Headhouse Trail

A mine car ruin sits in front of the mine entrance

The Headhouse Trail is a short 0.7-mile gravel heritage hike through the Nuttallburg coal mining area. This moderate walk follows a historic administrative road to the entrance of the Nuttall coal mine and delivers you to the top of a 19th-century coal conveyor—a striking industrial structure that once transported coal down to river-level processing. Stairs provide close-up access to the conveyor mechanism, and on-site exhibits explain the mine's operations. It's a compact history lesson with steady footing and manageable effort, ideal for those combining park exploration with industrial heritage.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0.7
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate: Steady gravel climb with manageable elevation. Not a lung-buster, but requires consistent pace and caution on descent.
Elevation Gain Feet: 150

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0.7
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Moderate: Steady gravel climb with manageable elevation. Not a lung-buster, but requires consistent pace and caution on descent.
Elevation Gain Feet: 150
Estimated Time: 1 to 1.5 hours round-trip, including 15-20 minutes at the mine entrance and conveyor to read exhibits and inspect the stairs.
Trail Surface: Gravel (administrative road). Well-packed but loose underfoot, especially on descent. Firm in dry conditions; muddy in wet spring season.
Trail Features: Nuttall coal mine entrance
19th-century coal conveyor mechanism
Metal stairs for conveyor access
On-site mining exhibits
Historic industrial structures
Gravel administrative road
Trail Highlights: Access a century-old coal conveyor system and the entrance to the Nuttall coal mine. The metal stairs allow close-up inspection of the massive conveyor structure. On-site exhibits detail the mine's industrial history and role in Appalachian coal operations.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Turn onto Lansing-Edmond Road (CO 5/82) off US 19 in Lansing, just north of Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Travel 2.5 miles, then turn right onto Beauty Mountain Road (CO 85/5). Travel 0.1 miles, then turn right onto the road just beyond Nuttall Cemetery Road. Small parking area is located next to the gate at the start of Headhouse Trail. NOTE: Lansing-Edmond Road is small and curvy. Use caution and cooperate with oncoming drivers.
Parking Lot Size: Small (10-15 spaces estimated). Fits modest foot traffic; rarely fills to capacity.
Parking Fill Time: Rarely full. Parking is tight but competitive only on peak summer weekends. Morning arrival (before 10am) guarantees a spot.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required. Drive directly to the trailhead parking area via Lansing-Edmond Road and Beauty Mountain Road.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required. The park is open 24/7 year-round. Canyon Rim Visitor Center (nearby) is open 9am-5pm daily if you need information.
Fees: No entrance fee. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is free to enter.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: Rarely closed. The park is open year-round, though winter snow and ice (December-February) may make the gravel surface slick and the access road hazardous.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Dry trail. No water sources on route. Carry all water you need. If returning in summer heat, bring 1.5L+ per person to stay hydrated on the exposed gravel climb.
Accessibility: Gravel surface is uneven but firm; suitable for most fitness levels. Metal stairs are required to view the conveyor close-up—not wheelchair or mobility-device friendly. Persons with mobility limitations can walk the main gravel trail to the mine entrance but cannot access the conveyor stairs.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Loose gravel on descent
Metal stairs with no handrails
Historic structures at risk if climbed or sat upon
Narrow, curvy access road with limited visibility
Exposure to sun on open gravel surface
Hazard Details: Stairs next to the conveyor have no guardrails and require careful foot placement. Climbing, sitting, or walking on the historic coal structures (conveyor, walls, foundations) weakens them and is prohibited—these are irreplaceable. The access road (Lansing-Edmond Road) is narrow and winding with blind curves; drive slowly and yield to oncoming traffic. The gravel surface is slippery when wet and loose on descent; trekking poles or careful stepping reduces ankle risk.
Crowd Level: Ghost town. This heritage trail sees light to moderate foot traffic, mostly weekends. Weekday visits are typically solitary or small-group only.
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends (June-August, Saturday-Sunday). Fall weekends (September-October) also see modest increases. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Best Season: Spring and fall (April-May, September-October). Mild temperatures, stable footing, and comfortable pacing for heritage exploration.
Best Time To Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer stable weather and mild temperatures. Start by 6am or arrive mid-morning to secure parking and beat afternoon heat. Avoid mud season (March) and summer heat (June-August) unless you're equipped for wet gravel or hydration demands.
Tips Advice: Wear sturdy hiking boots—gravel and stairs demand solid footing.
Carry at least 1L water; the trail is exposed and dry.
Tighten boot laces before the descent; loose gravel slides.
Bring a camera for the conveyor stairs—the mechanical structure photographs well.
Leave historic structures and artifacts untouched; climbing or sitting on them damages irreplaceable heritage.
Check weather for the narrow, curvy Lansing-Edmond Road access before you drive.

More details

Park Area: Nuttallburg Area
Trail Markers: Well-worn road. The gravel path is obvious and traffic-marked; it's an administrative road with clear definition. No blazes or signs needed; stay on the main path to the mine entrance.
Biking Allowed: Yes. NPS designates this as a hiking and biking trail. The gravel surface accommodates fat bikes and hybrid tires; full-suspension mountain bikes are overkill but acceptable.
Shade Level: Mixed sun and shade. The gravel road is moderately exposed, with forest cover on the approach and sides. Bring a hat and sunscreen; the ground reflects heat.
Emergency Contacts: Dial 911. New River Gorge Headquarters is in Glen Jean. The nearest Visitor Center is Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 2.5 miles away via Lansing-Edmond Road, open 9am-5pm daily. More info: https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: December through March. Winter snow and ice are possible, making the gravel slippery and the curvy access road hazardous. Check conditions before driving in winter.
Mud Season: March through May. Spring snowmelt and rain saturate the gravel, creating muddy conditions. Late March may be impassable without specialized footwear; April-May recovers.
Fall Colors Peak: September through October. Surrounding forest turns gold and crimson; the industrial heritage site contrasts beautifully against autumn foliage.
Bug Season: June through August. Mosquitoes thrive in summer humidity and waterside vegetation. Bring insect repellent and long sleeves if hiking early morning or dusk.
Insider Tips: The metal stairs are the money shot—climb them for the best view of the conveyor mechanism and downstream valley.
Arrive before noon to avoid afternoon glare when photographing the conveyor structure.
The narrow Lansing-Edmond Road is the real hazard, not the trail itself; drive slowly and don't rush.
Bikers love this trail for its compact heritage story and low technical difficulty; good first-park option for fat-bike riders.
Park Headquarters in Glen Jean has detailed historical exhibits; pair this short hike with a museum visit for full context.
Recent Updates: No recent changes reported. The trail and conveyor structure remain open and accessible. Historic preservation rules remain in effect.
Family Friendly Notes: This trail suits families with children 8+. The short distance and moderate difficulty are manageable for most kids. Supervise children around the metal stairs and historic structures—no handrails and strict preservation rules apply. The gravel surface is stable but requires sure footing; younger children (under 8) may slip on descent.
Nearby Facilities: Canyon Rim Visitor Center is 2.5 miles north via Lansing-Edmond Road. It's open 9am-5pm daily and stocks maps, books, and park info. No restrooms, food, or water are at the trailhead; plan accordingly.
Review Summary: Hikers praise this short heritage trail for its unique coal-mine access and industrial history lesson. The 0.7-mile gravel walk is moderate but compact—accessible to most fitness levels. Reviewers highlight the conveyor stairs as the payoff and note that the curvy access road is the only real challenge. Families and history buffs consistently rate this as a worthwhile 1-2 hour detour.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail safe to hike alone?

Yes. The gravel path is obvious, well-worn, and short. Cell service is unknown, so hike during daylight and tell someone your plan. The stairs have no handrails—move deliberately.

Can I hike this with kids or older family members?

Yes, if they can manage stairs. The trail is 0.7 miles and moderate difficulty, suitable for children 8+. Supervise kids around the stairs and historic structures; no guardrails and preservation rules are strict.

Do I need special gear or trekking poles?

Sturdy hiking boots are essential—gravel and stairs demand solid footing. Trekking poles help on descent and reduce ankle strain. A 1L+ water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat are mandatory in spring/summer.

How fit do I need to be?

This is accessible to most fitness levels. 0.7 miles with moderate elevation gain is doable for casual hikers. It's the stairs and gravel footing that demand attention, not cardio demand. Go slowly and take breaks.

What's the worst part of this hike?

The descent on loose gravel is slippy and ankle-twisty. Go slow, watch your footing, and consider trekking poles. The stairs have no handrails—move deliberately and test each step.

What if the access road is bad?

Lansing-Edmond Road is narrow and curvy in all seasons. In winter (snow/ice), the road becomes hazardous and the gravel slippery. In mud season (March), the gravel trail may be impassable. Check conditions before driving; turn back if unsafe.