Public Meetings, Donations Drive Next Phase of Shenandoah Rail Trail

A push to turn an unused rail line into a scenic public trail is gaining speed across the Shenandoah Valley, as community members are invited to take part in meetings, surveys, and a major day of giving this week.

On April 22, residents can join the Great Community Give, a one-day fundraising event running from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The effort supports nonprofits across the region, including Friends of the Shenandoah Rail Trail, a group working to help bring a long-planned trail project closer to reality.

The proposed Shenandoah Rail Trail would stretch nearly 50 miles, linking Broadway to Front Royal. The path would follow a former single-track railroad corridor, connecting towns, parks, schools, and natural areas along the way. Organizers say the goal is to create a multi-use trail that supports local businesses, boosts tourism, and improves residents’ quality of life.

“This project is a marathon, not a sprint,” the group shared, noting that steady community support is key to keeping the effort moving forward.

Momentum has picked up in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to move ahead with purchasing and preserving the 49-mile corridor as a public asset. That decision reopened the public engagement phase, allowing residents to share their input on the trail’s future once again.

The Virginia Department of Transportation has scheduled a series of public meetings to gather feedback. One meeting has already taken place, with two more planned in the coming days. Residents can attend sessions in Front Royal on April 23 and in Timberville on April 28.

From the start, planners have focused on keeping the corridor intact while finding a use that benefits the widest number of people. According to project supporters, a destination trail remains the most practical and cost-effective option studied so far.

The trail would offer more than just a place to walk or bike. Plans highlight access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, connections to the George Washington National Forest, and links to nine local parks. The route would also include stops for public transit, such as the ShenGo bus and the Front Royal Trolley, making it easier for visitors and residents to explore the region without a car.

Friends of the Shenandoah Rail Trail formed as a nonprofit in 2020 to support this vision. The group works alongside the Shenandoah Rail Trail Exploratory Partnership, sharing a goal of turning the unused corridor into a space that reconnects communities and celebrates the region’s natural and historic resources.

Organizers say community input remains a critical part of the process. Donations made during the Great Community Give will help fund outreach, planning, and advocacy as decisions continue to take shape.

“We’ve been working toward a solution that supports local economies, improves quality of life, and does so in a fiscally responsible way,” the group said.

As plans move forward, supporters hope residents will stay involved—whether by attending meetings, filling out surveys, or contributing to the fundraising effort. With the corridor now closer than ever to becoming public land, many see this moment as a turning point for the project.

More information about the Shenandoah Rail Trail, including ways to donate and upcoming events, is available at shenandoahrailtrail.org.