Rail Trail Improvements near Thomas

The Cheat-Potomac Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest is working with Friends of Blackwater to make improvements to the Blackwater Canyon Rail-Trail located between Douglas and Thomas, WV. The section of trail that is being upgraded is from the recently constructed bridge near the wastewater treatment plant south to the Douglas Road intersection. The improvements consist of removing vegetation alongside the trail, reshaping the existing trail to improve drainage, adding gravel, and installing safety barriers at road intersections. These enhancements will create a safer and more enjoyable experience for trail users and visitors to the area.
This project is a result of a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and Friends of Blackwater, a local non-profit conservation organization. The Friends of Blackwater received a grant from the National Forest Foundation to fund this project. This work should be completed by June 1.
The Forest Service and Friends of Blackwater are also working with The Mountain Institute to bring improvements to the Limerock Trail in Tucker County between Douglas and Hendricks, WV. This work will consist of removing downed trees, cutting back vegetation, and improving the trail drainage. This work will be accomplished this summer. The Cheat-Potomac recreation staff also hope to have a trail maintenance workshop later in the summer season for interested volunteers who want to get involved in similar projects on the Monongahela National Forest. For more information please contact the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District at 304-257-4488.