New River Gorge Coal Mining Heritage Trail
Coal country's industrial ghosts with epic views
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 32 mi / 51.5 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2600 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Fayetteville, West Virginia |
| Land manager | New River Gorge National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV or crossover handle this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
High clearance is recommended but this is a graded gravel road, not a rock crawl. A stock 4Runner, Tacoma, or similar SUV handles it fine. Low-clearance crossovers and sedans will scrape on rough sections and washouts — don't risk it.
When does the trail close, and what's it like in winter?
The trail is best April through November. Winter brings snow, ice, and mud that turns gravel sections greasy and unpredictable. NPS does not maintain this road for winter access, so you're on your own if you go early or late season.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive this trail?
New River Gorge National Park has no entrance fee, so no permit or pass is required to drive the trail. Standard NPS rules apply — stay on designated roads, don't disturb historic structures.
What's the hardest section actually like, and what should I watch for?
This is an easy trail with no serious technical obstacles, but the gorge rim sections have tight switchbacks with steep drop-offs and no guardrails. Washboarding and loose gravel are the main hazards — keep your speed down and watch for soft shoulders after rain.
Is there any gas or services along the route, or do I need to fuel up in Fayetteville first?
There are zero services on the trail itself — no gas, no water, no cell service for long stretches. Fill up and top off water in Fayetteville before you roll out. At 32 miles it's not a range killer, but you don't want to be problem-solving in a dead zone.
Trail track
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