Trail

Kaymoor Trail

Trail
A young hiker overlooks the gorge along a forest trail, below, the elevation change of the trail

Kaymoor Trail is an 8.6-mile moderate gorge hike with 1,297 feet of elevation gain that passes a historic coal mine complex and winds through New River Gorge. The first two miles follow an old mining road with wayside exhibits, then the trail shifts to forested terrain with stream crossings toward the Cunard trailhead. This is a full-day commitment for most hikers, rewarding you with solitude away from the park's rim overlooks and genuine Appalachian coal mining history. Expect roots, rocks, and creek scrambles—not a stroll.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
8.6
Route Type
One-way (Wolf Creek to Cunard); out-and-back possible from either trailhead.
Difficulty Level
Moderate—a lung-buster for unfit hikers; totally doable for anyone with base fitness and grit. Elevation gain is relentless, not sudden.
Elevation Gain Feet
1297

Trail profile

Distance Miles
8.6
Route Type
One-way (Wolf Creek to Cunard); out-and-back possible from either trailhead.
Difficulty Level
Moderate—a lung-buster for unfit hikers; totally doable for anyone with base fitness and grit. Elevation gain is relentless, not sudden.
Elevation Gain Feet
1297
Estimated Time
4.5-5 hours one-way for average fitness. Add 30+ minutes if you linger at the mine site or your legs are protesting. Plan for a full day including turnaround buffer.
Trail Surface
Mixed: compacted gravel/old mining road (first 2 miles), then forested trail with roots, rocks, and intermittent mud. Creek crossings on natural streambed (wet, slippery when saturated).
Trail Features
  • Historic Kaymoor coal mine complex and ruins
  • Wayside exhibits on mining history
  • New River Gorge views and parallel river hiking
  • Forested canopy sections
  • Creek crossings and streambed terrain
  • Connections to Kaymoor Miners Trail and Craig Branch Trail
Trail Highlights
The Kaymoor coal mine site (Mile 2) is the centerpiece—explore the historic structures and read the wayside exhibits interpreting the old mining community. Past the mine, the forested section opens to gorge overlooks around Mile 4; stop for the payoff shot of the New River curves below.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
PRIMARY: Wolf Creek Trailhead. From U.S. Route 19 (just north of Canyon Rim Visitor Center), take Lansing-Edmond Road (Route 5). Follow County Route 82 signs to narrow Fayette Station Road (hairpin turns, one-way descent 1.2 miles to gorge floor). Cross Tunney Hunsaker Bridge; parking is 1.2 miles ahead at small lot. ALTERNATE: Cunard Road Trailhead (Route 16 south through Fayetteville, then Gatewood Road 4.6 miles, left on Cunard signs, 1.8 miles, turn on Cunard River Access Road; parking 0.5 miles ahead on right).
Parking Lot Size
VERY LIMITED at Wolf Creek (15-20 car capacity). Cunard lot is larger but unmarked/informal. NPS explicitly warns: no parking on approach road—blockage causes traffic jams.
Parking Fill Time
Full by 8:00 AM on weekends; limited capacity but not full until mid-morning on weekdays. The single-lane Fayette Station Road creates bottleneck by 9 AM any day.
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
None. However, the one-way route design requires a shuttle or out-and-back hike to avoid point-to-point logistics.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
None required.
Fees
Free (no entrance fee to New River Gorge National Park).
Trail Status
Open.
Seasonal Closures
Winter snow and ice may affect upper forested sections (December-February). Spring mud (March-April) can make creek crossings impassable. No formal closure, but conditions degrade significantly in winter.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Creek crossings exist (likely around Mile 3-4). Filter before drinking. Dry sections possible on the mining road portion—carry minimum 2L and plan to refill at creeks only if you have a filter.
Accessibility
Rooty, rocky forest sections with uneven terrain; creek crossings; moderate elevation changes; unguarded drop-offs. NOT wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Unguarded gorge drop-offs along trail edges
  • Abandoned mine structures (NPS warning: do not enter)
  • Creek crossings (potential for high water in rain)
  • Exposure to heat on first segment
  • Hairpin-turn road access (narrow Fayette Station Road)
  • Roots and loose rocks
  • Limited parking causing congestion
Hazard Details
NPS explicitly states: "For your safety, do not enter any abandoned structures in the Kaymoor area." Gorge edges along the trail are unguarded with real drop-offs. Fayette Station Road has hairpin turns and is single-lane—traffic backups are common. Creek crossings may be impassable in high water. Loose scree and roots are frequent ankle-rollers. First 2 miles can bake you in summer sun.
Crowd Level
Moderate. Far less crowded than Canyon Rim Overlook or other main park attractions, but the limited parking creates a bottleneck that can make it feel busy during arrival/departure windows.
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends 10 AM - 2 PM, especially Memorial Day through Labor Day. Early morning (6-8 AM) is quieter if you can secure parking.
Best Season
Late April to October. Spring mud (March-April) affects forested sections; winter snow closes access; summer heat is brutal on the exposed first 2 miles.
Best Time To Visit
April-May or September-October for stable weather and moderate temps. Start by 6 AM on weekends or accept a 30+ minute parking search. Summer heat bakes the first segment; winter snow/ice may close upper sections.
Tips Advice
  • Arrive by 7 AM weekends or the Wolf Creek lot will be full. The road is single-lane with hairpin turns—traffic backs up fast.
  • The Kaymoor coal mine site (Mile 2) is the highlight—stop here if you're gassed; the forested half is less scenic.
  • Bring minimum 2L water minimum; you'll cross creeks but they're not reliable. Filter before drinking.
  • Trekking poles are non-negotiable for descent and creek scrambles.
  • Make noise for bears—hike in groups.
  • Tighten your boots. The roots will trip you.

More details

Park Area
Fayetteville - Lansing Area (Labeled (8) on park trail map)
Trail Markers
Well-marked with numbered trail signs (labeled "8" on park maps). Junctions to Kaymoor Miners Trail and Craig Branch Trail are signed. Wayside exhibits at the coal mine site.
Biking Allowed
Yes—the NPS designates this as a hiking and biking trail. Expect roots, rocks, and technical sections in the forested portion; bikes will struggle on creek crossings.
Shade Level
Exposed first 2 miles (old road, minimal tree cover—brutal in July heat). Forested second half provides heavy canopy. Gorge bottom offers shade from the walls. Bring a hat and sunscreen for the grind.
Emergency Contacts
Canyon Rim Visitor Center: 9 AM - 5 PM daily (12 miles north). Park Headquarters, Glen Jean. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies; service may be spotty in the gorge.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
December-February; higher forested sections may have ice and lose traction. Winter descent becomes hazardous.
Mud Season
March-April (spring snowmelt and rain saturate the forested section, creek crossings swell, roots become slick).
Fall Colors Peak
September-October (oak and maple in the gorge display red and gold).
Bug Season
June-August peak mosquito activity in the forested section near creeks. Bring high-DEET insect repellent.
Insider Tips
  • Arrive by 7 AM on weekends or watch the Wolf Creek lot fill in real time. The hairpin descent road gets congested by 8:30 AM.
  • The Kaymoor mine site (Mile 2) is the jewel. If you're gassed, turn around here for an easier 4-mile day and still see the history.
  • Camp the night before at one of the park's backcountry sites (Meadow Creek or Brooklyn) and hit the trail at first light—you'll have the gorge to yourself.
  • The forested section past the mine (Miles 3-6) is less trafficked and more scenic; the final 2 miles reward you with river views.
  • Trekking poles are gold on the descent and creek scrambles.
  • Eat before the ascent back to the car—the hill at the end will hurt.
Recent Updates
Formerly part of the Kaymoor-Cunard Trail; now listed separately. Check signage and maps to confirm current designations, especially at junctions.
Family Friendly Notes
This is a full day for fit families. Children under 8 will struggle with the mileage and elevation. Older kids (10+) with hiking experience can handle it if you pace it as an all-day adventure and turn around at the mine site (4 miles). Gorge edges are unguarded—close supervision required. Do not allow children near the abandoned mine structures. The Fayette Station Road descent is narrow and winding—some kids get car sick.
Nearby Facilities
Canyon Rim Visitor Center (9 AM - 5 PM daily, 12 miles north) has restrooms and water. Fayetteville town (10 miles south via Route 16) has food, lodging, and gas. No services at the trailhead.
Review Summary
Hikers praise the coal mine history and gorge solitude, calling it a "hidden alternative to the crowded rim." Complaints focus on the parking scramble at Wolf Creek and the relentless first-half grind; fitness matters here. Most report it's worth every bit of sweat, especially if you combine it with a Kaymoor Miners Trail descent for views from the mine site itself.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this trail as hard as it sounds?

Yes and no. It's labeled 'Moderate' but 8.6 miles will break your legs if you're unfit. The elevation gain is gradual but relentless—no sudden peaks, just grinding climb from Mile 1-5. Start early, pace yourself, stop at the mine (Mile 2) if needed, and you'll summit fine. Most hikers finish in 4.5-5 hours with a 30-minute break at the mine site.

Can I skip the full 8.6 miles?

Yes. Turn around at the Kaymoor coal mine site (Mile 2) for a 4-mile day. The mine is the jewel anyway—historic ruins and wayside exhibits. You'll avoid the steepest elevation gain and still get the payoff.

What about the parking nightmare?

It's real. Wolf Creek lot fits maybe 15-20 cars. Arrive by 7 AM or expect a 30+ minute wait. Better option: use the Cunard Road trailhead (larger, less crowded) or camp nearby and start at sunrise. The Fayette Station Road hairpin creates bottleneck traffic by 8:30 AM any day.

Do I need special gear or a map?

Bring a map or download the trail on your GPS app. There are junctions and you need to know where you're going, especially in the forested section. Trekking poles are non-negotiable for creek crossings and descent. Carry 2L water minimum and a water filter.

Are there bears on this trail?

Black bears roam the region. Make noise as you hike—talk or use a bear bell. Hike in groups if possible. Don't leave food scraps behind. If you encounter a bear, make yourself big, back away slowly, and don't run. They're uncommon but present.

What if the creeks are swollen from rain?

High water makes crossings dangerous. If water is above your knee or moving fast, consider turning back or finding alternate routes via the Craig Branch Trail junction. Check recent weather; heavy rain in the prior 48 hours means wait a day.

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Big Branch Trail

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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 July 2026. Report an issue.