On February 5^th of this year, VDOT convened a stakeholder meeting for the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Study in Melfa, Virginia.  The purpose of the study is to investigate the feasibility of converting the southern portion of the inoperative Bay Coast Railroad into a paved multi-use trail from Cape Charles to Hallwood, a distance of 49 miles.

Eastern Shore Rail Trail (proposed) Source:VDOT

The trail would join together many Eastern Shore towns that grew up along the former New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk R/R.  As shown on the map below, freight and passenger service were provided to the following towns (from north to south):

New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Rail Road Source:HRTPO

Several of the old train stations survive today, such as the Parksley station shown below.

Parksley Station Souce: HRTPO

Rail trails are used by locals for transportation (e.g. biking) and recreation (e.g. walking, skating, biking, blading, etc.).  They also attract visitors looking for long rides.  Visitors to the proposed Eastern Shore Rail Trail would be served by the existing shops, hotels, and restaurants, such as the coffee shop shown below.

Crossroads Cofffee Shop in Onley, VA Source: HRTPO

The proposed Eastern Shore Rail Trail with southern terminus in Cape Charles could be tied to the existing Southern Tip Trails (Phases I & II)—serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge and the Kiptopeke State Park—via Phase III shown below.

Existing and Proposed Trails on Southern Eastern Shore Source: Google Maps

For more information about visiting the Eastern Shore:

https://visitesva.com/