WWhen you imagine a hiking and biking system in West Virginia, the image that probably comes to mind is the state’s most remote and rugged regions. But right between West Virginia’s two largest cities, Huntington and Charleston, are more than 30 miles of hand-built trails for hiking, running and mountain biking.
Brandon Doerner, president of the nonprofit Meeks Mountain Trail Alliance (MMTA), is an avid mountain biker who designed the Meeks Mountain trail system. Having experienced trail systems across the United States, Doerner’s perspective and expertise helped design trails that could accommodate everyone, not just other bikers, and that were designed with flow in mind. “The flow works extremely well, not only for a mountain biker, but also for a hiker and a runner,” Doerner says.
Meeks Mountain Trails attracts visitors from all over the country, which is impressive considering the trails didn’t even exist just six years ago. The Meeks Mountain trail system was built entirely by the community, with more than 500 people volunteering 23,000 hours on donated land over a five-year period. “This was all developed by volunteers; by a family that was willing to let us study and build this thing; a town that supports it; and businesses in the community that rallied around it to help promote it,” Doerner says.
The trail network hosts various educational hikes throughout the year on topics such as foraging and wildlife identification, and hosts several races, including the Hurricane 100K trail race.
With a name like Teays Valley, visitors can expect a wide, flat terrain compared to other areas of the state. However, Meeks Mountain Trails showcases rock formations, rolling hills and other scenic gems the area has to offer. “Some of the hills are very challenging,” Doerner says. “As soon as you get into the trail system, you’re going uphill to access the sheer number of trails that are out there.” The Meeks system is a deliberate mix of easy, moderate and challenging trail options. However, there’s a lesson to be learned in choosing a more challenging trail option, Doerner says. “When we designed this, we really wanted to create a space for a family to get out and do a half-mile to a mile hike or stroll,” he says. “But when they get there, they realize how challenging and demanding it is.” “Theoretically, the reason it was designed that way is because it’s not easy to get to the top, and the trails represent that. You can stay in the valleys all your life, and that’s fine. But if you want to get to the top, you have to work for it.”
At least half a million trail combination possibilities give people the freedom to experience the trails on their own terms. The system includes a network of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to expert and ranging in length from one to ten miles. The trail network can be a challenge if users choose, or simply a nice walk in the woods, an escape into nature.
Best of all, the trailhead is right across the street from Wheelbilly Bikes for all your trail gear, repairs, and rentals. You can also find a juice bar and other local eateries serving bold, authentic flavors just steps from the trails. A local favorite, Bridge Cafe & Bistro, offers farm-to-table ingredients in a casual environment and is open for brunch on the weekends. Visitors can find them and a list of local restaurants at VisitPutnamWV.com.
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