Recreational trails are going to benefit from the announced sale of the 2,700-acre tract of land in the Blackwater Canyon from John Crites to the U.S. Forest Service.
State Division of Natural Resources Director of Technical Support & Services Travis Long said the purchase will help in the development of the Blackwater Loop Trail.
“This us seeing a light at the end of the tunnel for all of the work we’ve been doing up there with Corridor H and the other things associated with the improvements around Corridor H. This is just another thing that got done,” Long said.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin called the upcoming transaction between Crites and the Forest Service a huge win so many can enjoy the true treasures of the Mountain State.
“When this deal is complete, it will provide wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities, which will strengthen opportunities for tourism, job creation and economic growth in the region,” Manchin said. “I am proud to have worked with both the Crites family and the Forest Service to help make this agreement possible, and look forward to continuing working to improve public outdoor recreational access.”
The land will be added to the Monongahela National Forest adjacent to Blackwater State Park.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito said the area is an essential component of tourism in West Virginia.
“The growth of the national forest and increased access within the canyon will help us remain wild and wonderful for generations to come. I’m thankful for the willingness of the Crites family, and the work of my colleague Senator Manchin, to preserve a place in Tucker County that truly represents our state’s splendor,” Capito said.
There’s been some preliminary planning for the Blackwater Loop Trail. Long said it will bring the Tucker County towns of Davis and Thomas closer together.
“It will connect all of the trail system at Blackwater (State Park) down into Douglas (Douglas Falls) and the Allegheny Trail that passes through Douglas up through Thomas. It gives us a connection between the towns,” he said.
The trail will connect near Douglas Falls and then take users on the other side of the North Fork of the Blackwater River where it will connect with the Allegheny Trail.
Long said there will be a lot for hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts to see.
“It is an old rail grade. You’ve got the historic coke ovens at Coketon and Douglas and of course all of the scenery with the Blackwater River as well,” Long said.
The completion of the loop trail is in conjunction with the completion of Corridor H in Tucker County. The DOH is wrapping up the environmental clearances for both the Parsons to Davis and Wardensville sections of the highway.
More than 120 miles of the 150 miles planned for Corridor H are open to traffic.