Jay Moglia Mountain Bike Trail at Lost River State Park

Initially, a meeting with a few cycling enthusiasts and Lost River State Park began the conversation about the possibilities of creating a universally designed, sustainable mountain bike trail system close to home. Now, Lost River Trails Coalition (LRTC), Lost River State Park (LRSP) and Visit Hardy, are collaborating to assure that the project evolves and continues to thrive.

Grants from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and the Hardy County Commission resulted in the 2023 Lost River State Park Concept Plan & Design Brief for the Jay Moglia Mountain Bike Trail at Lost River State Park. Utilizing this plan, LRTC, through the co-sponsorship of the Hardy County Commission and IMBA’s Trail Solutions, was awarded the a 2023 Special State Funded Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant and in 2024, a federally funded Recreational Trails Program grant to construct Phases 1 and 2 at LRSP. Trail construction will begin in 2025. 

Engineered for both standard two-wheel and adaptive mountain bikes, the trail system will be a draw for both day-use and overnight visitors. Offering an opportunity for youth programs and sustainable trails for mountain bikers of all abilities, the trails will be important to the growth of the outdoor recreation economy of Hardy County. 

The Cryptids, founded by LRTC in 2023, are Hardy County’s youth mountain bike team. The team is part of the WV Interscholastic Cycling League, a chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. In addition to local sponsors, LRTC supports the youth team and LRSP trail building by hosting annual events including the Lost River Trail Run and Lost River Classic gravel bike race.

LRTC has received financial and/or organizational support and sponsorship from the Jonathan D & Mark C. Lewis Foundation, International Mountain Bicycling Association, WV Interscholastic Cycling League, Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, WVU’s Outdoor Economic Development Collaboration, National Park Service RTC Assistance Program, as well as local foundations, businesses, and donors.