Clay County Rail Bike Attraction Nears Season End After 70,000 Rides

Rail Explorers will close its Clay County, West Virginia, location on Nov. 11, ending the 2026 season for the rail-bike attraction.

The Elk River site is in its third year of operation. Since opening, the facility has recorded nearly 70,000 riders. The attraction operates in six states. The Clay County route spans 12 miles as a roundtrip. The journey takes two hours and begins at the confluence of the Elk River and Buffalo Creek.

Division Manager Trey Cornwell noted that the bikes use motor-assist to help riders maintain momentum. He stated that the motor kicks in as riders begin to pedal and pulls the bike along as long as the pedals stay in motion. Cornwell said nearly everyone can complete the ride.

The operation has attracted visitors from 55 counties in West Virginia, all 50 states, and 49 different countries and territories. Cornwell observed that people are traveling from around the world to the United States and selecting Clay, West Virginia, as their destination.

Sally Garcia, a resident of Martinsburg, visited the site with her husband and friends. She described the scenery as absolutely beautiful, noting that it differs from seeing fall colors in a postcard. The company plans to reopen in April. Customers will be able to begin booking for next year in February.

The final ride of the season is scheduled for Nov. 11.