Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe 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.
We biked the gorgeous Meadow River Trail, starting in Nallen. The trail is very remote, scenic, and well-maintained. It’s a long gradual uphill climb, near a road for about 2 1/2 miles, then upriver through completely undeveloped area for another 6+ miles. The trail officially ends after a trestle that crosses the Meadow River at around 9 miles. We went an additional 3 miles on slightly rough, but not difficult, old railroad grade with a variable surface of fine gravel and dirt. We finally had to stop at an old unrepaired railroad trestle and private property signs. The route downhill was lovely and easy. Total trip was 24 miles. Things to note: Parking at the Nallen trailhead was easy and felt safe. There are no bathrooms or water, so plan accordingly. space parking in Nallen was easy and felt safe. There are no bathrooms or water, so plan accordingly. Craft
While in the New River Gorge area, I decided to bik this new trail, and it exceeded my expectations. Great Surface with two river crossings and great river views along the trail. I wish the water level would have been higher with all the rapids.
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.
_20690_nb.jpg)
_251418_nb.jpg)
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
