Raleigh County Adds New Trail to Mountaineer Mile

Governor Morrisey joins local officials to celebrate the expansion of the walking initiative at Lake Stephens

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:49am

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The Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority has designated a new Mountaineer Mile trail at the Lake Stephens overlook, expanding the popular walking initiative. Governor Jim Morrisey attended the National Walking Day event to formally introduce the new trail and encourage residents to get outside and exercise.

Why it matters

The Mountaineer Mile is part of a nationwide campaign by the American Heart Association to promote 30 minutes of daily walking to improve heart health and reduce stress. The expansion of the trail network at Lake Stephens provides more opportunities for local residents to participate in the initiative and enjoy the natural scenery.

The details

The new Mountaineer Mile trail was added at the Lake Stephens overlook as part of the Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority's National Walking Day event. Governor Jim Morrisey was on hand to formally introduce the trail and praise the staff's efforts to encourage physical activity across West Virginia. The goal of the Mountaineer Mile is to get people out walking for 30 minutes per day to improve their heart health and reduce stress.

  • The Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority hosted the National Walking Day event on April 2, 2026.
  • Governor Morrisey attended the event to formally introduce the new Mountaineer Mile trail.

The players

Jim Morrisey

The Governor of West Virginia who attended the event to support the expansion of the Mountaineer Mile walking initiative.

Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority

The local government agency that hosted the National Walking Day event and designated the new Mountaineer Mile trail at Lake Stephens.

Alice Hage

The Office Manager for the Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority who expressed excitement about the new trail and its connection to the Mountaineer Mile program.

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What they’re saying

“It's wonderful all across West Virginia we're seeing momentum for people getting out and walking, exercising about a year ago we started the Mountaineer Mile. And I've been trying to set an example, I have a long way to go but I've been averaging over ten thousand steps a day for the last year. I think a lot of people want to get out and exercise and it's important for your health to get out and do that.”

— Jim Morrisey, Governor of West Virginia

“We are so excited about it, we have so many people that these trails anyway and then to have it involved in that Mountaineer Mile is very exciting. Just to see what your state has to offer you and the scenery and the wildlife you don't get to see every day you can walk these trails and refresh your mind and your body it's just a good time to be out in the public.”

— Alice Hage, Office Manager, Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority

What’s next

The Raleigh County Parks and Recreation Authority plans to continue expanding the Mountaineer Mile trail network at Lake Stephens and other local parks to provide more opportunities for residents to participate in the walking initiative.

The takeaway

The expansion of the Mountaineer Mile trail system in Raleigh County demonstrates the community's commitment to promoting physical activity and improving public health. By partnering with the American Heart Association's nationwide campaign, local officials are making it easier for residents to incorporate regular walking into their daily routines and enjoy the natural beauty of West Virginia.