Trails and outdoor recreation are drawing visitors to our region – visitors who spend money on lodging, food and other services. Last week, I said, “Trails are economic development.” But do you know how much?
According to the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation generated an impressive $563.7 billion in economic output nationally, accounting for 2.2% of the total gross GDP, in 2022. Last year, according to the Outdoor Industry Association, “the outdoor re-creation participant base grew 4.1% to a record 175.8 million participants. That is 57.3% of all Americans aged six and older.”
Outdoor recreation is not only among the nation’s largest economic sectors, it continues to grow in West Virginia, as well. West Virginia has long been a favorite destination for those seeking to experience its wild and wonderful natural beauty and world-class outdoor recreation assets. The Cheat Mountain Club’s 1889 roster read like the Who’s Who of American industrialist. In 1918, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and Henry Ford visited Cheat Mountain and Pocahontas County. To-day, snow-skiing and mountain biking bring outdoor enthusiasts to the same areas. The roads are better. The vehicles more advanced. But, when visitors arrive here, they find much of the area remains as wild and free as it was then. Monday Lick Trail and the other 400-miles of trails will keep visitors coming for many more years.
