28 Best Hikes in New River Gorge National Park
Twenty-eight distinct New River Gorge hikes across the Fayetteville, Grandview, Sandstone, Cunard, and Nuttallburg districts, with reviewed maps, profiles, and live conditions.
New River Gorge is a long, multi-district park, not one trailhead. These 28 hikes are organized by the geography visitors actually drive: Fayetteville and Canyon Rim in the north, Grandview on the high rim, Sandstone and Glade Creek farther south, Cunard along the river, and the historic Nuttallburg corridor.
The collection combines distinct well-reviewed route families with current NPS-named trails needed for geographic and experiential coverage. Nested variants of Endless Wall, Grandview, Kaymoor, Bridge, and Nuttallburg routes are suppressed. Boley Lake was removed because it lies in Babcock State Park rather than New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Every listed route has checksum-bound geometry plus desktop and mobile terrain maps and an elevation profile that passed deterministic and native visual review. Trail damage, narrow access roads, river levels, and cliff conditions can change faster than an article, so use the live panels and current NPS closures before choosing a district.
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New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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What changes a hiking day here
Choose one part of the gorge
Endless Wall, Diamond Point, Fayetteville, and Kaymoor can anchor a north-end day. Grandview is a separate rim destination. Glade Creek and Sandstone Falls belong to the southern half of the park. Driving from one end to the other takes longer than the map suggests because many access roads descend to river level.
Keep a second trailhead in mind
NPS warns that many lots are small and can fill quickly. Endless Wall is especially sensitive to parking pressure. Do not park along roads or block gates; move to another selected route and return outside the busiest hours.
Rain changes the footing
Wet sandstone, wooden stairs, roots, and leaf-covered rock can all become slick. Glade Creek can be muddy, and the long approach from its upper trailhead uses a steep, narrow, unpaved road. The campground-side access is the more straightforward choice for most vehicles.
Mining remains are not shortcuts
Kaymoor and Fayetteville pass through an industrial landscape with old structures, openings, and steep grades. NPS says not to enter mines, coke ovens, or abandoned buildings. Loose surfaces and deteriorated remains are part of the hazard, not an invitation to explore off trail.
Leashed pets are allowed, with practical limits
Pets may use park trails on a physical leash no longer than six feet. Carry water because trailheads do not provide it and untreated streams may carry Giardia. Pick up waste and keep dogs back from cliffs, fast water, wildlife, and other trail users. Boley Lake is in Babcock State Park, so check the current state-park rules for that one route.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Branch Trail | About 1.9 mi on the reviewed route | 1 hr 30 min | Moderate | A compact forest loop with more climbing than its mileage suggests |
| Gwinn Ridge Trail | About 3 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Strenuous | A strenuous Sandstone-area loop away from the short waterfall walks |
| Sandstone Falls Overlook Trail | About 0.2 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Easy | A very short overlook stop that does not require the long drive to river level |
| Sandstone Falls Boardwalk and Island Loop Trail | About 1 mi on the reviewed route | 1 hr | Easy | A short waterfall walk with an accessible boardwalk segment |
| Glade Creek Trail to Kates Falls | About 9.2 mi on the reviewed route | 3 hr 25 min | Moderate | A long creekside day with cascades and a waterfall objective |
| Tunnel Trail | About 0.6 mi on the reviewed route | 17 min | Easy | A brief forest-and-rock loop when time or stamina is limited |
| Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock | About 3.2 mi on the reviewed route | 1 hr 11 min | Moderate | A compact rim hike with more walking than a drive-up overlook |
| Woodland Loop Trail | About 0.6 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Easy | An easy forest loop when a rim hike is too exposed or too long |
| Big Buck Trail | About 0.9 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Easy | A short loop with a little more grade than Woodland Loop |
| Little Laurel Trail | About 5.2 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Strenuous | A strenuous forest outing linking the upland network with the river corridor |
| Stone Cliff Trail | About 5.8 mi on the reviewed route | 2 hr 2 min | Moderate | A long, low river-corridor hike with limited elevation gain |
| Brooklyn Mine Trail | About 5.4 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Moderate | A history-focused river-corridor hike to a former mining landscape |
| Island in the Sky Trail | About 0.7 mi on the reviewed route | 27 min | Moderate | A compact Cunard-area loop with quick elevation changes |
| Southside Trail | About 14 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Easy | A long, nearly level journey along the south side of the New River |
| Clovis Trail | About 1.1 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Moderate | A moderate one-mile loop in the wooded uplands |
| Timber Ridge Trail | About 2 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Easy | A straightforward ridge out-and-back with a quiet forest setting |
| Kaymoor Miners Trail | About 1.6 mi on the reviewed route | 1 hr 28 min | Hard | A steep history-focused descent rather than an easy viewpoint walk |
| Long Point via Butcher Branch Trail | About 3.1 mi on the reviewed route | 2 hr | Moderate | A three-mile approach to Long Point through the Fayetteville trail network |
| Tipple Trail | About 1.2 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Easy | A short Nuttallburg walk focused on mining and rail history |
| Conveyor Trail | About 1.6 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Strenuous | A steep Nuttallburg climb beside the former coal-conveyor route |
| Seldom Seen Trail | About 0.6 mi on the reviewed route | Allow time for conditions and navigation | Easy | A gentle short walk in the Nuttallburg historic landscape |
| Park Loop Trail | About 1.1 mi on the reviewed route | 27 min | Easy | A short Fayetteville forest loop near the broader north-end network |
| Long Point via Fayetteville Trail | About 6.5 mi on the reviewed route | 3 hr 30 min | Moderate | A longer, rolling approach to Long Point through the Fayetteville network |
| Headhouse Trail | About 1.4 mi on the reviewed route | 1 hr | Moderate | A short, steep descent into the Nuttallburg industrial landscape |
| Kaymoor Trail | About 17.1 mi on the reviewed route | 7 hr | Moderate | An all-day traverse of the gorge's wooded industrial corridor |
| Endless Wall Trail | About 5.4 mi on the reviewed route | 2 hr 5 min | Moderate | A substantial rim walk with repeated gorge viewpoints |
| Bridge Trail | About 1.6 mi on the reviewed route | 1 hr | Moderate | A compact route beneath the bridge corridor with strong grade changes |
| Burnwood Trail | About 1.2 mi on the reviewed route | 30 min | Easy | A short interpretive loop near the park's north-end visitor facilities |
Big Branch Trail
- Distance
- About 1.9 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 560 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the signed Big Branch trail access and leave gates, road shoulders, and emergency access clear.
- Best time
- A cool, dry morning; the repeated climbs are more comfortable outside summer heat.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Big Branch makes a tight circuit through the wooded uplands above the river. The map shows a route with several distinct climbing segments rather than one steady ascent, so the short mileage still delivers a varied workout and a useful introduction to the park's rolling plateau terrain.
Junctions arrive quickly on a route this compact. Keep the downloaded map available, confirm the loop direction at the start, and avoid following unsigned side tread. The profile's repeated rises also make a deliberate pace more useful than trying to finish the loop quickly.
What helps on this route
- Confirm the loop direction before leaving the trailhead.
- Expect slick roots and leaves after rain even when the grade looks modest.
Terrain and access: Wooded singletrack, repeated short climbs, roots, leaf litter, close junctions, and a compact loop layout.
Gwinn Ridge Trail
- Distance
- About 3 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 570 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the signed Gwinn Ridge trailhead near the Sandstone area and park only in designated space.
- Best time
- A dry morning in spring or fall, when the ridge is cooler and sight lines are clearer.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Gwinn Ridge traces a long, irregular loop above the Sandstone district. It adds a demanding upland option to an area better known for boardwalks and river overlooks, with two pronounced dips and recoveries visible in the measured elevation profile.
The route's winding shape and multiple nearby trail lines make navigation part of the outing. Save the route before departure, verify each turn, and do not assume that the most obvious tread closes the loop. After rain, shaded hollows can remain wet long after exposed ridge sections dry.
What helps on this route
- Carry the route offline because the loop has several direction changes.
- Keep enough water for the final climb back to the trailhead.
Terrain and access: Forested ridge and hollow tread, two sharp descents, sustained return climbs, roots, and several junctions.
Sandstone Falls Overlook Trail
- Distance
- About 0.2 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 30 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Sandstone Falls Overlook pullout; do not confuse it with the riverside falls day-use area.
- Best time
- Clear morning or late-day light when the brief viewpoint path is less busy.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Sandstone Falls Overlook is a roadside-scale walk to a high view over the river corridor. It serves a different purpose from the boardwalk and island loop: this route stays above the gorge and fits into a drive between districts without committing to the narrow riverside approach road.
The path is only a fraction of a mile, but it is still natural terrain rather than a viewing platform reached directly from the car. Use the mapped line, keep children close near the overlook, and leave the route for another stop if the pullout is full.
What helps on this route
- Check the map label so you do not navigate to Sandstone Falls itself.
- Keep the pullout clear enough for vehicles to enter and exit safely.
Terrain and access: Very short natural-surface path, gentle grades, a wooded approach, and a developed overlook area.
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk and Island Loop Trail
- Distance
- About 1 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 15 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the Sandstone Falls day-use lot at the end of New River Road, about a 45-minute drive from Sandstone Visitor Center.
- Best time
- Morning light or late-day quiet; avoid the river edge during high water.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed; keep them out of the swift river channels.
Sandstone Falls spreads across roughly 1,500 feet of the New River. The accessible boardwalk crosses channels to observation areas, while the Island Loop adds a natural-surface circuit through floodplain forest and the unusual riverside flatrock plant community.
This is the flattest route in the guide, but the surrounding water is powerful. Remain on the boardwalk and established trail near the falls. The drive is part of the commitment: New River Road narrows to one lane in places and has limited passing room.
What helps on this route
- Do not confuse Sandstone Visitor Center with the falls trailhead.
- Large RVs are a poor fit for the final narrow approach road.
Terrain and access: Accessible boardwalk and bridges followed by a mostly level natural-surface island loop beside swift water.
Glade Creek Trail to Kates Falls
- Distance
- About 9.2 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 750 feet
- Time
- 3 hr 25 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Start from the Glade Creek Campground trailhead for the more straightforward road approach; the upper approach is steep, narrow, and unpaved.
- Best time
- Spring flow or a cool day after moderate rain, avoiding flood conditions.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed; bring their drinking water rather than using the creek.
Glade Creek is a different New River Gorge day from the north-rim overlooks. The route stays with water for much of its length, passing pools, cascades, and damp forest before reaching the Kates Falls area. The reviewed track makes this a full outing rather than the shortest waterfall visit.
Mud and wet rock matter more than the moderate label suggests. High water can change stream edges and crossings, while summer vegetation can narrow the tread. The campground-side start avoids committing an ordinary passenger car to the rougher upper access road.
What helps on this route
- Download the Glade Creek area map before driving into the valley.
- Turn back if water is rising or a crossing no longer matches the mapped route.
Terrain and access: Creekside singletrack, mud, roots, wet rock, gradual grades, small drainage crossings, and limited mobile service.
Tunnel Trail
- Distance
- About 0.6 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 150 feet
- Time
- 17 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the Grandview day-use parking area and follow the posted trail map to the Tunnel Trail loop.
- Best time
- A dry morning or as a short addition to another Grandview walk.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed; keep them close through narrow rock features.
Tunnel Trail is a small route with more texture than its mileage suggests. It winds through the Grandview woods and around the area's sandstone formations, gaining and losing roughly 150 feet before closing the loop.
This is useful when weather shortens a Grandview visit or when Castle Rock would be too rough. It is not an accessible path, and damp rock still deserves careful footing. Combine it with the Main Overlook for a compact introduction to the area.
What helps on this route
- Confirm the loop junction on the Grandview map before leaving the developed area.
- Do not enter narrow rock openings that are not part of the signed path.
Terrain and access: Short forest loop, rock features, roots, modest climbing, uneven tread, and damp stone after rain.
Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock
- Distance
- About 3.2 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 540 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 11 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Park in the Grandview day-use area and begin near the Main Overlook; follow signs for the Rim Trail and Turkey Spur.
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon from spring through fall; allow extra care after rain.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed; stairs and cliff exposure require close control.
The Grandview Rim Trail leaves the developed overlook and follows the high wall above the deepest part of the gorge. It is short enough for a half day yet varied enough to feel like a hike, with rock formations, wooded tread, and a final viewpoint at Turkey Spur.
The return repeats several small climbs that are easy to discount on the outward leg. Turkey Spur also involves stairs. Grandview has six miles of interconnected trails, so check signs carefully rather than following every branch that appears to continue along the rim.
What helps on this route
- Add the Main Overlook before the trail while the light is favorable.
- Keep children and pets beside you at overlooks; barriers are not continuous.
Terrain and access: Wooded rim path, stone and wooden stairs, roots, short climbs, rock outcrops, and exposed gorge viewpoints.
Woodland Loop Trail
- Distance
- About 0.6 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 70 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Park in the signed Grandview-area lot serving Woodland Loop and confirm the trailhead on the posted map.
- Best time
- Morning or early evening for a quiet short walk near Grandview.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Woodland Loop is a compact circuit through the forested Grandview uplands. Its gentle profile and simple loop shape make it a practical choice for mixed-ability groups, a warm-up before another Grandview trail, or a short walk when fog hides the gorge viewpoints.
The route remains a natural trail, with roots, leaves, and damp ground after storms. Follow the loop rather than branching onto the surrounding network, and use the short distance as an opportunity to slow down rather than treating the path as a race back to the car.
What helps on this route
- Pair it with a developed Grandview overlook if visibility is good.
- Watch for roots hidden under autumn leaves.
Terrain and access: Mostly gentle forest tread, shallow rolling grades, roots, leaf litter, and a straightforward loop.
Big Buck Trail
- Distance
- About 0.9 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 110 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the signed Big Buck trailhead in the Grandview trail network and keep access lanes unobstructed.
- Best time
- A cool morning or late afternoon on a dry day.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Big Buck forms a small loop from the Grandview-area trailhead, dipping away from the access spur before returning through wooded terrain. It is short enough to combine with another Grandview stop yet distinct from the rim and rock-feature routes nearby.
The measured profile shows a shallow bowl rather than a flat walk. Take care on the descending half when leaves or mud hide the tread, and confirm the return spur at the loop junction instead of continuing into the broader trail network.
What helps on this route
- Note the shared access spur before entering the loop.
- Use traction-conscious footwear after rain.
Terrain and access: Short forest loop, a modest descent and return climb, roots, leaf litter, and a shared trailhead spur.
Little Laurel Trail
- Distance
- About 5.2 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 1,220 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Little Laurel access near the Grandview and Glade Creek area; verify which end of the trail matches this mapped itinerary.
- Best time
- A cool, dry day with enough daylight for the full descent and return.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Little Laurel drops through the forest between the Grandview uplands and the New River corridor. The route gains most of its difficulty from the long return climb and the tight middle switchbacks, not from technical scrambling or an exposed summit.
Do not let the downhill first half set the pace for the day. Save energy, water, and daylight for the climb back, and use the exact mapped trailhead because the surrounding Grandview network offers several tempting but incorrect branches.
What helps on this route
- Plan the outing around the uphill return rather than the quick descent.
- Carry the route offline and verify the switchback junctions.
Terrain and access: Long forest descent, switchbacks, roots, rolling connector tread, and a sustained climbing return.
Stone Cliff Trail
- Distance
- About 5.8 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 410 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 2 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Stone Cliff trail access and avoid blocking the narrow river-road corridor.
- Best time
- A cool day with dry tread and no high-water or storm concern.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Stone Cliff follows the New River corridor for several miles, trading rim panoramas for a close view of the gorge's river-level landscape. The elevation profile stays comparatively low and rolling, but the distance still makes this a substantial half-day outing.
River roads and rail history shape the setting, and mobile service can be limited between the gorge walls. Carry water and a saved map, remain on the established route near private or operational areas, and turn back before storms make the narrow corridor uncomfortable.
What helps on this route
- Treat the mileage, not the elevation gain, as the main commitment.
- Download the map before dropping into the river corridor.
Terrain and access: Extended river-level tread, old corridor grades, roots, a few short rises, and limited mobile reception.
Brooklyn Mine Trail
- Distance
- About 5.4 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 330 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Begin at the signed Brooklyn Mine trailhead and leave campground and river-road access clear.
- Best time
- A dry, cool morning; the mine area and lower tread can stay damp.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Brooklyn Mine Trail follows the wooded slope above the New River between the trailhead and the Cunard side of the corridor. The route is longer than a quick ruin visit and reaches a landscape where roads, rail, and mining once organized daily travel through the gorge.
Historic structures and openings are not safe places to explore. Stay on the established line, observe remains from stable ground, and plan for the full out-and-back distance. A short sharp dip near the turnaround stands out more than the otherwise moderate profile.
What helps on this route
- Do not enter mine openings or climb on industrial remains.
- Carry enough water for the full out-and-back even though the grade is moderate.
Terrain and access: Long wooded out-and-back, river-slope tread, old industrial corridor features, roots, and one short steep dip.
Island in the Sky Trail
- Distance
- About 0.7 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 230 feet
- Time
- 27 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Island in the Sky trail access in the Cunard area and keep local road turnarounds open.
- Best time
- A dry morning when the short, steep pitches have good footing.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Island in the Sky packs several climbs and descents into less than a mile. The route's folded shape and quick grade changes distinguish it from the longer river-corridor hikes nearby, making it a useful short workout when a half-day route does not fit.
The small scale also means junctions and turns arrive quickly. Keep the route visible, follow the full loop rather than informal side tread, and give the steeper sections time to dry after rain before relying on the easy-looking mileage.
What helps on this route
- Keep the map open because the turns arrive in quick succession.
- Do not underestimate slick leaves on the short steep pitches.
Terrain and access: Short wooded loop, quick dips and climbs, roots, narrow tread, and closely spaced turns.
Southside Trail
- Distance
- About 14 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 75 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use a signed Southside Trail access point and confirm that the chosen road approach is open before entering the gorge.
- Best time
- A cool day with stable weather and enough daylight for a long outing.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Southside Trail follows the river corridor for many miles on a gentle overall grade. Its challenge is distance, remoteness, and the logistics of a long out-and-back rather than sustained climbing, with rail and community history visible throughout the valley setting.
The broad U-shaped profile can disguise how long the return will feel. Choose a turnaround based on daylight and water, not only on speed, and verify current road and trail conditions because damage or closures can affect river-level access sooner than upland routes.
What helps on this route
- Set a turnaround time before starting the long river corridor.
- Check current NPS road and trail closures on the morning of the hike.
Terrain and access: Long river-level grade, old road and rail corridor surfaces, occasional mud, limited shade breaks, and remote stretches.
Clovis Trail
- Distance
- About 1.1 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 85 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the signed Clovis trailhead and remain within designated parking space.
- Best time
- A dry morning or late afternoon when the short loop is quieter.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Clovis Trail makes a compact loop through forested upland terrain, with the route bending around small drainages and reconnecting near the signed trailhead. It adds a short moderate option without repeating a rim overlook or river corridor.
The measured profile is rolling, but the mapped line has enough turns that a saved route remains useful. Stay on the signed loop at nearby connectors and avoid shortcuts across the interior, where leaf cover can make informal tread look convincing.
What helps on this route
- Confirm the loop direction at the trailhead.
- Ignore informal shortcuts across the center of the circuit.
Terrain and access: Rolling forest loop, small drainages, roots, leaf litter, gentle climbs, and several bends.
Timber Ridge Trail
- Distance
- About 2 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 190 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Timber Ridge trailhead near the Wolf Creek area and keep neighboring access roads clear.
- Best time
- A cool, dry morning with time for the steady return climb.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Timber Ridge follows a narrow wooded ridge away from the trailhead, descending gradually before the turnaround. The route is linear and easier to navigate than the nearby network loops, making it a practical moderate outing when visitors want mileage without a complex junction plan.
Because the low point comes near the middle, the return finishes with a gradual climb. Water and mud can collect near the Wolf Creek side, and leaves obscure roots in fall, so the even profile should not be mistaken for a surfaced path.
What helps on this route
- Save some energy for the gradual return climb.
- Expect wet ground near drainage crossings after rain.
Terrain and access: Linear forest tread, a gradual descent and return, roots, small drainage crossings, and a wooded ridge.
Kaymoor Miners Trail
- Distance
- About 1.6 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 990 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 28 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the small Kaymoor Top trailhead lot at the end of Kaymoor Road; the lot is narrow and unsuitable for RVs or trailers.
- Best time
- A dry, cool morning when the stairs and rock are not slick.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed, but the grade and long stair sections are poor fits for many dogs.
Kaymoor compresses almost a thousand feet of climbing into a short round trip. The upper trail drops on rocky switchbacks to the mine bench. Continuing lower adds the famous wooden stair system and makes the return a sustained climb rather than a casual history stop.
The mining remains are fragile and can be dangerous. Stay on the established route, do not enter openings or structures, and do not climb on the ruins. Anyone who reaches the lower section still has to reverse every stair and switchback.
What helps on this route
- Budget the effort for the ascent, not the quick downhill time.
- Skip the lower stairs if wet wood, fatigue, or knee strain is already a concern.
Terrain and access: Very steep rocky switchbacks, long wooden stairs, industrial remains, loose surfaces, and a demanding return climb.
Long Point via Butcher Branch Trail
- Distance
- About 3.1 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 580 feet
- Time
- 2 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Fayetteville-area trailhead shown on the map and follow Butcher Branch connections toward Long Point.
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon on a dry, clear day.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
This route reaches Long Point from the Fayetteville-side network by way of Butcher Branch. It combines rolling connector tread with the familiar final approach to the viewpoint, offering a different access decision from the longer Fayetteville Trail itinerary.
The approach has several junctions and two pronounced dips visible in the profile. Confirm each connector, stay off climbing-access spurs unless they are part of the route, and keep well back from the unguarded rock at Long Point when the viewpoint is crowded.
What helps on this route
- Verify the Butcher Branch junctions before leaving them.
- Wait away from the edge until there is room at Long Point.
Terrain and access: Rolling forest connectors, two short dips, roots, a final viewpoint approach, and severe cliff exposure at Long Point.
Tipple Trail
- Distance
- About 1.2 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 35 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Tipple Trail access at Nuttallburg and do not block the narrow historic-site road.
- Best time
- A cool, dry morning when river-level roads and old surfaces are not slick.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Tipple Trail follows the river-level historic corridor at Nuttallburg to the coal-handling area. The route is short and mostly gentle, but it represents a specific NPS-named destination rather than the much longer composite that once bundled several Nuttallburg paths together.
Treat the industrial landscape as an outdoor museum. Remain outside ruins and openings, follow barriers and signs, and avoid touching unstable equipment or masonry. The narrow access road and limited parking can be a larger constraint than the walk itself.
What helps on this route
- Read the historic-site signs before continuing past a junction.
- Stay outside all structures and fenced industrial areas.
Terrain and access: Short river-level out-and-back, old industrial corridor surfaces, gentle grades, and historic mining remains.
Conveyor Trail
- Distance
- About 1.6 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 420 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Conveyor Trail access at Nuttallburg and leave historic-site traffic lanes clear.
- Best time
- A dry, cool day; the switchbacks and former industrial corridor can be slick.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Conveyor Trail climbs sharply above Nuttallburg on a dense stack of switchbacks. The route follows the logic of the former coal-conveyor alignment, connecting river-level history with the steep forested wall that defined how material moved through the gorge.
Nearly all of the climbing is concentrated into a short distance, so the hard rating is more useful than the one-mile figure. Keep a steady pace, stay away from industrial remains, and turn back if wet leaves or ice make the repeated switchbacks unreliable.
What helps on this route
- Pace for the concentrated climb rather than the short mileage.
- Do not shortcut the switchbacks or approach old structures.
Terrain and access: Very steep switchbacks, forested gorge wall, loose leaves, roots, old industrial context, and a sustained return descent.
Seldom Seen Trail
- Distance
- About 0.6 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 30 feet
- Time
- Allow time for conditions and navigation
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Seldom Seen Trail access at Nuttallburg and keep the historic-site road unobstructed.
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon when the river-level corridor is cooler.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Seldom Seen Trail is a brief river-level route through part of the Nuttallburg landscape. It stays separate from Tipple Trail because the two NPS-named walks serve different destinations and share only a small fraction of their preserved centerlines.
The easy grade makes this a practical complement to a longer hike, but the setting still requires care around rails, roads, and historic remains. Follow the exact out-and-back and respect all barriers rather than extending the walk through unstable structures.
What helps on this route
- Combine it with site interpretation rather than rushing the short mileage.
- Stay on the signed line around ruins and operational corridors.
Terrain and access: Short gentle out-and-back, river-level forest, historic corridor surfaces, minor rolling grade, and nearby industrial remains.
Park Loop Trail
- Distance
- About 1.1 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 160 feet
- Time
- 27 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the signed Fayetteville trailhead and choose designated parking in the town-side trail network.
- Best time
- A cool morning or evening on dry tread.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Park Loop makes a compact circuit from the Fayetteville trailhead, fitting between the developed edge and the larger forest network. It works as a quick outing, a route check before a longer connection, or an alternative when cliff viewpoints are fogged in.
The loop has one narrow shared spur and a few quick grade changes. Note where the circuit begins, keep to the mapped line at nearby connectors, and expect roots and damp leaves even though the overall difficulty remains approachable.
What helps on this route
- Remember the shared spur so the return does not feel like a wrong turn.
- Yield appropriately on any shared-use segment.
Terrain and access: Compact forest loop, a shared access spur, shallow climbs, roots, leaf litter, and nearby network junctions.
Long Point via Fayetteville Trail
- Distance
- About 6.5 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 1,040 feet
- Time
- 3 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Fayetteville trailhead and follow the mapped Fayetteville Trail connections toward Long Point.
- Best time
- A cool, dry day with clear visibility and several hours of daylight.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
This Long Point itinerary uses Fayetteville Trail to create a longer approach than the Butcher Branch option. Repeated descents and recoveries accumulate more than the headline endpoint suggests, turning the viewpoint into a substantial half-day forest hike.
The profile has several sharp undulations, and the route passes multiple network junctions before reaching the exposed rock. Carry the line offline, confirm the return route before leaving Long Point, and do not depend on a quick finish after sunset.
What helps on this route
- Save the exact junction sequence for the return.
- Leave Long Point early enough to clear the network before dark.
Terrain and access: Long rolling forest route, repeated dips and climbs, network junctions, roots, and an unguarded cliff viewpoint.
Headhouse Trail
- Distance
- About 1.4 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 430 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Headhouse or Beauty Mountain-area access shown on the park map and keep the narrow road clear.
- Best time
- A dry, cool morning when the steep return is comfortable.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Headhouse Trail descends from the upland access toward the remains of the coal-conveyor system. The route is direct and history-focused, losing several hundred feet before turning back, with the steepest grades concentrated in the middle of the line.
The climb back is the real effort. Loose leaves, wet stone, and industrial remains add hazards that the short mileage does not capture. Stay on the mapped trail, observe structures from safe ground, and keep enough energy for the continuous ascent to the road.
What helps on this route
- Budget more time for the uphill return than the descent.
- Do not enter or climb on the headhouse remains.
Terrain and access: Steep forest descent, roots, loose leaves, historic conveyor features, and a sustained uphill return.
Kaymoor Trail
- Distance
- About 17.1 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 1,540 feet
- Time
- 7 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Kaymoor Trail access and verify that the chosen end matches the full mapped itinerary before starting.
- Best time
- A long, cool-weather day with stable conditions and ample daylight.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Kaymoor Trail is the longest route in this guide, extending through the forested gorge corridor between the Fayetteville side and the Cunard area. Its cumulative climbing is moderate for the distance, but nearly seventeen miles makes navigation, water, and turnaround planning essential.
This is not the short Kaymoor Miners descent. The map covers a much broader corridor with numerous nearby trails and historic features, so carry the exact line and do not improvise connectors. Unless transportation is arranged, the mapped outing requires returning over the same long route.
What helps on this route
- Distinguish this route from Kaymoor Miners Trail before departure.
- Set conservative water, daylight, and turnaround limits for the full distance.
Terrain and access: Very long wooded corridor, rolling grades, numerous nearby junctions, old industrial travelways, roots, and remote sections.
Endless Wall Trail
- Distance
- About 5.4 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 960 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 5 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use a signed Endless Wall trailhead lot on Lansing-Edmond Road; spaces are limited and roadside parking is not a safe substitute.
- Best time
- Early morning on a dry day, with fall foliage as the busiest seasonal draw.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed; keep them well back from cliff edges.
Endless Wall earns its name from the sandstone band that repeatedly appears through the forest. The reviewed out-and-back uses a longer portion of the trail than the common point-to-point walk and reaches the Diamond Point area without needing a roadside return.
The elevation profile looks rolling rather than severe, but the accumulated climbing approaches one thousand feet. Roots, rock steps, side paths used by climbers, and unguarded overlooks slow the pace. Treat every rim opening as an edge, especially when leaves or fog hide the drop.
What helps on this route
- Photograph the trailhead map before leaving mobile service.
- If both signed lots are full, switch to another Fayetteville-area route instead of improvising a parking space.
Terrain and access: Forested singletrack, roots, sandstone ledges, repeated short climbs, exposed overlooks, and little edge protection.
Bridge Trail
- Distance
- About 1.6 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 480 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Bridge Trail access near the Canyon Rim area and never park on an active roadway shoulder.
- Best time
- A dry morning when the short steep sections have reliable footing.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Bridge Trail explores the wooded slope near the New River Gorge Bridge rather than another distant rim viewpoint. The route crosses the highway corridor on established tread and includes two short, steep rises that stand out clearly in the elevation profile.
Road noise and nearby infrastructure are part of the setting, but the tread remains natural and can be slick. Use only the signed crossing and trail alignment, keep away from roadway edges, and do not combine it with unsigned shortcuts toward bridge facilities.
What helps on this route
- Follow the signed trail crossing rather than approaching the highway directly.
- Use extra care on the two short steep rises after rain.
Terrain and access: Natural forest tread near major infrastructure, two short steep climbs, roots, switchbacks, and roadway proximity.
Burnwood Trail
- Distance
- About 1.2 mi on the reviewed route
- Elevation gain
- 180 feet
- Time
- 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the signed Burnwood trail access near the Canyon Rim area and remain in designated parking.
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon in spring through fall.
- Pets
- Leashed pets are allowed on park trails; keep them under control near roads, water, cliffs, and other visitors.
Burnwood Trail loops through forest near the Canyon Rim area, connecting developed access with a quieter patch of upland woods. Its figure-eight-like outline and moderate rolling profile create more variety than a simple paved visitor-center walk.
Several nearby paths and facilities can make the beginning look less obvious than the map suggests. Find the signed trailhead, follow the complete loop, and avoid cutting through service areas. The small ponds shown near the lower portion are context, not an invitation to leave the trail.
What helps on this route
- Locate the signed trailhead before entering the surrounding path network.
- Stay on trail around ponds and service areas.
Terrain and access: Short rolling forest loop, several turns, roots, leaf litter, nearby ponds, and developed-area context.
Official planning sources
Trail access and safety details were checked against these National Park Service pages. The maps and profiles follow the corresponding route geometry.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Trail geometry and planning details include National Park Service public information.