Clovis 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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 1.1
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
Elevation Gain Feet: 150

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 1.1
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
Elevation Gain Feet: 150
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes at a steady pace; 45-60 minutes with photo stops or careful footwork on rocky sections.
Trail 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.
Trail Features: Forested loop
Lightly rolling terrain
Rocky sections
Good flow for running and biking
Well-maintained tread
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 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.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required. Drive directly to the Arrowhead Trails parking lot.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required.
Fees: No entrance fee. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve does not charge an entrance fee.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Rarely closed. Winter snow or ice may impact conditions December-February; summer thunderstorms July-August may cause temporary hazards.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No water sources on trail. Carry 1-2 liters minimum; no refills available on the loop.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Rocky trail sections
Slippery when wet
Uneven terrain
Wildlife (bears)
Hazard Details: 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.
Crowd Level: Moderate to light, especially on weekdays. Busier on weekends due to proximity to the Charleston area and popularity with local bikers.
Peak Crowd Times: Saturday and Sunday mornings 8am-1pm; midweek mornings and early afternoons are quietest.
Best Season: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) for stable weather, comfortable temperatures, and foliage.
Best Time To Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer stable weather and good visibility. Start early morning or midweek to avoid weekend mountain bikers who use this for conditioning.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Kaymoor area
Trail Markers: Well-marked. Established trail with clear tread; easy to follow without navigation tools.
Biking Allowed: Yes. Fully allowed and recommended—the trail is specifically designed with bikers in mind for smooth flow and easy navigation.
Shade Level: Mostly shaded, forested throughout. Canopy cover is dense. Wear sunscreen on exposed arms and neck.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 for emergencies. Report to Park Rangers or visitor center staff for non-emergency assistance. Canyon Rim and Sandstone Visitor Centers are nearby.
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: December-February. Snow is uncommon at this elevation but possible; winter ice is a greater concern than snow.
Mud Season: March-April after winter snowmelt and spring rains; May after heavy spring storms.
Fall Colors Peak: October. Peak foliage typically mid-October in West Virginia's Appalachian region.
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak July-August; bring insect repellent if hiking in summer.
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.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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.
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.