The issue:
Non-Existent Trailheads
The Problem/Objection:
The terminus of this trail is at a location where NO user parking is planned. It will create significant parking problems and conflicts with landowners.
A solution:
Build a traihead or remove this section of trail until it can be developed properly.
and Further More:
There are several areas that have this issue. The one on the eastern terminus is the worst. We will take a look at three of these below.
Worth Knowing Details.
– Most trail users do not want to be hiking, biking, or horseback riding on roads. They will insist on beginning at a location that connects directly to the trail.
– Most general public proponents of this trail do not realize that sections of this trail are directly on roads. They hear trail, and they blankly say “build it”. Once they come to the realization of mixing trail with road sections, they will gravitate to the off road trails and will need trailheads connected to them.
– The public tends to create what they need if it is not provided for them. Trailheads will be no different.
– Any point where the trail (a longer section of trail) meets a public road there should be a trailhead. This would help keep the trail from failing in it being used.
1). The Eastern Terminus.
It’s the closest spot serving the east side from any highway(route 220) and users will naturally be attracted to use this spot. It is a narrow dead end road and it serves as access for landowners. By doing nothing here, VDOT is creating significant conflict between users and Landowners.
Fixes:
a). If there is not enough money at this time to complete the entire trail as originally planned, then don’t fix bridge #66 (and don’t prep the RR bed (in yellow) for trail use). Thus forcing all users to use the Parr trailhead.
-OR –
b). Create a trailhead at the Eastern most terminus (end of state route 818). The road area would have to be opened up so vehicles could turn around. Then enough room for some parking would have to be accomplished. Even if the trail continues from future expansion, a trailhead here should be created because most users will not want to bike, hike or ride a horse to get to this point by using the public road (state route 818).
2). Rte 817 & the trail.
There is another section that trail users will want to start at without traveling on a public road to get to, and that is where Old Rail Road (state route 817) and the trail come together.
This is a more difficult spot to work out problems because the area is surrounded by all private property.
Fixes:
a). Similar to the Eastern Terminus of trail, the #92 bridge could be delayed in it’s repairs. Perhaps an opportunity will arise in the future for a trailhead here.
Meanwhile, not fixing bridge #92 would stop users from being on this section and the need for a trailhead. All trail users would be contained in the section of the Parr trailhead.
3). Oriskany
There is a trailhead planned in Oriskany, but it does not connect to any part of non-motorized trail. As mentioned above, this leads to trail users creating their own parking places by the trails.
Fixes: this is discussed in depth at,
Speak out Now !
All three areas of trail mentioned above need revamping. Each one should be commented on in separate emails so there is no confusion for VDOT. Please take the time to send comments to VDOT.
There is an active link below to send in comments. Some computers have security features that block the use of the email button. When that happens, you need to use your regular email service and type in the email address given below.
Be sure to include in the Subject Title….
“Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail: Comment“
email hidden; JavaScript is required
You can also mail Comments to:
VDOT: Mr. Kelly Dunn
Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail; Comment
731 Harrison Ave.
Salem , VA. 24153
For more reading:
A copied comment that may bring more understanding to the current planned ending spot of the trail:
“” The gate area at the end of 818 will be congested parking problem as soon as trestle 66 is restored even if the entire trail is completed to Eagle Rock since it is the closest access point without having to ride on a dusty and potentially dangerous (Pinnacle drop off) State 818 road. VDOT needs to excavate a large parking area at the gate with turn around room to accommodate not only multiple cars with bike carriers but also horse trailers. Currently there is no method for a horse trailer to turn around at the gate without backing several hundred yards to the national forest access road. Another option might be to move the gate to the other side of the pinnacle near Barger Drive where there is much more flat area for parking but that would require gating off the national forest access road from that end. I believe this is the only viable long term option but the logistics of working with the Feds on that request might be insurmountable. Moving the gate to the national forest road is another option but still no room for parking there either as the rail bed is starting to cut into hill significantly. The restoration of trestle 66 will be the start of a head ache not only for landowners but also for VDOT as the influx of complaints and police calls to tow cars will spike and not decrease over time. Bikers in Roanoke wanting access to the trail will be force to either drive to New Castle or the gate at 818 without driving 30+ minutes to the Parr trailhead. Parking at the 818 gate will save the biker 30 minutes of drive time and only require 10 minutes of bike time to get to the same point. Ignoring this reality and moving forward on trestle 66 without a parallel plan for parking will end up placing a black mark on this project and a thorn in VDOTs side as people get stuck in ditches or back trailers over grades trying to turn around. Trestle 66 restoration funds should include a viable parking solution at the 818 gate or post poned until adequate funds/plans are available. “”