[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#9fb5a0″ custom_padding=”1px||1px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.derailthetrail.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/unnamed.png” title_text=”unnamed” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#7fad14″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”15px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Every user of the planned Oriskany Trailhead will have to hike, bike, or horse back ride on the public road. This is not user friendly and creates significant risks.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||8px|false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||6px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Move the trailhead to be directly connected to a non-motorized section of the trail.<\/p>\n
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The currently planned trailhead land has not been purchased yet. This VDOT comment period is to give everyone a chance to speak out on problems with the trail. After July 26th 2025, VDOT will have the legal ability to proceed with aquisitions. Thus, its critical to speak out now. There is still a chance for change.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||8px|false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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VDOT claims they want a trailhead near Oriskany, but they are doing it at the expense of everyone’s safety. We need to change their mind. There are other options.<\/p>\n
The location of the currently planned trailhead is dangerous. Every single person using it will be forced to go onto a “public road” and travel at least a 1\/2 mile to get to the nearest part of the trail where there will be no vehicles. The trail users other choice is to go in the other direction on the public road. That option takes 3.25 miles before you get off the public road.<\/p>\n
Either of those options are not preferred by trail users. You go to a trail to get away from walking on a road, to be safer,\u00a0 yet here they dont let you have that. VDOT is being negligent with their planning of this trailhead.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||8px|false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” width=”82.2%” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The section of road that will be used to get to the good part of the trail is illustrated in this snapshot of\u00a0 VDOT’s display board #4. The combined trail-road is in turquoise. The locals that use this road will testify that this curve is where most “close calls” happen. It is narrow because it cuts thru the mountain’s edge, with high banks on both sides with no place to go. There is low visibilty because of the curve and high banks. Then narrower still because of the soft ditches squeezed in right next to the mountain sides.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.derailthetrail.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_7813.jpg” title_text=”IMG_7813″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”82%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” width=”82.2%” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If this trailhead gets established in this location, it will be known as “running the gauntlet”. Not a good reputation to have.<\/p>\n
To get to the trailhead you will have to first drive thru this “gauntlet”. It is the only trailhead anywhere on the trail that will have horse trailer parking, so that increases wider\/bigger vehicular usage thru this channel.\u00a0 The daily residential traffic comes thru here too. It’s their way in\/out (with delivery trucks like UPS). Mix all that with the people trying to get thru (coming and going) while they are bicycling, walking , and horse back riding.<\/p>\n
For every trail user of the trailhead, it will create four additional passes thru this spot. The roadway is not designed for this. There will be significant chances of seroius injuries.<\/p>\n
Would you want to face this kind of scenario in order to take the kids for a walk or on their bikes.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.derailthetrail.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_5246-2.jpg” title_text=”IMG_5246″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||8px|false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” width=”82.2%” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
A)<\/strong>. Currently there is a property that has come up for sale. It’s right at the end of where the trail dumps onto the road. Perfect timing for VDOT. A property that is for sale means that no eminent domain would have to be used.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” width=”82.2%” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It’s just outside of Oriskany Square and has a buffer from the town with woods and a valley. See the map. It is surrounded by green and red lines. It convieniently is next to a property that belongs to the RR bed now (where mile marker 11 is placed). As you can see, it is already of some size.<\/p>\n The real beauty of this property is that there is direct access to Craig Creek Rd.(615). Horse trailers and other users can pull right in. Meaning that the added traffic will not be on the trail itself. Users can then hop right onto the trail without ever being on a road. Those that do want to travel the road\/trail can still do so.<\/p>\n Another benefit is that ALL the users that would be coming from that other location will no longer be travelling thru Oriskany Square. Keeping Oriskany more quaint and undisturbed. Certainly a win-win situation.<\/p>\n There is also the Oriskany canoe launch across from this property. If it is ever so busy that parking is scarce, normal vehicles could take advantage of that.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.derailthetrail.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_7811-1.jpg” title_text=”IMG_7811″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”82%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||6px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With this choice comes two bad results, neither of which affects the users.<\/p>\n 1). The cost of the property may be a bit more than the other location. The flip side of that is the safety. Lets just say it’s an additional 100K. Isn’t that amount worth it? Anyone going to a hospital because of a vehicular-trail user accident would definately think so. Saving one accident may very well pay for the difference.<\/p>\n 2). This trail head does not solve the issue of Oriskany’s emergency road being gated. (see opton “B” for that). But the current planned trailhead does not solve that either.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” width=”82.2%” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n B)<\/strong>. Just expand the trailhead at the County line (currently planned as the Charlton Trailhead)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” width=”82.2%” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There is plenty of room. The right of way is 100′ wide and it runs along the current road right of way.\u00a0 It could be set up similar to the Intervale trailhead parking lot at the Jackson River Trail. Intervale is 100′ wide by 350′ long, and that includes the trail itself running thru it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.derailthetrail.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/IMG_7846.jpg” title_text=”IMG_7846″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”82%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” width=”82.2%” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Charlton area is about 1500′ long. With two entry points, horse trailers could pull in, park to the side and then leave without the need to turn around. Everyone else could be angled-in parking.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” width=”82.2%” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If the trailhead is located here, it would leave the option of not putting a gate across the Emergency Road for Oriskany. Trail users could use this section, with the understanding that if an emergency occurs there may be very limited traffic. If trail users decide to go in the opposite direction they will have a normal “full trail experience”.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.derailthetrail.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Intervale.jpg” title_text=”Intervale” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”82%” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” border_width_all=”2px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||8px|false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” border_width_all=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”16px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The current planned trail head east of Oriskany is the worst choice for EVERYONE concerned. For obvoius reasons Oriskany prefers expanding the Charlton Trail head. It is the furthest away from disturbing anyone. The second choice would be the property west of Oriskany across from the canoe launch.<\/p>\n Tell VDOT\u00a0 that you oppose the trail because of the poor choice in the placement of the Oriskany trailhead. Let them know about one of the other choices (you choose) and why it would be better.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#0f0f0f” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.5em” custom_margin=”-27px|20px||25px|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n There is an active link below to send in comments.\u00a0Some 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Be sure to include in the Subject Title….<\/strong><\/p>\n “Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail: Comment<\/strong>“ [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”25px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n email hidden; JavaScript is required<\/span>Speak out Now !<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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