Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition Events

Show up and speak up for the Shenandoah Rail Trail—because this corridor’s highest and best use is a Rail-to-Trail.
VDOT is hosting a public meeting to share findings from the Rail-with-Trail Assessment and gather community feedback. This is an important moment to help shape the future of the corridor.
After reviewing the Phase 3 findings, we continue to believe that a Rail-to-Trail conversion remains the strongest, most impactful option for this corridor—delivering greater community benefit, accessibility, and long-term value for the Shenandoah Valley.

### Why this matters

The corridor—owned by Norfolk Southern and stretching from Broadway to Front Royal—has seen rail service discontinued or taken out of service over several decades. Since then, it has been the focus of statewide study and investment, including:

• A 2021 feasibility study by DCR and VDOT exploring a linear park (trail) conversion
• Up to $35 million in state funding allocated for land acquisition, planning, and development of the Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail
• Ongoing analysis to evaluate whether a rail-with-trail option is feasible alongside the corridor

### What this meeting is about

VDOT’s current assessment compares two approaches:

• Restoring rail service with a trail alongside it (rail-with-trail)
• Converting the corridor fully into a trail (rail-to-trail)

The study has progressed through three phases:

1. Alternatives Analysis – identifying where a rail-with-trail might fit
2. Corridor Assessment – evaluating on-the-ground conditions
3. Assessment Findings – estimating costs and outlining constraints

Now, they’re asking for your input.

### Be there

This is a key opportunity to show strong community support for a Rail-to-Trail vision—one that prioritizes recreation, transportation, economic development, and quality of life across the Valley.
Your voice can help ensure this corridor is used in a way that delivers the greatest long-term benefit to our communities.

Weekly Massanutten Western Slope Dig Days are on Thursday evenings through October 15! (with a break in the summer)

No experience necessary and we supply the tools

What: Weekly Dig Days on the Western Slope

📍 WHERE: Western Slope of Massanutten. Enter through the main gate (by the horses - the next entrance down the hill from the Western Slope parking lot) and follow the "trail work” signs straight up the road.

📅 WHEN: Thursdays April - end of June

Why: Because trails don’t build (or maintain) themselves—and when we dig together, we build more than just great singletrack. We build community.

🙋 HOW: Sign up, bring a friend, wear work clothes, and we’ll provide the tools and good vibes. No experience is needed. Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes; bring gloves if you have them.
These evenings are fun and productive and a chance to give back to the land and community that gives us so much.

What to bring: Closed-toed shoes, gloves, water, and long pants.

Join us every Thursday for Massanutten Western Slope
Volunteer Dig Days. Everyone is welcome, and you can follow our red trail work signs to the worksite.

Thursday Work Party Contacts
-Contact Hello@SVBCoalition.org or call/text
-Karl Waizecker (540) 810-7277