Headhouse Trail

Headhouse Trail: steep Nuttallburg access from Short Creek Trailhead

Trail

Trail

NPS describes a steep, strenuous 0.75-mile descent from Short Creek Trailhead to the Nuttallburg headhouse. That is the approach distance; allow for the uphill return, not an easy short circuit.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.75
Route Type
Out-and-back; displayed distance is the one-way descent, with an uphill return
Difficulty Level
NPS describes a steep, strenuous 0.75-mile descent from Short Creek Trailhead to the Nuttallburg headhouse. That is the approach distance; allow for the uphill return, not an easy short circuit.
Elevation Gain Feet
150

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.75
Route Type
Out-and-back; displayed distance is the one-way descent, with an uphill return
Difficulty Level
NPS describes a steep, strenuous 0.75-mile descent from Short Creek Trailhead to the Nuttallburg headhouse. That is the approach distance; allow for the uphill return, not an easy short circuit.
Elevation Gain Feet
150
Estimated Time
NPS describes a steep, strenuous 0.75-mile descent from Short Creek Trailhead to the Nuttallburg headhouse. That is the approach distance; allow for the uphill return, not an easy short circuit.
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
The separate Headhouse approach starts at Short Creek Trailhead off Beauty Mountain Road near Lansing. It is a steep, strenuous descent to the Nuttallburg headhouse, not a Kaymoor connector.
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
No
Shuttle Details
Not required. Drive directly to the trailhead parking area via Lansing-Edmond Road and Beauty Mountain Road.

Permits & conditions

Permits Required
No
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
No
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
No
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
NPS describes a steep, strenuous 0.75-mile descent from Short Creek Trailhead to the Nuttallburg headhouse. That is the approach distance; allow for the uphill return, not an easy short circuit.
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
NPS describes a steep, strenuous 0.75-mile descent from Short Creek Trailhead to the Nuttallburg headhouse. That is the approach distance; allow for the uphill return, not an easy short circuit.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail safe to hike alone?

NPS describes a steep, strenuous 0.75-mile descent from Short Creek Trailhead to the Nuttallburg headhouse. That is the approach distance; allow for the uphill return, not an easy short circuit. Choose for the least experienced person and check current access and trail conditions.

Can I hike this with kids or older family members?

NPS describes a steep, strenuous 0.75-mile descent from Short Creek Trailhead to the Nuttallburg headhouse. That is the approach distance; allow for the uphill return, not an easy short circuit. Choose for the least experienced person and check current access and trail conditions.

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?

NPS describes a steep, strenuous 0.75-mile descent from Short Creek Trailhead to the Nuttallburg headhouse. That is the approach distance; allow for the uphill return, not an easy short circuit. Choose for the least experienced person and check current access and trail conditions.

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.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated October 2026. Report an issue.