CLAY, W.Va. — State Tourism officials and Governor Jim Justice helped cut the ribbon on a new tourist attraction in Clay County Friday. Rail Explorers–a national leader in rail-bike operations–opened their newest location in West Virginia.
The rail cars are powered by riders, just like a bicycle, and offer a 12-mile journey along the Elk River and Buffalo Creek in Clay County. The Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad winds through the hills in central West Virginia past a number of unique attractions including the Devil’s Sawmill Waterfall ad the Sand Fork Bridge.
“This unforgettable outdoor adventure combines the tranquility of nature with the thrill of railbiking and magic of the railroad,” said Mary Joy Lu, Rail Explorers CEO. “We are incredibly excited to bring Rail Explorers to Clay, WV. The beauty of this area is unmatched. We are so proud to re-activate this historic railroad that has been a lifeline in the community for over 100 years. This two-hour, eco-friendly activity is fully accessible to people of all ages and abilities, making this a perfect activity for families, friends, and solo explorers.”
Rail Explorers founded in industry using custom built bikes which are pedaled powered with hydraulic disk brakes but also feature a custom built electric motor to help on inclines. The company says the combination creates a truly effortless ride for guests of all ages. The steel frame rail riding cars are sturdy and carry no rider weight restrictions.
“I could not be more excited to welcome Rail Explorers to our great state,” said Gov. Jim Justice. “We’ve seen an incredible boost to the area since opening the Elk River Trail, and it’s just fantastic to see that success expand even further with the addition of Rail Explorers to our state’s growing tourism economy. Railbikes have been extremely popular in other areas of the country, and it’s great to see them right here in Clay County.”
Up to 20 people will be put to work at the facility including seasonal guides. Visitors from all across the nation are expected to visit and take advantage of the new attraction in the months ahead. The facility is also expected to be a boost to other businesses in the Clay area as well.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Rail Explorers to the Mountain State,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “This is such a unique attraction and I’m looking forward to folks coming to try it for themselves. You may even have the opportunity to check off one of the newest waterfalls on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail while riding a rail bike too!”
Devil’s Sawmill Waterfall, on Buffalo Creek, is one of three falls added to the West Virginia Waterfall Trail last week. The waterfall is located about 5-miles into the railbike tour.
The Clay County installation is the seventh for the Rail Explorers in the country. They operate identical rides in Boone, Iowa, the Catskills and Cooperstown, New York, Rhode Island, Amador County, California, and Versailles, Kentucky. The company started in 2015 and has since hosted more than 650,000 riders.
Tours are open Thursdays through Mondays at 874 Buffalo Creek Road, Clay, WV 25043. Riders can choose a Quad Railbike (up to four riders) for $160 or Tandem Railbike (up to two riders) for $80. Clay County residents are eligible for discounted rides on ‘Locals’ Days.’
Tours are open to the public and pet friendly. Pets ride for free, but are limited to 40 lbs. or less, one pet per bike.