ERTS: Middle Section Under Construction
June 21 2020
  Over the last month or so, we've posted updates on the Elk River Trail System (ERTS) State Park now under construction. The Corona thang has slowed progress on the Duck to Clendenin hiking, biking, horse back riding trail. In other articles posted on the site, we've provided write ups on the Northern section (Duck to Ivydale) and small patches around the Town of Clay. Only the Northern section is completed and ready for use.
  Until the complete Duck to Hartland  trail is completed, that should be sometime in the Fall, there will be no grand opening ceremony.
    On Sunday, June 21st, we ventured on the middle section of ERTS. Parking is available behind the old Ivydale Grade School. We're calling the trail from Ivydale to Clay, the Middle section. As seen in the image just above, volunteers have already been cutting back the fast growing vegetation.
   About  2.5 miles of the middle section (from Ivydale) has received it's top coat of regrind asphalt. Along the way, the camps, homes, trailers, and gardens are all well kept and beautiful. There is little if any eye sores on the portion of ERTS.




  Beginning at 2.5 mile, the asphalt ends and only the base coat is in place. That rock base makes riding  a bike uncomfortable at best. On TV, you see young people doing mountain biking on those little bikes. We don't see how they do the jumps and speed along on such gravel. As for the Ace Cub Reporter on a bike without spring suspension, pain comes to mind.

 You won't see any piles of old ties on this section of ERTS. What happened to the old timbers? Just below is a fill in with old railroad ties spanning the low spot.




  We stopped and talked to locals along the way. At least a couple were not happy with what they are seeing and hearing on the Middle Section. During the third week in June, many ATV's have been on the trail as well as big trucks hauling trailer loads of side by sides. Such use tears up the regrind top coat.  Loud ATV's have been heard late at night tearing down the trail.  We're hoping, when completed, the metal barriers will be in place and  four wheeler use will be curtailed.
  The another problem. Little Italy Road comes right down to the Middle Section. Without signs in place, many of those out of towners didn't know they were on a hiking trail. We think when the barriers are put in place, that problem will also go away.
  Badges have already been on this section of ERTS. One guy told us, a black cruiser with lots of antennas was on the trail driving real slow. Just up hill and on Little Italy Road, a second black shirt mobile was seen moving slowing. We think, the lower cruiser was trying to flush out some one in hopes, the upper cruiser would be able to nab the person.
  The first three miles of the Middle section is a great place to take a couple hour hike or ride a bike or horse. It's about 90% tree canopy covered and gorgeous. Even on a hot day, the temp is much cooler. Nice!
AW
UPDATE
June 27 2020

   Connie and George Workman go out and bike on ERTS. While the Ace Cub Reporter was at the Courthouse last week, Connie told of a cut stone tunnel on ERTS. What?
  On the 27th, we tried out the unfinished middle section of ERTS once again. from behind the old Ivydale Grade School, travel down river for 2.3 miles. There the regrind asphalt top coat ends and ERTS turns to gravel. After the pavement ends, travel another 100' or so. Look to the left and you will see a wide hollow. At that point, you will be standing on the cut stone tunnel.
  The first time we traveled the Middle section ERTS, we went right by it and never  noticed the nifty attraction.



  Back up a few steps and you will see this ATV path down to the creek. You can barely see the massive cut stones on the right in the shaded area.
   And BAM! There it is, Standing Rock Tunnel. Maybe 18 feet tall and about 12 feet wide. The tunnel is in excellent condition and the original chisel marks are still visible. if you travel thru the thing, the Elk River is not far, maybe 100 feet of so at the most.



Behind you is the creek and hollow behind the Tunnel. This is all you see from the unfinished portion of ERTS.
   Readers, this can be a real tourist attraction. There is plenty of flat or nearly flat land perfect for tent camping and a couple picnic tables. Think about it. From Duck W Va to the Standing Rock tunnel, that's about 12 .5 miles. After that length of travel, what a great spot to picnic or spend the night!
Enjoy
AW
  




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