West Virginia Trails Seen as Key to Local Economies

Federal funding is critical for maintaining and expanding trail networks across the Mountain State.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:00am

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Across West Virginia, trails for walking, hiking, and biking play a vital role in local economies and community health, according to state and local officials. Senator Shelley Moore Capito is leading efforts in Congress to pass the next Surface Transportation Act, which would provide crucial federal funding to maintain and expand the state's trail systems. Sam England of the West Virginia Trail advocacy group says this federal funding is the only source available, as the state itself provides no dedicated trail funding.

Why it matters

West Virginia's outdoor recreation industry generates around $9 billion in economic impact, largely through jobs and tourism related to the state's extensive trail networks. Local leaders like Wheeling Assistant City Manager William Lanham say the trails have dramatically improved quality of life in their communities by providing safe, accessible routes for walking and biking.

The details

West Virginia's trail systems, including former railroad lines that have been converted into paved paths, offer 18 miles of connectivity through the city of Wheeling alone. These trails are extremely popular for bicycling and walking, and have helped reduce pedestrian deaths by providing safe, designated routes separate from vehicle traffic.

  • The current Biden-era federal funding for trails expires in September 2026.
  • Congress is currently working on passing the next Surface Transportation Act to provide ongoing trail funding.

The players

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito

A Republican senator from West Virginia who is leading efforts in Congress to pass the next Surface Transportation Act, which would provide crucial federal funding to maintain and expand the state's trail systems.

Sam England

The executive director of the advocacy group West Virginia Trail, which works to ensure access to trails across the state.

William Lanham

The assistant city manager of Wheeling, West Virginia, who has seen the positive impact of the city's local heritage trails on quality of life and community connectivity.

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What they’re saying

“It's the only funding that's available from the state in West Virginia; there is no funding for trails. It is all 'pass through' dollars from the federal government through these two programs.”

— Sam England, Executive Director, West Virginia Trail

“They are about 18 miles of former railroad tracks that now provide paved connectivity throughout our city. They run along the Ohio River.”

— William Lanham, Assistant City Manager, Wheeling

What’s next

Congress is expected to vote on the next Surface Transportation Act before the current funding expires in September 2026, which will determine the level of federal support for West Virginia's trail networks going forward.

The takeaway

West Virginia's extensive trail systems are vital to the economic and community health of local towns and cities, but maintaining and expanding this infrastructure requires consistent federal funding support since the state itself provides no dedicated trail funding. The upcoming Surface Transportation Act will be a crucial test of Congress' commitment to investing in outdoor recreation and pedestrian safety across the Mountain State.