Eastern Shore of Virginia Rail Trail
Eastern Shore of Virginia Rail Trail ~ Accomack & Northampton Counties Virginia
The future ESVA Rail Trail will be a 49-mile walking and biking trail along the historic Eastern Shore railroad corridor.
The ESVA Rail Trail will provide a safe place for healthy outdoor activities that will attract tourists and new businesses contributing to economic growth and supporting a healthier and more prosperous community.
Click to read the Virginia Department of Transportation Feasibility Study
Donate to the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation
The Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation thanks Kaufman & Canoles for their recent contribution to the foundation and their generosity.
Want to help? You can! Businesses and individuals wishing to make tax deductible contributions to the 501 (c) 3 organization, Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation, should make their checks payable to the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation and mail their contribution to:
ESRTF
POB 312
Cape Charles, VA 23310.
The scope of this project is large and your contributions are most appreciated!
BENEFITS OF THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA RAIL TRAIL
Promote Economic Development
The Eastern Shore Rail Trail has the potential to greatly increase economic development in our region.
Video Courtesy of ESVA Tourism Commission
Health
Trails offer natural and scenic views while also providing a safe, cost-effective place to enjoy healthy and sociable activities.
Photo Courtesy of Emily Machen, Eastern Shore Tourism
Preservation
The historic Eastern Shore Railroad corridor has been preserved following approval from the Surface Transportation Board to railbank the inactive line. Click on map for larger, printable map.
History of the Eastern Shore Railroad
Photo Courtesy of the Cape Charles Historical Society
Located along the spine of the peninsula between Pocomoke City, MD and Cape Charles, VA, the 1883 completion of the Eastern Shore Railroad ushered in a period of rapid economic growth on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Towns began developing along the new railroad while barges and ferries transported passengers and freight across the Chesapeake Bay. Towns like Cape Charles, Exmore, and Parksley grew around the success of their railroad stations.
ES Rail Trail Is An Active Construction Site
We know how exciting it is to see pictures of progress along the Eastern Shore Rail Trail, but, as a reminder, the trail is not yet open to the public.
In fact, it's an active construction zone right now and will remain so for the next few months.
The construction activities along the entire corridor include continued salvage work, repaving of public road crossings, and installation of a sewer line from Nassawadox to Onley.
While we know it's tempting to start using something that has been in the works for so long, we want to ensure the safety of both workers and the public as well as keep these projects free from delays or obstruction.
You all will be the FIRST to know when we get the official go-ahead for the public to use the trail. Thank you for your understanding.
For the safety of all, the rail corridor is not yet open to the public. Instead, pay a visit to the Southern Tip Hike & Bike Trail.