Time for Public Comment: Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail

The Roanoke Region has an opportunity to create a 26-mile, multi-use, recreational trail that passes through both Craig and Botetourt Counties, and your input is needed. It’s natural to take for granted the incredible outdoor assets located throughout the region, but now is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Whether you are for or against the Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail, please take the time to share your comments…believe it or not, they matter.

Our region is fortunate to have hundreds of miles of trails that climb and descend our beautiful mountains, but there are very few flat trails that allow families, elderly, handicapped, beginner cyclists, equestrians, runners, walkers, birders, etc. to enjoy the bucolic beauty this proposed trail passes through.

The planned route is on 307 acres of land that was once home to the C&O Railway. In 1961, the land was donated to the Commonwealth of Virginia which maintains ownership of the land. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is wrapping up preliminary designs for the trail (which includes eight bridges and nine miles of shared roadway) and invites you to provide comments on September 20 and 21.

These community information meetings are the general public’s first opportunity to see details about the proposed trail, share concerns, and ask specific questions.

Want to learn more about the proposed trail?

• VDOT’s project page with extensive FAQ: virginiadot.org/cbst
• Citizen website in support of the trail: buildthetrail.org
• Citizen website in opposition to the trail: derailthetrail.org

Four (4) Ways to Share Your Comments:

1. Attend one of the in-person citizen input meetings and fill out a comment card. September 20 (4-6pm) at Eagle Rock Elementary School or September 21 (4-6pm) at Craig County High School. These meetings are “open house” style which means you can arrive anytime during their open hours.
2. Send an email with the subject line “Craig Botetourt Scenic Trail” to CBST@vdot.virginia.gov. Ask questions or simply state your position on the trail. Please include your full name, address, and zip code. Deadline to send an email is October 1, 2023.
3. Fill out an online comment form by clicking HERE. Deadline to provide feedback is 10/1.
4. Share this information with five (5) friends and ask them to provide comments.

It’s time to ask questions, share your thoughts, and make your voice heard. It is only through processes like these that change can occur. We hope you’ll take advantage.