By Rob Case, Ph.D.
On February 5, 2020, VDOT convened a stakeholder meeting for the Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Study in Melfa, Virginia. The purpose of the study is to investigate the feasibility of converting the southern portion of the inoperative Bay Coast Railroad into a paved multi-use trail from Cape Charles to Hallwood, a distance of 49 miles.
Eastern Shore Rail Trail (proposed)
Source: VDOT
The trail would join together many Eastern Shore towns that grew up along the former New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk R/R. As shown on the map below, freight and passenger service were provided to the following towns (from north to south):
Hallwood
Bloxom
Parksley
Tasley
Onley
Melfa
Keller
Mappsburg
Exmore
Nassawadox
Bird’s Nest
Machipongo
Eastville
Cobb
Cheriton
Cape Charles 
New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk R/R
Source: HRTPO
Several of the old train stations survive today, such as the Parksley station shown below.
Parksley Station
Source: HRTPO
Rail trails are used by locals for transportation (e.g. biking) and recreation (e.g. walking, skating, biking, blading, etc.). They also attract visitors looking for long rides. Visitors to the proposed Eastern Shore Rail Trail would be served by the existing shops, hotels, and restaurants, such as the coffee shop shown below.
Crossroads Coffee Shop, Onley VA
Source: HRTPO
The proposed Eastern Shore Rail Trail with southern terminus in Cape Charles could be tied to the existing Southern Tip Trails (Phases I & II)—serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge and the Kiptopeke State Park—via Phase III shown below.
Existing and Proposed Trails on Southern Eastern Shore
Source: Google Maps
For more information about visiting the Eastern Shore: https://visitesva.com/