New River Gorge Coal Mining Heritage Trail

This network of gravel roads follows the old Chesapeake & Ohio Railway grades and coal haul routes that once fed the massive mining operations above New River Gorge. The main route connects the ghost towns of Thurmond and Kaymoor, passing through abandoned tipples, company store foundations, and the remnants of coal camps that housed thousands of miners. The trail offers spectacular overlooks of the New River 1,000 feet below, including views of the famous bridge, while winding through second-growth forest reclaiming the industrial scars of West Virginia’s coal boom.

Most sections require only high-clearance vehicles, though some connecting spurs need 4WD for steep grades and loose surface conditions. The main route is accessible to stock SUVs in dry weather. Best visited spring through fall when park facilities are open. No permits required but parking at trailheads fills quickly on weekends. Gas up in Fayetteville before exploring. What you get is a unique perspective on America’s industrial heritage combined with world-class scenery that few tourists ever see from this angle.