National Pike Trail
Tunnel #5 - Timberlake Road
History
The National Pike Trail dates back to 1991 as an initiative of the late State Representative Roger Raymond Fischer. It was incorporated in 2001 and currently has 2 completed miles east of Claysville with a current effort to expand west toward the original goal of West Alexander at the West Virginia state line and further east by means of RAIL BANKING to Taylorstown and Washington. A Spur trail is possible to McGuffey High School as well as a connection to a planned loop trail at McGuffey Park.
The original railway was constructed in the early 1850’s and was a direct route to the Ohio River from Washington Pa following the original National Pike. (Rt. 40) The trail has 3 usable tunnels, one of which is 750 ft in length. (soon to lighted by a grant from the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency).
We tentatively have access through Claysville Borough via private parcels and back streets to connect to McGuffey Park. From there via Old National Pike we hope to connect to a portion of TC Energy’s Right of Way. After the current active mining in the area, we hope that Tunnel Ridge Coal Co. will partner us as well to continue from the west end of TC’s property (near I 70 bridge) to a Trail Head at Tunnel #2 which is owned by Washington County. Tunnel #2 is currently closed but could still be used as a Trail Head and Historical Area. Some cost estimates are of equal amount either as a repair or demolition of this tunnel. Repair would potentially allow continuation to the WVA border.
To the east of the current end of the Trail near McGuffey High School, we hope to incrementally expand toward Washington via the Rail Banking Program
Collaborators
- TC Energy- Potential Trail Partner in 2 miles of ROW west of Coon Island Compressor Station
- Alliant Resources- Tunnel Ridge Coal Company- ROW between Coon Island and WVA under consideration after active mining.
- Washington County Board of Commissioners- Letter of Recommendation for DCNR Feasibility Study Grant with Donegal, Buffalo, and Canton Townships Included in the County’s Greenways Plan, Washington County Comprehensive Plan and Rail Banking Program
- Claysville Borough- Municipal Grant Partner for DCNR Feasibility
- Claysville Area Preservation and Revitalization Initiative CAPRI
- Claysville Area Business Association CABA
- McGuffey School District Community Involvement Plan
- McGuffey Park- ADA Parking and Facilities
- National Road Heritage Corridor - Funding Strategy, Grant Application, Oversite and Development Strategy with DCNR
- Rails to Trails Conservancy-National Trail Summit, Cleveland October 2025
- TrailNation Collaborative- Railroad Bank Procedures with CSX Real Estate
Community Involvement
- PIKE HIKE- May 17th 3rd annual 5k Run during National Pike Days
- McGuffey Mini Miler- Elementary pre-Pittsburgh Kids Marathon prep
- Eagle Scout Project- Work Out Station near Tunnel #4
- Seeking to be an Audubon recognized Site for Bird Watch Groups and to establish a relationship with the Buffalo Creek Watershed Association
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