckley Crossing Shopping Mall (behind Krogers @ Canterbury Dr) to access, but not a real trailhead. No official parking here just for the trail. Trail ends about 100 yards from closet parking area. Must make one's way down a bank to reach a path that leads to the finished end of the trail. There's a pavilion spanning the trail where the trail begins across from Taco Bell along Eisenhower Dr. Nice wide asphalt surface, Use a bit of caution when crossing Prince St which is a 3 lane one way street. Runs mostly through city scape environs with a few residential areas. If visiting the coal mine at New River park your in a better place to access the trail and for parking.