March 15 2022
Since the
beginning of time, Delta Communication LLC (that's us) has
been promoting tourism as the only future for County Clay.
Part of our game plan includes providing ERTS updates on a
regular basis. That effort started back in June 2020.
Since we're mostly interested in what goes on in Clayberry, that's what we call the place, we concentrate on ERTS from Duck to the county line in Queen Shoals. To make things easier to understand, we divided our coverage of the new State Park into three sections.
ERTS South is from Dundon to Queen Shoals. Due to property disputes, ERTS South is open for use from Dundon down to Elkurst.
ERTS Middle is from Ivydale down to Dundon which is hands down the most traveled section of the hiking, biking, and horseback riding path. It also contains the beautiful tunnel at mile post 53 along with several wet weather waterfalls. The big waterfall is at milepost 54 . If you've only time for one section, make it be the Middle section
ERTS North is upriver from Ivydale to Duck at Nottingham Store. North was the first section to be open to the public back in 2020.
Dundon and Duck have ample parking areas right on the trail.
With the worst of Winter weather behind us, here's our first update for 2022.
Since we're mostly interested in what goes on in Clayberry, that's what we call the place, we concentrate on ERTS from Duck to the county line in Queen Shoals. To make things easier to understand, we divided our coverage of the new State Park into three sections.
ERTS South is from Dundon to Queen Shoals. Due to property disputes, ERTS South is open for use from Dundon down to Elkurst.
ERTS Middle is from Ivydale down to Dundon which is hands down the most traveled section of the hiking, biking, and horseback riding path. It also contains the beautiful tunnel at mile post 53 along with several wet weather waterfalls. The big waterfall is at milepost 54 . If you've only time for one section, make it be the Middle section
ERTS North is upriver from Ivydale to Duck at Nottingham Store. North was the first section to be open to the public back in 2020.
Dundon and Duck have ample parking areas right on the trail.
With the worst of Winter weather behind us, here's our first update for 2022.
Southern Section
On March 15th,
riders were on ERTS at Dundon to Elkhurst. The above folks
drove up from Scott Depot for afternoon fun. Around 10 hikers
were also using the trail on the 15th
Here's the newest outhouse on ERTS. Each concrete structure cost $47,000 and is well kept and clean.
Want to do something nice? When you're packing your day bag, throw in an extra roll of TP and leave it at one of the outhouses. The rolls fit nicely in the porthole windows, away from mice
The Winter was
tough on ERTS. Clogged up ditches and mud slides took a toll
on the path. Hiring a maintenance guy three months ago has
made a real difference for the tourism draw. Other than a few
limbs here and there, on March 15th, it was smooth sailing
from top to bottom.
In addition to bringing along the spare roll of TP in your day bag, it wouldn't hurt to bring a folding handsaw. When you come across a snag like just above, cut it and pull it off ERTS.
As of March 15th, ERTS South was open for business and beautiful for the whole family.
In addition to bringing along the spare roll of TP in your day bag, it wouldn't hurt to bring a folding handsaw. When you come across a snag like just above, cut it and pull it off ERTS.
As of March 15th, ERTS South was open for business and beautiful for the whole family.
ERTS Middle Section
March 16
ERTS Middle is the center of attention for maintenance worker Danny McCoy. That's him on the excavator cleaning a stretch of ditch line.
Hikers are very creative with their "Cairn" structures. Look closely and you will find them around nearly every curve. There's plenty of rocks along the way to create your own Cairn.
Here's another upgrade on the Middle Section where a mud slide stretched nearly across the graveled path.
Keeping the ditch lines clear is the best way to keep ERTS up and usable.
Trees falling across the trail are an everyday event. On March 16th, all the droppings were cleared away.
Here's a new culvert in place
The entire ERTS path is covered with a smooth top coat. Originally covered with asphalt regrind or limestone "sand", now a days with the W Va DNR running the place, a crusher run mix of limestone is being used. Any combination of the top coats, it makes a very smooth ride for young and old alike. This image shows another trailer load at the ready.
Looks like about four more culverts are on the scene and ready for installation.
Whether you are walking or riding, there are many remnants still around from the last 100 years or so. Just above is an old rock wall used as a flower bed in the 1940s. Just imagine some little ole lady dragging those rocks up from the nearby creek to form the retaining wall.
Although the house is long gone, an old cellar building appears to be in fairly good condition. Keep in mind, much of the property along ERTS remains in private hands. Be respectful of others.
The only thing missing in this picture is you. When you comin?
ERTS North
The section
of ERTS above Ivydale and up to Duck, that's ERTS North. This
is a well used part of the trail and well maintained. On March
18th when we rode that section, it was completely usable for
something wide like baby strollers and horse drawn carriages.
There's ample parking at Ivydale and Duck.
Most remarkable of all, users are taking care of the attraction by picking up their litter. For this 10 mile section, we saw no cans or trash. None. It's nice.
Most remarkable of all, users are taking care of the attraction by picking up their litter. For this 10 mile section, we saw no cans or trash. None. It's nice.
Since the last time we were on ERTS North, someone has mounted signs on each of the old trestles. It's nice to know what the name of each creek crossing. This one at Groves Creek lends itself to back packers. On each side of the trail there's plenty of space to set up a campsite and enjoy an overnight stay. Keep in mind, we don't know who owns this section of dirt beside ERTS. There are remnants of old sites in the area. Camp at your own risk.
In the distance you can just make out an outhouse.That's close to milepost 45. Get this, there's even TP available at this facility. Notice the stone work at this creek crossing. It's beautiful and in good repair after 100 years of use.
Here's another cairn along ERTS North
Walking the path provides insight on the years gone by. Here's what's left of a nice size home from yesteryear. Back then, the owners either rode the train or crossed the Elk River via a row boat.
The Elk River is much wider on this section and deeper too. When the water is up after a rain, there even a few slight rapids for a little more action for boaters, kayakers.
ERTS North is waiting your next adventure.
ERTS Upper
We're
contending ourselves with the 30 some miles of ERTS located in
County Clay. When complete, the Elk River Trail System State
Park (ERTS) will begin down in Charleston and transverse
four counties ending up at Gilmer Station in Gilmer
County.That would make around 109 miles of outdoor fun
So far we've provided a glimpse of the Southern, Middle and Northern sections of ERTS. The trail in County Clay is complete and open for business.
Just past Duck, that's near our county line, the upper section of the trail is there but barriers are keeping many off. That translates to, they're having trouble with ATVs tearing up the facility.
On March 18th we took in 7 miles of the Upper section. Here's a few images from that great section.
Although not officially open for business, already the trail is in need of maintenance.
Here's one of the barriers in place on the Upper section of ERTS. The idea is to keep ATV's off the soft top coat. Unfortunately, the barriers are creating a dangerous condition. With many already using the path, getting around the barriers is a tough chore. Impossible for horse drawn carriages or parents using strollers for their toddlers. The step off on the above pic is a 20+ foot drop.
Right along ERTS is the still in use, Strange Creek Church. Beautiful!
The 1000 gallon vault for an upcoming outhouse is in place.
You don't realize how many people are actually using ERTS until you spend some time on it.
Many lived along the old RR tracks. They used wooden bridges to get across the Elk where Route 4 accommodated vehicular traffic. At one point there were many many of the haphazard foot bridges along the Elk. This is the only left standing along ERTS. As you can see, it's barely standing and certainly not fit for crossing.
Enjoy.
So far we've provided a glimpse of the Southern, Middle and Northern sections of ERTS. The trail in County Clay is complete and open for business.
Just past Duck, that's near our county line, the upper section of the trail is there but barriers are keeping many off. That translates to, they're having trouble with ATVs tearing up the facility.
On March 18th we took in 7 miles of the Upper section. Here's a few images from that great section.
Although not officially open for business, already the trail is in need of maintenance.
Here's one of the barriers in place on the Upper section of ERTS. The idea is to keep ATV's off the soft top coat. Unfortunately, the barriers are creating a dangerous condition. With many already using the path, getting around the barriers is a tough chore. Impossible for horse drawn carriages or parents using strollers for their toddlers. The step off on the above pic is a 20+ foot drop.
Right along ERTS is the still in use, Strange Creek Church. Beautiful!
The 1000 gallon vault for an upcoming outhouse is in place.
You don't realize how many people are actually using ERTS until you spend some time on it.
Many lived along the old RR tracks. They used wooden bridges to get across the Elk where Route 4 accommodated vehicular traffic. At one point there were many many of the haphazard foot bridges along the Elk. This is the only left standing along ERTS. As you can see, it's barely standing and certainly not fit for crossing.
Enjoy.
AW