The Kaymoor Miners Trail in New River Gorge challenges hikers with steep terrain and rewards them with a glimpse of West Virginia’s mining heritage. Once a lifeline for the Kaymoor coal operation, the trail now offers physical challenge, forest beauty, and preserved history.
Hiking the Kaymoor Trail System
Winding through the middle of the gorge, the trail passes the historic Kaymoor mine site, where coal once fueled local life. From the Wolf Creek trailhead to the mine, the first two miles follow an old road once used to haul coal and supplies. Along the route, wayside exhibits share stories of the mine’s operation and the hardworking community that once filled the hollow.
After the mine site, the trail continues toward Cunard, passing through uneven ground and thick Appalachian forest. Hikers can connect with the Miners Trail at the mine site or continue 1.74 miles to the Craig Branch Trail. This stretch leads deeper into the gorge and offers changing views along the way.
(All photos belong to the National Park Services.)
(From the National Park Service: “NPS crews are working to improve the safety and sustainability of the upper section of the Kaymoor Miners Trail. The upper portion of the trail will be closed from June 30 through November 14 on Mondays through Thursdays, from Kaymoor Top to the top of the stairs.”)
The Famous Kaymoor Stairs
The Kaymoor Miners Trail features 821 wooden steps that descend toward the river and the old coal processing plant. Rusted machinery, coke ovens, and stone walls remain as reminders of the site’s working past. The descent demands focus, but the climb back up tests endurance and rewards with an appreciation for the gorge’s history.
A Trail That Tells a Story
Every section of the Kaymoor Miners Trail in New River Gorge reflects the people who once lived and worked there. From the remains of Kaymoor’s coal town to the stairs carved into the mountainside, this hike tells a story. It’s a story of Appalachian strength and endurance.
Read about Winter Escapes in New River Gorge and discover things to do when the temperatures drop.
