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Maximizing Economic Benefits From a Rails-to-Trails Project in Southern Western Virginia: A Case Study of the GreenBrier River Trail

On the Greenbrier River Trail corridor in West Virginia, during a 17-day period in October 2000, an overwhelming majority of trail users were highly educated, white-collar professionals with high income levels, two-thirds were from outside of West Virginia, 93% were staying in the area from one to four days, 58% spent between $100 and $500 in the area and 93% indicated that they were highly likely to plan a return trip. Out-of-state visitors spent a total of $82,315.

Trail User Survey Highlights:

  • An overwhelming majority of trail users were highly educated, worked in white-collar professions, and enjoyed high income levels.
  • Two-thirds of the trail users were from outside of West Virginia.
  • Visitors who stayed in the area from one to four days accounted for approximately 93 percent of the visitations.
  • Approximately 58 percent of visitors spent between $100 and $500 in the area.
  • About 93 percent of the trail users indicated that they were highly likely to plan a return trip.
  • More than 90 percent of the out-of-state visitors indicated that they were highly likely to plan a return trip to the area.
  • About 60 percent of out-of-state visitors were first-time visitors.
  • During the 17-day survey period, out-of-state visitors spent $82,315 (88 percent of the total amount of expenditures reported by all visitors).