In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast I meet Madison Stone at First Tuesdays. She leads the Elk River Trail Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that works to preserve, protect, and enhance the Elk River and the trail that runs from Sutton Dam to the Kanawha River in Charleston.

I learn the Elk is 102 miles of free-flowing water. The foundation is adding kayak launches every five to ten miles and building ADA-accessible launches in the trail towns of Sutton, Gassaway, Clay, and Clendenin. Sites in Clay and Clendenin are already in place, and the Gassaway design is underway.

We talk about the Elk River Trail itself, now about 72 miles long. It starts at the Gassaway trailhead, runs to Hartland in Clay County, then continues from Queen Shoals to Clendenin, with plans to extend it in the future.

Madison lays out why this matters. The river and trail give people a way to step outside daily routines, get on the water to paddle or fish, or use the path to walk, run, bike, or ride horses. She wants locals to see the value in their own backyard and hopes visitors from other states and countries will come experience these towns.

She also highlights their annual race with a marathon, half marathon, and 5K. This year more than 700 participants came to Gassaway from dozens of states. Anyone who wants details, to donate, or to plan a trip can visit elkrivertrail.org.

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