KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WOWK) — What started as the dream of two off-roading enthusiasts is starting to become a reality, as work continues on the Appalachian Outlaw Trails.
Eric Larch and Christopher Inghram, the co-founders of the Appalachian Outlaw Trails, have been working to preserve the off-roading trails that they’ve ridden since they were kids, by turning them into an official trail system.
“I’ve been riding this area since I was 12. So for this to kind of open up, and you know, what we’re doing is kind of preserving it for the long run,” Inghram said. “And for that to happen, it just means the world to me. So that way, you know, I can continue to enjoy it, others can enjoy it, our kids can enjoy it.”
Back in February, 13 News covered what the trail system looked like, and Larch and Inghram explained their hopes for the property.
In the last seven months, they said they’ve watched that dream transform into a reality.
“It’s something we’ve been waiting on since we started in 2021. But actually, to get on the ground, do some dirt work, get the ball rolling,” Larch said. “We’re just absolutely ecstatic.”
With the electricity wired and roads cleared, the welcome center and campgrounds are ready to be built. When all is said and done, they believe the trail system is expected to become the largest off-roading trail system in the country.
And, the community they’ve grown up in is backing them all the way.
“Seeing the area grow and getting to hear people that are already telling us that they had property that was up for sale that now they’re keeping because they want to potentially develop alongside of us, or people that are purchasing houses and Airbnb’s and properties that hopefully can grow with us, is so exciting,” Larch said.
Larch and Inghram can’t wait to show off their hometowns to all those who visit.
“This is just a great area to get more people to come in here and see how great the area is and all the people,” Inghram said. “I think it’s really important.”
Larch and Inghram are grateful to those who have supported their project, including the Kanawha County Commission, the West Virginia Department of Tourism, the Charleston Area Alliance and Barbie Wood with Advantage Valley.
The two are also partnering with Tread Lightly, a national nonprofit organization that helps preserve trail systems. They have even started their own non-profit, which will help the upper Kanawha Valley and preserve the trail systems.
