🥾 Trail

Clovis Trail

Q: Will my 6-year-old finish this?

Yes. 1.1 miles, no serious climbs, well-marked, forgiving terrain. Supervise on rocky sections and take your time.

Q: Do I need navigation skills or a map?

No. Established trail with clear tread and easy-to-follow route. No off-trail decision-making required.

Q: Are there bears or wildlife concerns?

Black bears live in the area. Make noise on the trail—talk or use a bell. Store food properly if camping elsewhere. On a short day loop, encounters are rare but stay alert.

Q: How much water should I bring?

Bring 1-2 liters minimum, even for the short distance. No refills on trail. Hydration is non-negotiable, no matter how easy the trail feels.

Q: Is the trail muddy or slippery in spring?

It can be after heavy rain or snowmelt (March-April). Check recent trail reports before you go. If it's wet, wear boots with good tread.

Q: Can I bike this with my kids?

Yes. The trail is designed for biking with good flow and minimal technical sections. Supervise younger riders on the rocky sections.

Kaymoor area

Distance

1.1 mi

Elevation Gain

150 ft

Est. Time

30-45 minutes at a steady pace; 45-60 minutes with photo stops or careful footwork on rocky sections.

Route Type

Loop

Best Season

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) for stable weather, comfortable temperatures, and foliage.

Overview

About This Trail

Clovis Trail is a 1.1-mile loop through forested terrain with lightly rolling topography and a few short, rocky sections. Designed for both hikers and bikers, this trail offers a nice sense of flow and is ideal for a quick workout or family outing. The 30-36 inch wide tread is well-maintained and easy to navigate. This is an accessible loop perfect for building trail legs without serious commitment.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy to Intermediate

Trail Highlights

The compact loop offers a confidence-builder without exposure or serious climbs. Lightly rolling forested terrain with good 'flow' for runners and bikers alike. Perfect for quick conditioning, family introductions to trail movement, or a warm-up lap before longer work.

Insider Tips

• The 30-36 inch wide tread is forgiving—bikers love the flow; hikers benefit from the clear path. • Rocky sections are not technical; they add texture without difficulty. • Start early on Saturday to avoid the afternoon mountain bike crowd who use this for conditioning. • Forest canopy is dense; bring a light layer even in summer for shadows. • The loop doesn't require a map, but knowing you're on the Arrowhead Bike Trails system keeps you confident.

Best Season to Hike

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) for stable weather, comfortable temperatures, and foliage.

Hiking Tips

Park at the marked Arrowhead Trails lot 0.25 miles up the access road.
Bring 1-2 liters of water minimum—hydration is non-negotiable, no matter how short the loop.
Tighten your boots; the rocky sections are brief but deserve respect.
The trail can be slippery after rain; adjust your pace accordingly.
Go midweek or early morning to beat weekend traffic.

Family Info

Excellent for families and kids. 1.1 miles is short enough for younger legs, and the 'flow' maintains momentum. Rocky sections are brief and easy to navigate. Supervise young children on rocky terrain and remind them about footing. No steep drops or major exposure.

What Hikers Say

Hikers and bikers praise the compact length and smooth flow. Most call it a refreshing warm-up lap or quick midweek option with zero commitment risk. Common feedback: scenic forest canopy, well-maintained surface, good for building confidence before longer trails.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 1.1 miles

Elevation Gain: 150 ft

Duration: 30-45 minutes at a steady pace; 45-60 minutes with photo stops or careful footwork on rocky sections.

Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

Route Type: Loop

Surface: Well-maintained tread 30-36 inches wide with packed dirt and forest floor. A couple of short, even rocky sections—simple to navigate on bike or foot.

Getting There

Trailhead: From US 19, follow WV 16 south through Fayetteville. Turn left on Gatewood Road (watch for park signs for Kaymoor and Cunard). Go 2.0 miles and turn left at the Kaymoor sign onto Kaymoor No. 1 Rd. After about one mile, turn right at the 'T' intersection. The Arrowhead Trails trailhead parking is 0.25 miles on the right. Trail begins from the parking lot.

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required.

Fees: No entrance fee. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve does not charge an entrance fee.

Shuttle Available

Not required. Drive directly to the Arrowhead Trails parking lot.

Trail Rules

Biking: Yes. Fully allowed and recommended—the trail is specifically designed with bikers in mind for smooth flow and easy navigation.

Trail Markers: Well-marked. Established trail with clear tread; easy to follow without navigation tools.

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: No water sources on trail. Carry 1-2 liters minimum; no refills available on the loop.

Shade: Mostly shaded, forested throughout. Canopy cover is dense. Wear sunscreen on exposed arms and neck.

Hazards:

The NPS describes the rocky sections as 'short' and 'even' with 'simple' navigation on bike or foot—they're not crux terrain. After rain, packed earth can be slippery; watch your footing on descents. Black bears inhabit the area; make noise on the trail.

Emergency: Call 911 for emergencies. Report to Park Rangers or visitor center staff for non-emergency assistance. Canyon Rim and Sandstone Visitor Centers are nearby.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to light, especially on weekdays. Busier on weekends due to proximity to the Charleston area and popularity with local bikers.

Peak Times: Saturday and Sunday mornings 8am-1pm; midweek mornings and early afternoons are quietest.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Well-maintained, lightly rolling with a few short rocky sections. Tread is 30-36 inches wide. Accessible for most fitness levels and ages. Uneven terrain requires attentiveness, not athleticism.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Arrowhead Trails parking lot serves all Arrowhead trails at the trailhead. Canyon Rim and Sandstone Visitor Centers are nearby (open 9am-5pm daily, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day). No supplies on-site; nearest town is Fayetteville.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this too easy for experienced hikers?

Not if you're a runner or biker. The 'flow' and terrain make it excellent for conditioning work. Experienced hikers might do it as a warm-up or confidence-builder for kids.

Will my 6-year-old finish this?

Do I need navigation skills or a map?

Are there bears or wildlife concerns?

How much water should I bring?

Is the trail muddy or slippery in spring?

Can I bike this with my kids?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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