Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation

Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation Our mission is to plan, finance, promote, and maintain a multi-modal trail along the former Virginia Eastern Shore Railroad.

The future Eastern Shore Rail Trail (ESRT) will help promote healthy outdoor activities that attract visitors and newcomers to the Eastern Shore of Virginia peninsula. Our region offers natural, scenic views unique only to the Eastern Shore that are often best experienced by means of non-motorized transportation, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more. The future ESRT will provide a sa

fe and accessible way for everyone to explore all the Eastern Shore has to offer. In addition to abundant and diverse local wildlife, you'll find breathtaking views of numerous wharfs and marinas, working waterfronts, historic lighthouses, Coast Guard Stations, sandy Chesapeake Bay beaches, pristine bayside shorelines, scenic creeks, tidal marshes, barrier islands, Atlantic Coast beaches, farm fields, vineyards, nurseries, and more! The Eastern Shore is rich in historical sites and landmarks, such as the former Eastern Shore Railroad corridor - the future site of the ESRT. The Eastern Shore is known for delicious seafood, oyster roasts, Chincoteague's Annual Pony Swim and Auction, Wallops Island NASA rocket launches, two National Wildlife Refuges, a National Park, State Parks, migratory bird nesting areas, art galleries, and... did we mention delicious seafood?

The Eastern Shore Rail Trail project is planning the Melfa to Onley segment: a trailhead with a bus stop in Onley, 2 rig...
05/01/2026

The Eastern Shore Rail Trail project is planning the Melfa to Onley segment: a trailhead with a bus stop in Onley, 2 right-turn lanes on Route 13, and a pedestrian crossing at Route 13 & Parkway Road at the ESVA Chamber of Commerce. Robert Sabbatini, Director of the ESVA Chamber, told WBOC he envisions the Chamber as a hub for travelers on the trail to discover more of what the area has to offer. "They're going to walk right into a town and eat at a great restaurant, get some great seafood and really get to experience what I think is my favorite, Eastern Shore hospitality,” Sabbatini said.

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. - A portion of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail project between Melfa and Onley will include features to make travel safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

If you'd like to provide input on Eastern Shore road safety issues, a new federally-sponsored program is getting underwa...
08/13/2025

If you'd like to provide input on Eastern Shore road safety issues, a new federally-sponsored program is getting underway.
You can share your thoughts and ideas here: engagekh.mysocialpinpoint.com/travelsafeeasternshore
We've gotten involved to seek funding to convert some Route 13 crossings into pedestrian crossings, and we encourage you to add your voice to the conversation.

A-NPDC Safety Action Plan

πŸš‚βž‘οΈπŸŒ³ All aboard for an exciting new chapter on the Eastern Shore! πŸŽ‰ The groundbreaking for the Eastern Shore Rail Trail ...
05/23/2025

πŸš‚βž‘οΈπŸŒ³ All aboard for an exciting new chapter on the Eastern Shore! πŸŽ‰ The groundbreaking for the Eastern Shore Rail Trail has officially happened, paving the way for nearly 50 miles of incredible walking and biking paths from Cape Charles to Hollywood. This is more than just a trail; it's a future hub for community, recreation, and a boost for our local businesses. So many to thank for making this vision a reality! With a bit of good fortune, the first section from Cape Charles to Route 13 will be ready by the end of summer – get your walking shoes and bikes ready!
Watch the WAVY.com coverage here: https://www.wavy.com/video/all-aboard-groundbreaking-for-eastern-shore-rail-to-trail/10741630/

WAVY's Brett Hall reports. https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/

Sunny weather, a good turnout, and lots of smiles:
05/23/2025

Sunny weather, a good turnout, and lots of smiles:

CAPE CHARLES, Va. (WAVY) β€” It’s out with the old and in with the new on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. More specifically, it’s out with the rail, in with the trail. Thursday, mor…

05/13/2025

Send a message to learn more

02/24/2025

Hope everyone has made it through the cold weather and snow that we have experienced with no serious problems! We have made some significant progress and milestones on the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Project since our last communication.

We had a meeting with our partners from both Hampton Roads and local VDOT personnel on the progress of the first section of the trail that starts in Cape Charles beside Rayfield's, proceeds along Stone Rd. to RT.13, crosses at the traffic light at Food Lion, and continues along the former railroad to Sunnyside Road in Cheriton - a distance of 4 miles. VDOT put the project out for bid in December. Five bids were received, and one bid has been recommended to be awarded for construction. According to the contract, work can begin by early summer and must be completed by October, 2026. VDOT officials also informed us that a Smart Scale project that we applied for from Cheriton to Birdsnest is awaiting approval from the Commonwealth Transportation Board this summer.

On Feb 12th, we were scheduled to meet with the Federal Highway Administration, which, last year, awarded a grant for 18 miles of trail from Birdsnest to Melfa. But, on Feb 11th, our FHA contact cancelled the meeting until further notice. We have heard mixed messages as to whether this grant will still be awarded. If it is, and the Smart Scale is approved, the trail from Cape Charles to Onley will be fully funded.

We are very thankful to all of our partners for their efforts in making this project a success so far. That includes VDOT, the ANPDC and the Federal Highway Administration. They have all been instrumental in making our dream of an Eastern Shore Rail Trail becoming a reality!

Hope to see you on the trail soon,

Ron Wolff
Executive Director
Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation

Send a message to learn more

Thank You WHRO Public Media!   in the News πŸ“°πŸ˜ƒ
09/10/2024

Thank You WHRO Public Media! in the News πŸ“°πŸ˜ƒ

Officials in Virginia's Eastern Shore are seeking grants to complete most of a 49-mile walking and biking trail, the Eastern Shore Rail Trail. The trail repurposes the former Bay Coast Railroad, which ceased operations in 2018.

The trail, expected to start construction in 2025, aims to boost tourism and local economies, similar to other rail-to-trail conversions.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/w2ttazb9



09/02/2024

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P. O. Box 41
Atlantic, VA
23303

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