Building a Connected Outdoor Community
At Beckley Area Trails, we’re proud to support and advocate for the implementation of the Beckley Outdoors initiative — a community-driven effort to create world-class outdoor recreation opportunities in southern West Virginia.
Many of the projects within the Beckley Outdoors plan are already in motion, and our team is leading or supporting several key developments listed below.
Have questions or want to get involved?
📧 Email us at Info@BeckleyAreaTrails.org or donate here.
- Project One: Stanaford Grove of the Piney Creek Preserve
Located in the northern section of the West Virginia Land Trust’s Piney Creek Preserve, Stanaford Grove is a 50-acre site with rich natural diversity and incredible potential for recreation. This project will add more than 4 miles of shared-use natural-surface trail designed for hiking, biking, running, and nature exploration.
The new trail network will enhance connectivity to the Wildwood Trail and nearby neighborhoods, establishing Stanaford Grove as a key front-country trail hub for the Beckley area.
Current Phase:
We’re constructing the first mile of trail in partnership with the Beckley Area Foundation, City of Beckley, Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, West Virginia Land Trust, Raleigh County Parks and Recreation, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Key Experience Objectives:
- Supports biking, hiking, running, birding, and dog walking
- Trail mix: 70% Beginner / 20% Intermediate / 10% Advanced
- MTB-specific gravity flow and technical trails
- Progression-based design for riders of all skill levels
- Sessionable skills features, natural jumps, and alternate lines
- Project two: The Beckley Rail Trail Bike Skills Park
Situated along a half-mile section of the Beckley Rail Trail — near Elevation Sports and in downtown Beckley — this project enhances a central stretch of the rail corridor into an accessible Bike Skills Park for riders of all ages and abilities.
The park connects directly to downtown Beckley businesses and serves as a recreational hub that blends active transportation with play and skill development.
Project Partners:
City of Beckley, Chamber of Commerce, Elevation Sports, Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, and other community partners.
Next Steps:
We plan to add new skills features every few years until the full park vision is realized. Several features are already purchased and scheduled for installation in 2026.
- Project three: Existing Trail Maintenance
Our commitment doesn’t stop at building new trails — we’re equally dedicated to maintaining and improving the trails our community already loves.
The Beckley Area Trails team works year-round to:
- Clear fallen trees, brush, and debris
- Repair erosion and drainage issues
- Refresh trail signage and markers
- Partner with local volunteers for stewardship days and cleanup events
These efforts keep our trail systems safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone.