Are dogs allowed on Elk River Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Elk River Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Elk River Trail?

No, Elk River Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Elk River Trail?

Elk River Trail is rated difficult. It is 9.5 miles long with 2,667 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

California

Elk River Trail

Eureka, California

9.5 mi

Distance

2,667 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 6m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The half of the trail that is not open due to unstable earth was closed in January 2020. The BLM plans to reopen the trail later this year. Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the portion that is still open.

From Wikipedia

The Elk River Trail is a state park under construction in central West Virginia, United States. It will follow a 74-mile-long portion of the former Coal and Coke Railway from Clendenin to Gilmer Station. The trail will follow the Elk River for a significant portion of its length. When completed, the trail will be one of the longest on the East Coast. In addition to assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Americorps and local volunteers have contributed to the building and maintenance of the trail. The trail will provide opportunities for hiking, cycling, horseback riding, snowshoes, and cross-country skiing.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:29 ft

Max:445 ft

813 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context