[2] The Pennsylvania Railroad, which had purchased a controlling interest in the NYP&N in 1908, took over operations of it in 1920 and in 1930 folded it into its Delmarva Division.

In 2004, the Eastern Shore of Virginia bicycle plan, which included the concept of the trail, was approved by both Accomack and Northampton counties and the Northampton County Bicycle Committee was then formed in January 2006 to begin the development of the trail.

The first 2.6-mile-long leg from Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge north to Cedar Grove Drive near Kiptopeke State Park was finished in 2011 and held its grand opening that year on October 21st.

[5][6] The trail follows the route of the old Cape Charles Railroad, utilizing its right-of way for all but the southernmost few hundred feet.

It runs along the east side of Lankford Highway/US-13 through forest and adjacent agricultural fields.