Kaymoor Miners Trail New River Gorge West Virginia
Descend into history on the Kaymoor Miners Trail, exploring abandoned coal mine remnants and conquering over 800 steps in the stunning New River Gorge...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Kaymoor Miners Trail New River Gorge West Virginia
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend into history on the Kaymoor Miners Trail, exploring abandoned coal mine remnants and conquering over 800 steps in the stunning New River Gorge.
"It's a workout, but the views and history are absolutely worth the effort!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and has many steps. Good grip is essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially crucial for the uphill climb back. Stay hydrated on this challenging hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 800+ Steps
Trail descent
A challenging but rewarding descent into history, offering a unique perspective of the gorge.
Abandoned Mine Remnants
Bottom of the trail
Explore eerie coke ovens and old mining equipment, a tangible link to West Virginia's coal mining past.
Gorge Views
Various points on the trail
Stunning vistas of the New River Gorge unfold as you navigate the historic mining landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Stair Challenge Ahead!
Tick Awareness is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and has many steps. Good grip is essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially crucial for the uphill climb back. Stay hydrated on this challenging hike.
🦟 Tick Prevention is Crucial
Check yourself and pets thoroughly after the hike. Ticks are common in this area.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! The hike and exploration can easily take longer than expected.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steep and has many steps. Good grip is essential for safety and comfort.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially crucial for the uphill climb back. Stay hydrated on this challenging hike.
🦟 Tick Prevention is Crucial
Check yourself and pets thoroughly after the hike. Ticks are common in this area.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! The hike and exploration can easily take longer than expected.
📸 Capture the History
The abandoned mine structures are incredibly photogenic and offer a glimpse into the past.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the historical significance and unique experience of the Kaymoor Miners Trail, calling it 'awesome' and 'super cool.' The abandoned mine remnants and the challenging stair climb are major highlights, offering a sense of accomplishment. However, many caution that the 800+ steps make it a 'hard' trail, particularly the uphill return, and advise being prepared for a strenuous workout. Ticks are also a recurring concern for some hikers.
"Awesome trail, but difficult. The first way is downhill and many stairs to climb. And the way back is ALL uphill. Anyone can do this trail, but beware how hard your legs have to work. Two of us had ticks after the trail so be careful."
Sabrina
"One of the best trail systems that I've had a pleasure of walking in a long time, very well marked and very accessible, but still fun and challenging, I stopped there on my lunch break from work one day and ended up coming back to work about an hour and a half late it's just that fun, so if you're ever presented with the opportunity to walk to Kaymoor mine trail system it's definitely something that I recommend doing. There are several different trail systems here with varying difficulty so there's something for everyone in the family. It's also very pet friendly, as I passed several pet owners with their dogs, 🐕🐕🐕🐕 who might I say seem to be having a great time, as they were full of wagging tails. So if you're ever in the area or just driving by I'll swing by one of the cable and Montrose take time to walk in and enjoy all the scenery and beautiful sites at West Virginia has to offer."
Shawn April Lawson
"Beautiful, but definitely a “hard” trail. It’s 1.6 miles (each way). The trail is steep and rugged, and includes 821 stair steps."
Jeffrey Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kaymoor Miners Trail is located within New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. Access is typically via the Kaymoor Miners Trail parking area off Route 16. It's a popular spot, so arrive early, especially on weekends.
Yes, there is a designated parking area for the Kaymoor Miners Trail. However, it can fill up quickly, particularly during peak season and on weekends. Consider arriving early or visiting on a weekday.
The trail itself is for hiking only. You can drive to the trailhead parking area, but the hike down to the mine is on foot. The drive to the trailhead is generally accessible by car.
The closest towns with amenities are Fayetteville and Oak Hill, West Virginia. These towns offer lodging, dining, and other services for visitors to the New River Gorge area.
The trail is generally well-marked. Look for signs for the Kaymoor Miners Trail parking area off the main roads. Online maps and GPS can also help guide you to the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to hike the Kaymoor Miners Trail. It is part of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which is free to enter.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. As it's an outdoor natural area within a national park, there are no strict 'opening' or 'closing' times, but it's best to hike during safe daylight hours.
No, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve does not have an entrance fee. Access to most trails, including the Kaymoor Miners Trail, is free for all visitors.
While there are no official guided tours of the Kaymoor Mine itself, park rangers may offer interpretive programs seasonally. It's best to check the official National Park Service website for any scheduled events.
No permits are required for hiking the Kaymoor Miners Trail. It's a public trail within the national park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Kaymoor Miners Trail is approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip, but this doesn't account for time spent exploring the mine area. The descent and ascent are significant due to the stairs.
The trail features a significant number of steps, often cited as around 800 to over 1000. This makes the return trip a strenuous climb.
This trail is considered 'hard' due to the steepness and the numerous steps. While anyone can attempt it, it requires good physical condition, especially for the climb back up.
You'll see remnants of the historic Kaymoor coal mine, including coke ovens, old mining equipment, and structures. It offers a fascinating glimpse into West Virginia's industrial past.
Yes, the Kaymoor Miners Trail is pet-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Be mindful of the steps and the heat, and ensure your pet is comfortable with the strenuous hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The abandoned coke ovens and mining structures are incredibly photogenic, offering a unique historical aesthetic. The views of the New River Gorge from various points on the trail are also spectacular.
Yes, but exercise caution. Be aware of your surroundings, especially on the steps and near old structures. Don't venture into unsafe areas for a photo.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Midday sun can be harsh.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks. Check the official National Park Service regulations for New River Gorge National Park regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the gorge and the mine structures. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing details of the historical remnants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the exploration aspect: The abandoned mine remnants are fascinating for kids, sparking their imagination about history and industry. Make it an educational outing by discussing what life might have been like for miners. Ensure everyone has plenty of water and snacks, and be vigilant about ticks.
👟 Fitness Enthusiasts
Maximize your workout: Consider timing yourself on the ascent or using it as a high-intensity interval training session. The historical exploration at the bottom adds a unique dimension to your fitness routine. Remember to properly warm up before and cool down after your hike.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
Best times for photography: Aim for the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for softer light and dramatic shadows. Be sure to explore the various angles and details of the mine complex. Remember to respect the historical site and avoid disturbing any structures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Kaymoor Mine
Walking the Kaymoor Miners Trail is like stepping back in time. The trail descends through a forest before reaching the main mining complex. Here, you can wander among the weathered coke ovens, where coal was transformed into coke for steel production, and see the foundations of buildings that once housed miners and machinery. The sheer scale of the operation is impressive, even in its abandoned state. It's a poignant reminder of the region's rich, and sometimes challenging, industrial heritage.
Many visitors find the atmosphere at Kaymoor to be quite eerie and captivating. The silence of the abandoned site, contrasted with the echoes of its bustling past, creates a unique experience. It’s a place that sparks imagination about the daily lives of those who worked here and the immense effort involved in extracting coal from the steep gorge walls.
Navigating the Kaymoor Miners Trail
The descent is often described as the 'easy' part, though it requires careful footing. Once you reach the bottom and explore the mine remnants, the real challenge begins: climbing back up. This strenuous climb can be tough on the legs and lungs, so it's crucial to pace yourself, take breaks, and stay hydrated.
While the trail is marked, it's always a good idea to have a map or use a navigation app. The terrain can be uneven, and the steps, while sturdy, require attention. Many visitors recommend wearing sturdy hiking boots for the best support and traction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit