Short drive, big impact. Just outside Woodstock, the Coalition is working with Seven Bends State Park and the George Washington National Forest to build fun, accessible trails that get more people onto our public lands. Seven Bends Trail Update: It’s Happening!
How we got here
2016: We met the National Forest District Ranger along the Shenandoah River, just outside the Town of Woodstock, and laid out a community-shaped vision for trail connectivity—from river to ridgetop.
2021: As Seven Bends State Park moved toward dedication, we applied for a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant to build a network connecting the park to Massanutten Mountain’s National Forest trails. We didn’t get it.
2022: We tried again—and won the RTP grant. 🥳
2022–2025: We completed environmental work and coordinated with USFS and Virginia State Parks to make sure this project is sustainable and inclusive.
Spring 2025: We put the project out to bid.
Where the project stands today
- Phase 1 complete: Lower gravel trail built by Black Diamond Designs.
- Phase 2 starting now: Singletrack construction kicks off with an on-site meeting in early November with Appalachian Dirt (Canaan Valley, WV).
- Target opening: We aim to have trails complete and open by spring 2026, pending weather, approvals, and funding flow.
Bottom line: we’re moving from planning to continuous construction. Let’s GO!
What we’re building
- Accessible, beginner-intermediate friendly trails close to town, welcoming families, new riders, walkers, and runners.
- Connections between Seven Bends State Park and adjacent National Forest lands. Specifally up to the Massanutten Mountain National Recreation Trail.
- Sustainable design with thoughtful alignments, drainage, and maintenance in mind.
Why it matters: The Valley has world-class backcountry—but very few places where you can easily experience the forest without a long drive or advanced skills. This project changes that.
How you can help right now
Seven Bends Trail Update: It’s Happening!
Offer a Short-Term Community Loan
Why your help is crucial
- 20% match required: The RTP grant requires a local match. As a small, scrappy nonprofit, we need community support to unlock the full award.
- Reimbursement cash flow: Because the grant reimburses after we pay contractors—and with the current shutdown affecting timing—we’re seeking short-term community loans to bridge cash flow.
- Volunteer hours count: Your trail work hours count toward our in-kind match. We’ll announce workdays soon—email us to get on the list.
Can you do us a favor? Send us a message () and let us know if you can help with any of these three needs—donate to the match, offer a short-term community loan, or volunteer. If you know someone who could help, please connect us.
What’s next
- On-site kickoff with Appalachian Dirt and mobilization for singletrack build.
- Ongoing construction with periodic volunteer workdays (to be announced).
- Wayfinding, signage, and trailhead amenities as phases finish.
We’ll post dates and updates here and via email as phases progress.
Community impact
This will be our most impactful—and likely most visited—trail project to date. Partnering with the State Park makes the National Forest more accessible, opening doors for schools, health partners, and families to experience the outdoors close to town.
Questions or ready to help?
Email the Coalition at .
