This East Coast State Simply Bought Its First Railbike Route — and It is Stuffed With Waterfall Views

For over 60 years, the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad transported coal and lumber alongside Buffalo Creek in West Virginia. The railroad was one of many final all-steam holdouts, working till early 1965. Now, a brand new tour operator is respiration new life into the railway with a fleet of railbikes that run on the rails and have an electrical help.

Rail Explorers — which already operates railbike excursions in California, New York, Rhode Island, Kentucky, and Iowa — opened a brand new location in Clay, West Virginia. The 12-mile round-trip route runs alongside Elk River and Buffalo Creek and thru the lush woodlands of West Virginia.

Highlights embody a wrecked prepare automobile and excessive cliffs, together with the Satan’s Sawmill Waterfall, which has lengthy been an area gem and was lately added to the West Virginia Waterfall Path. 

The railbikes journey on the observe for six miles earlier than reaching a creekside picnic space the place they flip round on the financial institution of Buffalo Creek and head again to the start line.

The route is nice for teams as every bike accommodates two or 4 individuals with an electrical help. Bikes have a custom-built electrical motor and hydraulic disc brakes.

“This unforgettable out of doors journey combines the tranquility of nature with the fun of railbiking and magic of the railroad,” Mary Pleasure Lu, Rail Explorers CEO, mentioned in a press launch shared with Journey + Leisure. “We’re extremely excited to carry Rail Explorers to Clay, WV. The great thing about this space is unmatched — we’re so proud to re-activate this historic railroad that has been a lifeline in the neighborhood for over 100 years. This two-hour, eco-friendly exercise is totally accessible to individuals of all ages and talents, making this an ideal exercise for households, associates, and solo explorers.”

The route enhances the opening of the close by Elk River Path in 2019. The path, which stays the latest addition to the West Virginia State Parks system, stretches for over 73 miles and offers quick access to the Elk River, a well-liked waterway for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

“We’ve seen an unimaginable enhance to the realm since opening the Elk River Path, and it’s simply incredible to see that success broaden even additional with the addition of Rail Explorers to our state’s rising tourism economic system,” Gov. Jim Justice mentioned within the press launch.

The Rail Explorers’ railbike excursions in West Virginia function Thursday by Monday with a number of departure occasions. A tandem railbike for as much as two riders is $80, whereas a quad railbike for as much as 4 riders is $160. The journey takes 2 hours. Clay County residents are eligible for discounted rides on “Locals’ Days.”