News Release
News Release Date: August 3, 2026
Contact:
Eve West, (304) 719-6364
“Once completed, this trail is going to be a great addition to the park’s recreational offerings,” said Acting Superintendent Eric LaPrice. “It will offer the public a fully accessible trail and also reconnect the park with a gateway community, offering additional national and recreational opportunities to park visitors and residents.”
Improvements will include a new parking area, restroom and a small picnic area overlooking Arbuckle Creek at the Minden Trailhead, structural improvements to five historic railroad trestles along the trail, and full trail surface rehabilitation. Additionally, construction of a large accessible ramp over the ‘big rock’ will replace a stairway, resulting in the only fully accessible earthen surface trail located within the park.
The trail has been partially closed for several years due to structural issues on historic trestles that date from the early to mid-1900s when the trail was an active railroad bed. The project will start on Monday, Aug. 3 and require a full closure of the 3.2-mile trail as work will extend its entire length. Its reopening is estimated for fall/winter of 2027. Additional project information and updates are available on the park website at www.nps.gov/neri and social media platforms.
The Great American Outdoors Act is one of President Trump’s most significant conservation achievements. It provides funding to address long-deferred maintenance needs across the National Park System, helping ensure safe, resilient and accessible public lands for current and future generations.
Last updated: August 26, 2026