For a Unique New Way to Explore West Virginia, Ride a Rail Bike Along the Buffalo Creek Trail

Is it an exaggeration to say that there's no end to the fun to be had in West Virginia? Maybe. What is your absolute favorite way to explore the beautiful mountains of West Virginia? Are you a hiker? A mountain biker? A horseback rider? Maybe you like to drive West Virginia's scenic mountain byways via car or motorcycle. Maybe you like to go the off-roading route on the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. Or maybe you would prefer to fly over the mountains in a WWII biplane.

If you think of all the unique attractions and scenic natural wonders scattered throughout the Mountain State, maybe you'll realize, as we have, that thinking the fun is endless is not such an exaggeration after all. Now there's yet another interesting, exciting experience to be had in wild and wonderful Almost Heaven: rail biking. It's not just any rail bike tour, either—rather, it's one of the most fun rail bike tours in West Virginia.

I know it's a relatively new option for exploring our gorgeous state, but hear me out. There may not be a better way to navigate West Virginia's beautiful mountain scenery, with all its rugged beauty and unique history, than by rail bike. Yes—it is what it sounds like. A rail bike is a human-powered vehicle that's specially built for riding on a railroad track. And you can find a few of them right here in Clay, West Virginia.

Rail Explorers: Elk River Division provides rail bike rentals and guided tours along the Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad in central West Virginia, which is located just off the Elk River Trail near Clay. The tour, which covers 12 miles, round-trip, of rail trail, takes about two hours at the leisurely pace set by the tour's timing. Along the way, you'll be able to stop and explore at the banks of Buffalo Creek, and enjoy sights like this beautiful waterfall, a cemetery, and the wreckage of an old train.

If you are unsure whether or not you'll be up for biking 12 miles, even 12 leisurely ones, don't worry on that account. If you wear out and decide it's too much work to get back on your own muscle strength, or prefer not to pedal at all, just engage the rail bike's REX Propulsion System. All rail bikes are outfitted with this electric motor system, so you can travel at your own pace along the rails. Whichever you favor, whether pedaling or all-REX Propulsion, it will be a trip you'll remember for a long time.

Closed-toed shoes are recommended for rail-biking, and children must be accompanied by someone 16 years of age or older. Reservations are required for the rides, so visit Rail Explorers online in advance of your visit to reserve your spot or to learn more about the rides and the bikes.

Once you've had a chance to explore West Virginia by rail bike, how about trying a flight on that WWII biplane I mentioned earlier? The adventures never stop!