Unfortunately, all of this changed in 1999, when the line's single source of traffic, the mine loadout in Avoca, ceased operations, due to the customer American Electric Power (AEP) deeming the quality of coal produced there to be "too poor", effectively destroying the line's only source of traffic.
If another source of traffic is found, trains would most likely run again, as the entire line is still under the ownership of ELKR and Bill Bright.
After restoring and re-laying six miles of flood-damaged tack, the group began offering motorized and pedal-powered rail excursions along Buffalo Creek from a base next to the Bardley Campground and Lodge.
The authority has also received a grant to rehabilitate 15 miles of BC&G trackage, and has plans to eventually acquire a rail bus.
It will only be a matter of time before the remaining segment of the old Coal & Coke between Gassaway and Gilmer is formally abandoned and converted into a trail.