Elk River Trail
- Status
- Status not postedOpen 24 hours
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- wvstateparks.com304-587-7444
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Elk River Trail is a rail trail in Kanawha County, about 6 miles northeast of Charleston.
Popular activities here are boating, biking, fishing, and hiking.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Open 24 hours | ||
Official wording
24/7
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Pets
'Dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in state parks and forests. Pets must be leashed and restrained.' Select cabins are pet-friendly, varying by park.
Statewide rule from West Virginia's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
Fees apply to lodging, camping, pools and activities.
Statewide fee rule from West Virginia's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- WV State Parks reservations (Inntopia-based, reservations.wvstateparks.com)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Things to do
BikingBoatingFishingHiking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk River Trailheads | — | — | Duck - MP 40.2 Ivydale - MP 50.5 Dundon/Clay - MP 62.2 Hartland - MP 67.2 |
| Directions to trailheads | — | — | To access the Duck trailhead take Servia Exit 46 on I-79 and follow Servia Road for 0.3 miles, turn right on WV 4 for 2.5 miles and then left on Bridge to Duck. Parking is available by the river for river for river use and by the rail trail for trail use. To access the Ivydale trailhead take Big Otter Exit 40 on I-79 and follow WV-16 for 6.5 miles, turn right on WV-4 for 0.4 miles and then left over Ivydale Bridge. Take a right on Ivydale Ridge Road for 0.2 mile and you will find a large parking area available for trail use. To access the Dundon/Clay trailhead take the Wallback./Clay Exit 34 o |
Trail descriptions from the park
The Elk River Trail is a perfect spot for hikers and backpackers. There’s plenty of nature and wildlife to see along the entire length of the trail.
Boating and paddling
The Elk River Trail provides easy access to the Elk River for canoeing, kayaking or fishing.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the Elk River with proper licenses. Visit WVdnr.gov to purchase a West Virginia fishing license and the appropriate stamps needed.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Getting there
- Address
- Elk River Trail 12 Buffalo Creek Rd.
Clay, WV 25043 - Nearest town
- Charleston — about 6 mi northeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 38.4022, -81.5446
- Phone
- 304-587-7444
- heath.e.cliver@wv.gov
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- West Virginia State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Jun 9, 2026
- West Virginia State Parks park finder: window.parks JSON embedded in the /parks/ page (WordPress page + park post with ACF meta)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology