The goals of our organization:
The Rivers to Ridges Heritage Trail (formerly known as the Kanawha Gateway Heritage Area) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in July 2006 through a cooperative agreement between the Mason and Putnam County Commissions and the Greater Kanawha Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. The coalition was created to support projects that encourage heritage education and tourism throughout the communities of the lower Kanawha River Valley. The mission of the Rivers to Ridges Heritage Trail is to enhance and promote economic activities, through technical and financial assistance, for the development of a tourism corridor which follows the Kanawha River from Nitro, WV, to Point Pleasant, WV. The intention is to preserve the physical and cultural remains of our unique heritage for the purpose of increasing and developing heritage tourism in Putnam and Mason County, and the promotion of the lower Kanawha River Valley as a destination site to foster economic development in the area. As part of its evolution, Rivers to Ridges Heritage Trail has added community improvement to its mission.
- To raise regional awareness of the appeal of the lower Kanawha River Valley.
- To preserve and interpret the lower Kanawha River Valley’s unique historical assets, placing emphasis on the role the area played in the settlement of the west.
- To further develop recreational activities in Mason and Putnam County, specifically through the development of biking and hiking trail infrastructure and amenities, such as rest stops and campground facilities.
- To develop the economy of the lower Kanawha River Valley through the enhancement and promotion of cultural heritage tourism.
- To establish a fundraising program and endowment for Rivers to Ridges Heritage Trail to further our activities.
- To facilitate community improvement projects.
Our Board
Denny Bellamy, Chair
Representing the Mason County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Chris Rizer, Vice Chair
At-Large Member, City of Point Pleasant
Kelli Steele, Secretary / Treasurer
Representing the Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Joe Stevens
Representing the Nitro Convention and Visitors Bureau
Alexandra Pfost
At-Large Member, Gritt’s Farm
Evan Young
At-Large Member, Appalachian Boarding Co.
Senator Glenn Jeffries
At-Large Member
Our Staff
Lowell Wilks
Project Coordinator