Craig Branch Trail

Two hikers on dirt road with cliffs and views, A graph is below depicting the trail elevation change

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.4
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate - gravel surface with steep sections, significant elevation loss on return
Elevation Gain Feet: 209

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.4
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate - gravel surface with steep sections, significant elevation loss on return
Elevation Gain Feet: 209
Estimated Time: 2.5 to 4 hours depending on return pace and Kaymoor exploration
Trail Surface: Gravel (administrative road)
Trail Features: River and gorge views
Historic Kaymoor coal mine access
Forest canopy
Steep gravel sections
Arrowhead Trails junctions (Adena, Clovis, Dalton)
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 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 Lot Size: Small lot (estimate 15-20 spaces based on typical park trailheads)
Parking Fill Time: Fills by mid-morning on weekends; typically available on weekdays before noon
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service. Drive directly to trailhead; road is gravel after Kaymoor sign.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required for day hiking on Craig Branch Trail.
Fees: No entrance fee. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is free to enter.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Rarely closed; check NPS website in winter if heavy snow is reported

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Creek water available near Kaymoor junction; filter or treat before drinking. Main trail offers no reliable sources.
Accessibility: Rooty and steep; not wheelchair accessible. Gravel surface is uneven; walking poles recommended for all ages.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep gravel sections
Slippery when wet
Gorge edges
Elevation loss on descent
Exposure to sun on return
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Spotty; assume no signal in gorge and low spots. Carry a whistle or PLB for emergency comms.
Crowd Level: Light to moderate; less crowded than nearby Canyon Rim trails but busier on summer weekends
Peak Crowd Times: Saturdays and Sundays 10 AM–3 PM; July–August peak season
Best Season: April through October; trail is passable year-round but gravel holds mud in wet months
Best Time To Visit: Start by 7 AM to beat afternoon heat and crowds. The gravel surface holds moisture—avoid within 24 hours of rain when slipping risk is highest. Midweek visits (Tue-Thu) see lighter traffic than weekends.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Fayetteville area
Trail Markers: Well worn; marked with blazes and directional signage. Trail junctions are clearly signed (Kaymoor, Arrowhead Trails).
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
Biking Allowed: Yes, trail type includes hiking and biking
Shade Level: Mostly shaded forest canopy; occasional open sections expose you to direct sun
Emergency Contacts: Park Headquarters, Glen Jean: (304) 465-0508. Nearest ranger station: Canyon Rim Visitor Center (open 9 AM–5 PM daily).
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Light snow possible November–March; trail remains passable but gravel becomes icy in freeze-thaw cycles
Mud Season: March–May and after heavy rain; gravel holds moisture for 24–48 hours
Fall Colors Peak: Mid-October through early November; forest canopy offers peak color views
Bug Season: Mosquitoes peak June–August, especially near Kaymoor area; use repellent
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).
Recent Updates: Formerly part of the Kaymoor-Cunard Trail; renamed and re-mapped. Trail surface remains gravel (administrative road) per 2026 status. Arrowhead Trails (Adena, Clovis, Dalton) junctions remain intact.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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)
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

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.

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.

Can I take my dog?

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