ELK RIVER &
WATER TRAILS
Explore the Possibilities!
The current planned rail trail runs 54 miles from just south of Clendenin, Kanawha County, to Duck in Clay County near the Braxton County border. Paralleling the Elk River in Central WV, the Elk River Rail-Trail currently has 28 miles open for use to cyclists, hikers, and equestrians with boat and fishing access at spots along the trail. This trail is being built and opened in phases. The section from Duck to Gassaway is will be open in the future.
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Trailheads at the Duck (about 4 miles off the Servia exit of I-79), Ivydale (approximately 10 miles off the Big Otter exit of I-79), Dundon (about 12-15 miles off the Wallback exit of I-79) and Hartland Bridge.
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The Duck trailhead is located in the town of Duck a quarter mile south of the Clay-Braxton county line. The trailhead is the most northern point on the trail, approximately 9.8 miles north of the Ivydale trailhead.
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Fifteen parking spots are available on a gravel lot along the Elk River. The parking lot is shared with the Elk River Duck Water Access Point.
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The Duck public river access point is located in the town of Duck a quarter mile south of the Clay-Braxton county line. The access point includes a concrete ramp ideal for transporting small boats including canoes and kayaks, with concrete steps along the ramp and a pad at the bottom of the ramp for boat entry and exit. Fifteen parking spots are available on a gravel lot along the Elk River. The parking lot is shared with the Elk River Duck Trailhead.
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Directions to Duck Trailhead and River Access Point: Take I-79 Exit 46. Take Servia Road (CR-11) towards Duck until the road ends at the Elk River. Turn right onto State Route 4 south for 0.3 miles, then turn left onto Villanova Ridge Road. As soon as you cross the bridge, the parking is on the right.