Members from the West Virginia Department of Health and Pleasants County officials stand on the steps of the Pleasants County Courthouse before the Mountaineer Mile challenge on Wednesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

ST. MARYS — The Mountaineer Mile initiative is spreading across the state of West Virginia as more and more county officials encourage their communities to participate.

Members from the West Virginia Department of Health visited Pleasants and Wetzel counties on Wednesday to walk a mile or more on the local trails.

About 15 people enjoyed a walk through the woods at Pleasants County Park. Pleasants County Park Director Daniel Najar and Pleasants County Commissioner President Jay Powell led the hike and provided additional insight on the county’s initiatives to get people outside and active.

“It’s going to take you through a couple of streams, waterfalls, and we’ll see some unique rock formations as well, and some beautiful old growth forests,” said Najar. “You’ll be able to see some of the new expansions we’ve done as far as shelter and playground renovations.”

The Pleasants County Park consists of a few miles of trails that range from easy to moderate.

Participants in the Mountaineer Mile walk through town to get to the start of the trail hike at Pleasants County Park. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

There are playgrounds and new shelterhouses located around the park near the Pleasants County Aquatic Center.

“We want to be outside and we want our residents to be healthy and we have a lot of scenic beauty and scenic opportunities to be able to take advantage of that,” he said.

Launched by Gov. Patrick Morrisey in April, the initiative’s goal is to encourage state residents to walk at least one mile per day.

Since the start of the initiative, the state has partnered with the state parks to designate Mountaineer Mile trails in 32 of the parks with hiking trails.

“Even though we’re the third smallest county in the state, we have so many opportunities, so many activities here locally whether it’s kayaking or bike rentals or these beautiful trails,” said Najar.

West Virginia Department of Health’s State Health Officer Dr. Mark McDaniel slides down the slide at the Pleasants County Park. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Powell said there are so many positives for an initiative like the Mountaineer Mile because people are healthier and happier.

“We’ve been really invested in our recreational department and whether it’s sports or activities indoor or outdoor, we’re passionate about making sure our citizens have a lot of options,” said Powell.

The Mountaineer Mile is the first step towards making healthy changes. West Virginia Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh appointed Dr. Mark McDaniel for West Virginia Department of Health’s State Health Officer in August.

McDaniel was present for the hike in Pleasants County along with other county and state officials.

“It’s getting West Virginians moving again and cleaning up that diet and I think it’s a great program,” said McDaniel. “The community overall has been supportive and I think the more we continue this we’ll see it expand and grow in support and participation in the movement.”

Participants of the Mountaineer Mile challenge at Pleasants County Park completed the trail and enjoyed the views from a hill. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

After one month in the position, McDaniel has seen the impact the Mountaineer Mile has had on a community.

“The participation and the support we’re seeing from different counties and different organizations is very encouraging,” he said. “Expanding on the trails and the different opportunities we have in the state, we’ll make a big difference not just in state tourism but also in the health and well-being of our citizens.”

West Virginia is home to a total of 39 state parks with over 3,500 trails that cover nearly 7,000 miles. Studies have indicated West Virginia is among the unhealthiest states in the nation with high rates of obesity and low life expectancy.

The Mountaineer Mile was launched by the Morrisey administration as a way to change the health outcomes of state residents.

“It’s nice to see a proactive and energetic group that is showing up today for the Mountaineer Mile challenge,” said McDaniel. “I think it’s a great start for West Virginia.”

From left, Pleasants County Commissioner President Jay Powell, State Health Officer Dr. Mark McDaniel, and Pleasants County Park Director Daniel Najar lead the Mountaineer Mile challenge on Wednesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

From left, State Health Officer Dr. Mark McDaniel and Director of Legislative Affairs and Dementia Services Director Steve Semenik posing before starting the trail for the Mountaineer Mile challenge. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Members of the West Virginia Department of Health walk along one of the trails at Pleasants County Park for the Mountaineer Mile challenge. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The Mountaineer Mile challenge reached Pleasants County on Wednesday morning with members from the West Virginia Department of Health leading the initiative. (Photo by Amber Phipps)