Carry one. Junctions are marked, but gorge terrain can disorient. NPS paper map or offline download of the Fayetteville-Lansing trail map is essential.

Yes, on leash. Dogs tolerate the gravel; bring extra water for them. Steep sections need leash control to prevent falls.

Craig Branch Trail - 2.4mi Moderate Hike

Q: Is this trail safe to hike alone?

Yes, if you carry a whistle, phone with offline maps, and start early. Cell service is spotty; don't rely on it for rescue. Let someone know your plan.

Q: What's the worst part?

The return climb with gravel under your feet. The descent shreds quads; the climb back is a lung-buster if you're tired. Midweek solo hikes are safest; weekends offer company if you get into trouble.

Distance

2.4 mi

Elevation Gain

209 ft

Est. Time

2.5 to 4 hours depending on return pace and Kaymoor exploration

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

April through October; trail is passable year-round but gravel holds mud in wet months

Overview

About This Trail

Craig Branch delivers moderate hiking through forest with real vertical on the descent—209 feet down, but you're dropping 644 feet total. The payoff: views of the New River and gorge, plus a junction to the historic Kaymoor coal mine. Gravel surface and steep sections demand attention, but the trail connects a quiet forest walk to industrial history.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate - gravel surface with steep sections, significant elevation loss on return

Trail Highlights

New River and gorge vistas, plus access to the preserved Kaymoor coal mine—a tangible piece of Appalachian industrial heritage. The forest setting buffers you from crowds on neighboring popular trails.

Insider Tips

• The false elevation suggests a 2.4-mile flat walk; it's not—the real work is downhill return. • Kaymoor junction connects onward to more complex terrain; don't wander beyond your fitness. • Early May and mid-October offer the sweetest weather. • Park arrival by 8 AM guarantees a spot mid-week; plan for overflow parking on weekends. • Skip the weekend rush—Tuesday–Thursday yields solitude and better footing (less footfall impacts).

Best Season to Hike

April through October; trail is passable year-round but gravel holds mud in wet months

Hiking Tips

Wear grip-heavy boots; gravel is slippery going down.
Trekking poles for descent stability.
Carry 2L water minimum—this is forest with no reliable sources.
The steep sections are short bursts, not sustained climbs.
Kaymoor junction is well-marked; don't miss it.
Allow extra time on descent if knees are sensitive.

Family Info

Kids ages 8+ with decent fitness can handle this. The steep sections are short but require grip—hand-holding on downhill sections advised for younger children. No water source at trailhead; pack adequate fluids. Kaymoor mine access is a history reward for kids interested in coal heritage.

What Hikers Say

Hikers praise the New River and gorge views and applaud the quieter, forested alternative to packed overlook trails. The descent is steep enough to test knees, but the payoff—Kaymoor coal mine access and solitude—makes it worth the effort. Gravel surface demands respect in wet conditions; dry-weather hikers report a rewarding 2.5–4 hour outing.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 2.4 miles

Elevation Gain: 209 ft

Duration: 2.5 to 4 hours depending on return pace and Kaymoor exploration

Difficulty: Moderate - gravel surface with steep sections, significant elevation loss on return

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Gravel (administrative road)

Getting There

Trailhead: From US 19, take WV 16 south through Fayetteville. Turn left on Gatewood Road (2.0 miles). Turn left at Kaymoor sign (Kaymoor No. 1 Road, about 1 mile). At the T intersection, turn right. Parking is 0.25 miles on the right.

Parking: Small lot (estimate 15-20 spaces based on typical park trailheads)

Fills Up: Fills by mid-morning on weekends; typically available on weekdays before noon

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required for day hiking on Craig Branch Trail.

Fees: No entrance fee. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is free to enter.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service. Drive directly to trailhead; road is gravel after Kaymoor sign.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Yes, on leash

Biking: Yes, trail type includes hiking and biking

Trail Markers: Well worn; marked with blazes and directional signage. Trail junctions are clearly signed (Kaymoor, Arrowhead Trails).

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Creek water available near Kaymoor junction; filter or treat before drinking. Main trail offers no reliable sources.

Shade: Mostly shaded forest canopy; occasional open sections expose you to direct sun

Cell Service: Spotty; assume no signal in gorge and low spots. Carry a whistle or PLB for emergency comms.

Hazards:

Gravel surface becomes slick in rain or frost. Steep sections demand foot placement care—missteps lead to slides. Gorge dropoffs are present but not cliff-edge vertical. The 644-foot descent taxes knees; downhill footing is the real hazard.

Emergency: Park Headquarters, Glen Jean: (304) 465-0508. Nearest ranger station: Canyon Rim Visitor Center (open 9 AM–5 PM daily).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Light to moderate; less crowded than nearby Canyon Rim trails but busier on summer weekends

Peak Times: Saturdays and Sundays 10 AM–3 PM; July–August peak season

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Rooty and steep; not wheelchair accessible. Gravel surface is uneven; walking poles recommended for all ages.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Kaymoor Historic Site (0.5 miles); Canyon Rim Visitor Center (5 miles, open 9 AM–5 PM daily); nearest town: Fayetteville (8 miles, supplies and food)

What Hikers Say

Reviews

" Hikers praise the New River and gorge views and applaud the quieter, forested alternative to packed overlook trails. The descent is steep enough to test knees, but the payoff—Kaymoor coal mine access and solitude—makes it worth the effort. Gravel surface demands respect in wet conditions; dry-weather hikers report a rewarding 2.5–4 hour outing."

Reviews from Google

FAQs

Is this trail doable for someone with average fitness?

Yes. The 2.4 miles feels short until the 644-foot descent taxes your knees. Fit hikers finish in 2.5 hours; slower hikers with breaks take 4 hours. Trekking poles cut knee strain by 25%—bring them.

Do I need a map?

Is this trail safe to hike alone?

What's the worst part?

Can I take my dog?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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