Elkview

In and around Elkview, bridge history and traces of the former railroad take center stage. The similarly named Elk River Trails, by contrast, refer to longer routes with different activities. If you’re looking for hotels in Elkview, it helps to distinguish these local historical connections from the trail profiles. That way, you can better match your travel interests—such as bridge engineering, railroad relics, hiking, or water activities—to your plans.

Bridge history and historic names

In the Elkview area of northern Kanawha County, Shady Sadie’s Bridge carries Aaron’s Fork Rd (CR 39) over Little Sandy Creek. Built in 1928, the bridge was originally called Cobb Bridge. It is considered a remarkably well-preserved example of a bridge from the county road system operated by West Virginia before it was incorporated into the comprehensive state highway system. At the local and regional levels, it has been deemed eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Eligibility for inclusion does not mean that it has been confirmed as a listing.

The historic name Jarrett is also part of the area’s history. The first post office was established there in 1840 and was known as Jarrett or Jarrett’s Ford. Early 20th-century maps also suggest that the present-day community was originally established as Jarrett. The post office bore the names Jarrett or Jarrett’s Ford; independently, early 20th-century maps suggest that the present-day community was originally called Jarrett.

Railroad traces and depot

The Elkview Depot is the last surviving landmark on the railroad line between Charleston and Blue Creek. Traces of the former railroad alignment are also still visible between Elkview and Blue Creek. The depot and the alignment traces are distinct historical points of interest: one is a named landmark, while the others lie along the former route between the two places. If you want to visit either one specifically, check the depot’s condition or the local conditions around the visible traces beforehand.

Distinguishing the Elk River Trail and Water Trail

The Elk River Trail is a 73-mile section from Clendenin to Gassaway and runs through Braxton, Clay, and Kanawha counties. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are possible on the Elk River Trail; its trail network is also suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. This description therefore includes both activities on the water and options on the trail network.

The Elk River Water Trail is a different route description, 101 miles long: it begins below Sutton Dam and extends to the confluence with the Kanawha River in Charleston. Kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and fishing are listed for the Water Trail. The Elk River Trail Foundation supports this Water Trail. River conditions remain variable; take this into account when planning a water activity.

The distances help distinguish the similarly named routes: 73 miles refers to the Elk River Trail, while 101 miles refers to the Elk River Water Trail. Canoeing and kayaking are listed for both; tubing is also available on the Water Trail, while the Elk River Trail’s trail network also includes hiking, biking, and horseback riding. When planning your trip, pay attention to the full name and whether you’re interested in the trail network or the Water Trail.

Discover more destinations: Dunbar, St Albans, East Bank, South Charleston, Cross Lanes, Charleston

For the main travel overview: Kanawha.