Burnwood Trail

trail sign stands in front of a large blown down tree

This 1.2-mile loop through a protected 12-acre old-growth forest is an easy, all-ages walk. No elevation gain, well-marked trail, straightforward loop—zero chance of getting lost. What makes it special: 300-year-old trees with unique branching patterns, and you're hiking across what was once the Laing family homestead. The only catch: small parking lot fills by 9 am weekends, and summer mosquitoes are hungry.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.2
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.2
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Trail Surface: Dirt with roots; packed forest floor; some rocky sections
Trail Features: 12-acre old-growth forest
Trees dating to 17th century
Rhododendron thickets
Open field section
Historic Laing family homesite
Downed wood forest floor
Unique bark patterns on old trees
Trail Highlights: Walk among trees 300+ years old that escaped logging in the 1900s. Experience old-growth forest structure and decay cycles rarely seen in eastern forests. Explore the Laing family's former homestead.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: From Canyon Rim Visitor Center parking: turn left, cross US-19, continue uphill into Day Use area. Trailhead sign is just before the picnic pavilion. Parking in gravel lot. From Beckley, WV: take US-19 north 12.7 miles past Fayetteville, cross New River Gorge Bridge, take first left into Day Use area.
Parking Lot Size: Small gravel lot
Parking Fill Time: By 9 am on summer weekends; available most weekday mornings and off-season
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required
Fees: No entrance fee
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: None reported; park open year-round

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Dry trail—no water sources. Bring at least 1 liter.
Accessibility: Easy, well-maintained dirt trail. Roots and uneven terrain but manageable for most fitness levels and ages. No scrambling, no exposure.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Roots and uneven terrain
Slippery when wet
Mosquitoes in summer
Small parking lot congestion on weekends
Hazard Details: Roots cross the trail frequently and can catch toes. Trail becomes muddy after rain. Summer mosquitoes are active June-August. Parking fills quickly on summer weekends; arrive early or expect to wait.
Cell Service: Likely available; WV coverage can be spotty in forested areas—don't rely on it for emergencies
Crowd Level: Moderate to busy on summer weekends; quiet on weekdays
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends (July-August)
Best Season: Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures; year-round accessible
Best Time To Visit: Start early for solitude—by 9 am the trailhead gets busy on summer weekends. Midday works fine since it's short and mostly shaded. Fall (September-October) offers mild temps and foliage; spring (April-May) brings rhododendron blooms.
Tips Advice: Stay on trail—this old-growth section is protected and fragile.
Bring 1 liter of water; shade means less heat stress but don't skip hydration.
Wear sturdy boots for roots and uneven terrain.
Bring bug spray for June-August; mosquitoes are relentless.
Download the self-guided old-growth forest guide from the NPS website before you go.

More details

Park Area: Fayetteville area
Trail Markers: Well-marked with clear trailhead sign; straightforward loop structure
Biking Allowed: Hiking only
Shade Level: Mostly shaded (forest sections); some full sun in open field area
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 for emergencies. Park Headquarters (Glen Jean) for non-emergency ranger assistance. Canyon Rim Visitor Center staff on-site during operating hours.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: December-February; trail likely passable year-round but muddy when snow melts
Mud Season: Spring (March-April) and after heavy rain
Wildflower Peak: April-June (rhododendrons)
Fall Colors Peak: September-October
Bug Season: June-August (mosquitoes peak)
Insider Tips: Download the self-guided old-growth forest hike guide from the NPS website before you go to read the forest as you walk.
Look for the Laing family remnants: stone foundations, cleared areas, younger trees in previously open fields.
August marks the official recognition month—this forest was added to the Old-Growth Forest Network in August 2023.
The open field section can get muddy after rain; wear waterproof boots if recent weather was wet.
Stop halfway through the old-growth section and notice the downed logs; that decay cycles are how old-growth forests regenerate.
Recent Updates: Trail added to the Old-Growth Forest Network in August 2023. Self-guided hike guide available on NPS website at nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/old-growth-forest-hike.htm.
Family Friendly Notes: Easy for children and inexperienced hikers. 1.2 miles is achievable for kids. Watch for roots and uneven terrain underfoot. Loop structure means no dead-end stress. Picnic pavilion nearby for post-hike snacks.
Nearby Facilities: Picnic pavilion at trailhead. Flush toilets at trailhead. Canyon Rim Visitor Center nearby (0.25 miles) with water, restrooms, ranger information. US-19 services 1-2 miles away.
Review Summary: Hikers praise this trail for its old-growth significance and accessibility. Ideal for those seeking forest ecology education and gentle exercise. The small parking lot can fill during summer weekends, but the reward—walking among 300-year-old trees—is worth the early arrival.