Conveyor Trail

A red coal conveyer as it stretches up the mountainside and a graph of the trail elevation change

This steep, strenuous coal mine trail climbs 655 feet in just 0.8 miles over loose, treacherous slaggy surface. You'll zigzag past historic mining equipment and gorge views, but your footing will be constantly tested on every step. Best for experienced hikers only—the loose coal debris means zero margin for carelessness.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous—lung buster on unstable, steep terrain.
Elevation Gain Feet: 655

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.8
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Strenuous—lung buster on unstable, steep terrain.
Elevation Gain Feet: 655
Estimated Time: 1.5-2 hours ascending (steep and relentless), 2-2.5 hours descending (requires caution). Total: 3.5-4.5 hours for experienced hikers.
Trail Surface: Loose slaggy coal debris mixed with exposed rock. Extremely unstable when wet or icy.
Trail Features: Historic coal mining structures
Conveyor system remnants
New River Gorge views
Keeneys Creek railroad line
Mine entrance and debris
Trail Highlights: Industrial coal mining archaeology, historic conveyor structures, New River Gorge vistas, evidence of Appalachian coal extraction history

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Nuttallburg Area trailhead (labeled 2 on Nuttallburg Area Trails map). Access via Headhouse Trail or Keeneys Creek Rail Trail junction.
Shuttle Required: 0

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required
Fees: No entrance fee
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Winter snow and ice on loose coal slag create extremely hazardous conditions. Typically challenging November-March.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Keeneys Creek near trail (old railroad line area), but water treatment required. Carry 2-3L minimum; don't rely on creek as primary source.
Accessibility: Not accessible. Steep (40%+), loose unstable footing, no railings or maintained steps. Equivalent to climbing 30+ flights of stairs with no handholds on slippery ground.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Loose, unstable slaggy coal footing
Steep grade (40.5%) with gorge exposure
Unprotected drop-offs along edge
Hazardous in wet or icy conditions
Loose rock debris from mine spoil
Hazard Details: The 40.5% average slope combined with loose coal slag creates unpredictable, treacherous footing throughout. Unprotected gorge edges present significant drop-off risk. Wet, icy, or post-rain conditions make this trail extremely dangerous—avoid in precipitation or freeze-thaw cycles.
Cell Service: Assume no cell service. Gorge blocks most signals. Rely on emergency whistles or backup communication.
Crowd Level: Light to moderate—remote enough to avoid hordes but known to experienced hikers
Peak Crowd Times: Fall weekends (September-October) when weather is optimal
Best Season: April-May and September-October
Best Time To Visit: Visit April-May or September-October when temperatures are mild and coal debris surface is driest. Start by 6am to beat heat and crowds on descent.
Tips Advice: Wear boots with strong ankle support—slaggy surface shifts beneath every step.
Bring 2-3L of water minimum; short climb demands serious hydration.
Trekking poles are essential for stability on loose debris and joint protection.
Watch footing constantly—slip on coal slag means real injury.
Leave artifacts as found; respect the industrial history.

More details

Park Area: Nuttallburg Area
Trail Markers: Marked on Nuttallburg Area Trails map as trail (2). On-ground markers may be minimal; map navigation recommended.
Biking Allowed: No—hiking only
Shade Level: Variable—some switchbacks in gorge shade, much of climb exposed to direct sun
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 if safe (cell uncertain). Park Headquarters, Glen Jean, for non-emergencies. Visitor Centers: Canyon Rim and Sandstone (9am-5pm daily).
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: December-March; typically worst January-February. Trail becomes dangerous with ice accumulation on loose surface.
Mud Season: March-April after snowmelt. Coal slag doesn't drain well; muddy and extra slippery. Also hazardous after heavy rain any season.
Fall Colors Peak: Mid-September through October; gorge forest offers good foliage viewing
Insider Tips: The grade is consistent throughout—don't ease up expecting relief.
Early morning offers best footing before sun loosens additional debris.
At the major switchback (≈0.4 miles), conveyor equipment is framed against gorge—the photo op.
The old railroad line is the true terminus; don't confuse false turnarounds.
Descend slower than your body wants—fatigue and overconfidence cause most downhill slips.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for children. Unprotected drop-offs, loose footing, steep grade, and long exposure demand constant adult supervision and focus. Experienced adult hikers only.
Nearby Facilities: Canyon Rim Visitor Center (9am-5pm daily), Sandstone Visitor Center (9am-5pm daily), Park Headquarters at Glen Jean. Limited on-site amenities; nearest services in nearby towns.
Review Summary: Experienced hikers report a gut-check climb with serious footing challenges but rewarding industrial archaeology and gorge views. The loose coal slag keeps everyone honest—momentum and carelessness are punished hard.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this if I'm an average hiker?

Strenuous means strenuous. If steep gym climbs or mountain scrambles exhaust you, this will humble you. Be brutally honest about fitness before committing.

How dangerous is the loose coal slag?

It shifts under pressure. One careless step on descent = ankle sprain or worse. Trekking poles aren't optional; they're survival gear. Descend methodically.

Are trekking poles really necessary?

Absolutely. They reduce joint stress by half and keep you upright when ground moves. Non-negotiable for this trail.

When do most accidents happen?

The descent. People gas out, stop paying attention, the slope punishes them. The downhill is harder than the uphill; pace yourself.

What makes this worth the pain?

Historic coal mining structures, conveyor remnants, Appalachian gorge views. Industrial archaeology that tells a story. Worth it if you love history and don't mind suffering.

How long should I plan for?

3.5-4.5 hours total. Don't underestimate; descent is slower than ascent. Budget a full morning and leave before 4pm.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Hiking-only trail, and the loose footing, steep grade, and exposure aren't safe for paws.