Overview: The Kaymoor Miners Trail is a short but steep descent into the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, leading hikers through dense forest and down into the remnants of a once‐bustling coal‐mining operation. Along the way you’ll traverse rocky switchbacks and a dramatic wooden staircase, explore the ruins of the Kaymoor coal processing plant and coke ovens, and pause at a scenic gorge overlook—all within a couple of hours. This trail offers both a physical challenge and a vivid window into the region’s industrial past.

Trail Details:
Trail Length: 1.5 miles round‑trip
Duration: 1½ to 2 hours
Difficulty Level: Hard
Elevation Gain: 950 feet
Trail Type: Out‑and‑back

Key Features:

• Gorge Overlook: Just 0.2 miles from the trailhead, a cleared side path drops you to a ledge overlooking the New River Gorge—perfect for a first photo stop.

• Historic Coal Mine Site: At roughly 0.5 miles you arrive at the Kaymoor mine portal, where you can wander among the foundations of the mine office and securely fenced mine entrance.

• Wooden Staircase: From the mine site a set of 821 wooden steps plunges toward the river‑level coke ovens and coal‐processing ruins, offering a memorable—and at times heart‑pounding—descent.

• Abandoned Ruins: Explore the rusting remains of beehive coke ovens, foundation walls of the company town, and sections of conveyor trestles that once carried coal down the gorge wall.

• Forest Ambiance: Towering hardwoods and rhododendron thickets line the trail, with spring wildflowers adding dashes of color in wetter years.

  
  

Trailhead Information:
Starting Point: Kaymoor Miners Trailhead, accessed via Kaymoor No. 1 Road off County Route 9/2
Parking: Limited roadside parking at the trailhead—arrive early on weekends or holidays. The narrow approach road requires cautious driving.
Access Fees: No individual trail fee; standard New River Gorge National Park entrance permits apply.

Best Season to Visit:
Spring through early fall (April–October): Trail is generally snow‑free by mid‑spring, with moderate temperatures and forest blooms. Summer afternoons can be warm in the lower canyon; mornings often offer the coolest hiking conditions.

Trail Tips:
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good traction are essential for the rocky slope and wooden steps.
• Trekking Poles: Not mandatory, but helpful for balance on the switchbacks and stair landings.
• Water & Snacks: Bring at least 1–2 L of water; there are no reliable potable sources along the trail.
• Safety: Use handrails where provided on stair sections, and watch for loose rock after rain. Cell coverage is spotty below the rim.
• Historic Respect: Do not climb on or remove artifacts from the ruins. Stay on the maintained trail and leave structures as you find them.

Trail Highlights:

• Dramatic Descent: Those 821 steps are both the trail’s signature and its greatest physical test—make the climb back up at your own pace.

• Industrial Archaeology: Few hikes let you wander so freely among remnants of early‐20th‑century coal and coke production.

• Gorge Vistas: Even on the short approach, the viewpoint offers sweeping canyon walls and glimpses of the New River far below.

• Solitary Ambiance: The combination of forest cover and steep descent means fewer hikers venture all the way down, so the mine site often feels private.

  
  

Additional Information:
Weather in the gorge can shift rapidly; afternoon showers are common in summer. Check local forecasts before setting out, and avoid the trail when steps are icy or slick. Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this unique historic landscape. Enjoy the blend of natural beauty and cultural history that makes the Kaymoor Miners Trail a must‑do in New River Gorge.

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