Did you know that there is a 71-page Elk River Trail Town Development Plan?

Did you know that Advantage Valley has hired Sasha Strader to help businesses grow in the region?

The outdoor recreation industry is thriving in West Virginia. Each year, tens of millions of people flock to the state to recreate in its forests, mountains, and charming communities. This activity supports 23,000 direct jobs and generates $700 million in wages and salaries for citizens of the state each year. Recognizing the economic development power of the industry, the State has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in projects that improve recreation infrastructure and create new destinations in recent years.

Recreation and tourism investments in Central West Virginia have centered around the establishment of the Elk River Trail System, which runs through portions of Kanawha, Clay, and Braxton Counties. Paralleling the Elk River, the Elk River Trail System provides recreation opportunities for anglers, boaters, cyclists, hikers, and equestrians living in or visiting the center of the state. The Trail System is a potential game changer for the communities of Sutton, Gassaway, Clay, and Clendenin. However, to maximize the economic development power of the Trail System, communities must implement intentional strategies to accommodate an increased number of visitors from different consumer groups.