Safety Issues Close Popular West Virginia Hiking, Biking Trail

A popular West Virginia hiking and biking trail at New River Gorge National River is off limits amid safety concerns.

The closure involves the Rend Trail, formerly known as the Thurmond Minden Trail. Federal highway engineers have discovered structural damage to one of the bridges on the trail.

The damage involves rot to the cribbing supporting the span, which is the second bridge from the Minden side. Engineers say the bridge is unsafe and could collapse at any time.

Repairs will first require consultation with an engineer. The National Park Service says the closure could be in place for several years.