When one imagines a West Virginia hiking and biking system, the image that comes to mind is likely one in the more remote and rugged regions of the state. But right between West Virginia’s two largest cities, Huntington and Charleston, lies more than 30 miles of hand-built trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking.
Brandon Doerner, president of the Meeks Mountain Trail Alliance (MMTA) nonprofit, is an avid mountain biker who designed the Meeks Mountain Trail System. Having experienced trail systems across the U.S., Doerner’s perspective and expertise helped when laying out trails that would accommodate everyone, not just fellow bikers, and was designed with flow in mind. “The flow works extremely well, not only for a mountain bike, but for a hiker and runner,” Doerner says.
Meeks Mountain Trails is drawing 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 contributing 23,000 volunteer hours on donated land over the course of five years. “This has all been developed by volunteers; by a family that was willing to allow us to study and build this thing; a city that supports it; and the companies throughout the community that have gathered around it to help promote it,” Doerner says.
The trail system is home to various educational hikes throughout the year with topics such as foraging and wildlife identification, and is home to several races, including the Hurricane 100K trail race.
With a name like Teays Valley, visitors might expect a large, wide flatland compared to other areas of the state. However, Meeks Mountain Trails showcases rock formations, hills, and other scenic nuggets the area has to offer. “There are some hills that are very challenging,” Doerner says. “As soon as you enter the trail system, you’re climbing to get to the mass number of trails that are out there.” Meeks network is a deliberate mix of easy, moderate, and ambitious trail options. However, there’s a lesson to be learned in choosing a more challenging trail option, Doerner says. “When this was designed, we really wanted to create a space for a family to be able to go out and do a half mile to a mile hike or ride,” he says. “But when they get out there, they realize how difficult and challenging it is. “Theoretically, the reason why it’s designed the way it is, is because it’s not easy getting to the top, and the trails represent that. You can lay in the valleys all your life, and that’s fine. But if you want to get to the top, you’ve got to work for it.”
At least a half million trail combination possibilities give people the freedom to experience the trails at their leisure. The system features a network of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to expert, and in length from one to ten miles. The trail system can be a challenge if users want, or they can be just a nice walk in the woods—an escape into nature.
Best of all, the trailhead is just across the street from Wheelbilly Bikes for all your trail gear, repairs, and rentals. You can also find a juice bar and other locally owned restaurants featuring bold and authentic flavors just steps from the trails. A local favorite, Bridge Cafe & Bistro, offers farm to table ingredients in a laid back environment, and is open for brunch on weekends. Visitors can find these and a list of local restaurants at VisitPutnamWV.com.