John W. English recalled an ambitious plan to build a recreational trail system in the mountains of West Virginia for riders from across the country, using private property with landowner cooperation, operating through a governmental entity, and emphasizing trail safety, land protection, community pride, repeat visitation, and new economic opportunity. Though he called it an outrageous idea that no one had done before, he said he, Leff Moore, and Mike Whitt began pursuing it in 1991, the first trails opened in 2000, and the effort required a community-wide commitment involving hundreds of people. English said it was a great honor, as a non-West Virginian, to help lead the work and that he was proud of what they had accomplished. Mike Whitt, born and raised in Mingo County, devoted his life to advocating for his county and worked to create economic development and diversity for southern West Virginia. Along with John English and Leff Moore, he pursued the vision of opening the trail system despite many challenges, and he was credited with opening the first 300 miles of trails. He was remembered for building relationships and partnerships between the private and public sectors, for visionary leadership, and for his deep love for Mingo County and West Virginia. In welcoming visitors to southern West Virginia, he praised its beautiful mountains, warm and friendly people, and trails, and expressed the hope that visitors would enjoy the hospitality and return again and again. O.L. “Leff” Moore, born and raised in Putnam County, was remembered as a persistent leader who developed his abilities through lifelong learning and a drive to succeed, encouraged people to unite for their community, and worked tirelessly for more than a decade to create a plan to stimulate the economy of southern West Virginia and showcase the state’s beauty through a premier recreational trail system. Despite challenges that would have deterred most people, he and his partners Mike Whitt and John English turned that vision into reality. His passion, generosity, and love for fellow West Virginians were presented as central to his enduring legacy.