Trails are more than paths through nature—they’re pathways to better health, peace of mind, and connection with the outdoors. Whether for physical activity, mental wellness, or social connection, access to trails plays a key role in overall well-being.
Through a National Park Foundation Grant and in partnership with the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Active SWV assessed two area trails, Long Point and Glade Creek (Glade Creek data coming soon), to provide detailed trail information. Most trail information is limited to a simple rating or a quick overview of the difficulty, which often doesn’t give a user enough information about what to expect on the trail.. While we cannot physically modify trails at this time, we can offer accurate, detailed trail data so individuals and families can make informed decisions before they go.
This information is designed for ANYONE who wants a better idea of what to expect while hiking.
Not everybody moves the same way—and that’s exactly why accessibility matters. But what’s often missing from outdoor recreation is clear, practical information to help people assess whether a trail suits their needs.
That’s where this project comes in.
(e.g., gravel, pavement, native soil)
(variable with weather, gives a general idea)
(trail width)
(grade/steepness)
(side tilt)
(like steps, drop-offs, or roots, anything >=2” in height manmade or natural)
All data was hand collected manually onto a data assessment form every 25’ on the trail or less if there was a feature that needed recorded. The data was then compiled in excel and summarized for use.
Our goal isn’t to label trails as “accessible” or “not accessible”—it’s to give you the facts so you can make your own risk assessment and find the trails that work best for you. Trail Data is provided as accurately as possible, but conditions can change. The trail data for Long Point Trail was collected the Summer of 2024 through the Winter of 2025.
To provide consistent and meaningful information, each trail was assessed using a standardized process based on accessibility best practices. Active SWV staff and volunteers walked each trail with manual measuring tools to collect key data every 25 feet or sooner if there was a barrier or significant change in the trail, including:
Trail conditions are dynamic and can change with weather, season, maintenance, and natural events. The information presented here was collected using standardized methods and tools to provide as accurate a snapshot as possible, but it is subject to the limitations of equipment, data collectors, and the ever-changing nature of the outdoors.
This terminology helps standardize how we describe trail conditions so users can compare and evaluate trails for themselves.
Here’s what we mean when we talk about trail accessibility.
Any object over 2 inches in height was considered an obstruction
The usable width of the trail. Narrow trails may be hard to navigate with wheelchairs or other mobility devices. These measurements represent the width of the trail unimpeded by any obstructions over 2” in height.
The steepness of the trail, measured as a percentage grade. Higher grade slopes may be more difficult for people using mobility aids or pushing strollers.
The side-to-side tilt of the trail surface. Excessive cross slope can cause balance issues or increase difficulty.
The material of the trail—such as gravel, pavement, or natural dirt. Loose or uneven surfaces may be challenging for some users. Hardness was assessed on a combination of a surface heel test and surface material to get an idea for the general firmness of the trail surface
Uplifted, human built section of trail with curbs on one or both sides to help navigate portions of the trail that had drainage issues causing the surface to be very soft and muddy. They can be any length but usually are XX” width, with XX” width wooden curbs.
Includes things like steps, roots, steep drop-offs, or other features that could block or complicate travel along the trail. Anything over 2” in height was measured and noted.
An instrument used for measuring the angle or elevation of a slope (photos of this being done are available). Our team used a manual clinometer with a dowel rod marked at the data collector’s eye level to collect slope data.
Consists of pushing your heel into the trail surface and categorizing the surface based on Hard – No Mark, Firm – Leaves Mark, Soft – Heel Sinks In, Very Soft – Edges of the mark cave in).
A 24-inch digital level with slope percentage capability was to used to gather cross-slope data by setting is cross wise on the section of trail at that measurement point that had the highest visible cross slope that would need to be crossed over while traversing the trail.
Aka a surveyor’s wheel, as the wheel rotates, a built-in counter tracks the number of revolutions.
Active SWV created data collection forms to keep track of location, section, grade, x-slope, treadwidth, barriers, and surface hardness. We also measured the full dimensions of the overlook platform.
Crushed gravel with a maximum size of 1.5”
Plastic, circle grid of surface pavers placed underneath the 1.5” gravel crusher to help support the trail and gravel and increase hardness. The pavers are showing through in a lot of areas.
Length of thin, flexible metal that is marked at intervals for measuring. We used a tape measure for treadwidth and barrier measurement.
Long Point Trail provides an outstanding overlook of the New River Gorge and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. The trail traverses open fields and forest before arriving at a dramatic rock outcrop (Long Point), offering panoramic views. Please note that the overlook itself is not considered accessible. (NPS Website)
The first 0.25 miles of the trail—from the parking lot to an accessible boardwalk—offers a leveled, user-friendly path ideal for wildlife viewing and observing forest regrowth. This segment is surfaced with polypavers and 1.5” gravel crushed gravel, creating a stable, well drained surface. (Added details to NPS Website Info)
The trail becomes more rugged and includes variable terrain:
The typical slope (grade) is 6%, with a maximum slope of 34%, primarily in the final 0.2 miles.
Cross slope averages 4%, with a maximum of 32%.
Trail width varies:
52% of the trail is wider than 36 inches
17% is 36 inches or narrower
11% includes obstructions that reduce tread width to 0 inches
Surface types include:
Polypavers and gravel (beginning segment)
Native soil, roots, rocks, and boulders (middle to end)
Please note that Active SWV’s goal is not to label trails as “accessible” or “not accessible,” but to share objective data so you can make your own informed decisions. Everyone is responsible for their own risk assessment before using a trail.
Several portions of the trail present increased difficulty, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or balance concerns:
The last descent in the section between the Fayetteville Trail and the intersection of the Fayetteville Trail:
Contains slopes ranging from 5–16%
Includes numerous tree roots and rocks over 2″ high
Features narrow treadwidths (less than 36″) due to trees, stumps, and roots obstructing the path
Final 0.2 miles to Long Point:
Steep grades up to 34%
Large boulders requiring step-downs
Dense rhododendron tunnels creating tight, enclosed passageways
Widespread root systems crossing the trail surface
Use caution around the unprotected cliff edges at Long Point.There are approximately 153 trails across Nicholas, Fayette, Raleigh, and Summers Counties. Specifically, there are 18 in Nicholas, 28 in Fayette, 77 in Raleigh, and 33 in Summers County. We help to break them down for you here.
And you don’t have to go alone. Volunteer Community Captains are leading weekly and monthly physical activity programs. They are free to join and beginner level
Create your membership today to get started!
Step up and be a volunteer Community Captain yourself! We can take you through leadership training, offer continued support, and help promote your activity for the community to join.
