About the Trail
The Craig-Botetourt Scenic Trail is a proposed 26-mile trail that will follow the former Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) railbed acquired by the state in 1961. The trail will follow primarily Craig Creek and connect the communities of Eagle Rock (Botetourt County) and New Castle (Craig County).
The Craig-Botetourt Scenic Trail is a proposed 26-mile trail that will follow the former Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) railbed acquired by the state in 1961. The trail will follow primarily Craig Creek and connect the communities of Eagle Rock (Botetourt County) and New Castle (Craig County).
A Brief HISTORY of the Railbed
A Brief HISTORY of the Railbed
Completed in 1891, passenger and freight trains ran along 26.5 miles of the "Craig Valley Branch" of the C&O between Eagle Rock and New Castle. By 1923, six trains ran daily along this route carrying iron ore from the mines in Oriskany and Barbour's Creek. Rail profits declined when the mines closed, and by 1958 the C&O was granted the right to abandon the railbed, which was then acquired by the state of Virginia in 1961.
Completed in 1891, passenger and freight trains ran along 26.5 miles of the "Craig Valley Branch" of the C&O between Eagle Rock and New Castle. By 1923, six trains ran daily along this route carrying iron ore from the mines in Oriskany and Barbour's Creek. Rail profits declined when the mines closed, and by 1958 the C&O was granted the right to abandon the railbed, which was then acquired by the state of Virginia in 1961.
Rail to Trail
Rail to Trail
Interest in converting the railbed to a pedestrian and bicycle trail to benefit county residents and provide economic development began in 1973. In 2022, the VA General Assembly passed a substantial budget supporting the trail system in Virginia, which included funding for the “Craig Valley Scenic Trail." This substantial public investment will bring benefits to both Craig and Botetourt Counties, offers an opportunity for economic development and health benefits for residents in both counties.
Interest in converting the railbed to a pedestrian and bicycle trail to benefit county residents and provide economic development began in 1973. In 2022, the VA General Assembly passed a substantial budget supporting the trail system in Virginia, which included funding for the “Craig Valley Scenic Trail." This substantial public investment will bring benefits to both Craig and Botetourt Counties, offers an opportunity for economic development and health benefits for residents in both counties.
Trail Specifics
Trail Specifics
Trailheads: Locations being considered include Eagle Rock's Last Lock Park & New Castle's Craig County Greenway Trail. Other access points are being evaluated as well.
Length: 26.4 miles (~10 miles currently maintained as VDOT gravel and paved roads) with 5 bridges
Nearby points of interest: Last Lock Park, Price Patterson Mountain Trail System, Craig Creek National Forest Recreation Area, Fenwick Mines National Forest Recreation Area
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