Water (2L minimum), map, trekking poles for descent. Cell is unreliable; satellite communicator recommended.

NPS policy not specified. Check with the park before visiting.

Trail currently closed due to washout. Check NPS website for updates.

Keeneys Creek Rail - 3.3mi Easy Hike

Q: How long does it take?

1.5-2 hours one-way; 3-4 hours round trip with photo stops.

Q: Is it safe to hike alone?

The trail is straightforward and well-marked, but the remote location offers no cell service and no guarantee of other hikers. Tell someone where you're going.

Q: Is it family-friendly?

Yes—easy, wide trail, no scrambling. Trestle bridges have high drop-offs; constant child supervision required.

Distance

3.3 mi

Elevation Gain

700 ft

Est. Time

1.5-2 hours one-way (3-4 hours round trip with photo stops)

Route Type

Out-and-back (or one-way point-to-point between the two trailheads)

Best Season

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer stable weather, fewer bugs, and mild temperatures

Overview

About This Trail

A 3.3-mile easy rail-bed trail following a historic 100-year-old railroad line through New River Gorge. Features trestle bridges with views of scenic mountain streams and remnants of coal-mining infrastructure. The gentle 4% grade and wide trail surface make this accessible for most fitness levels. ⚠️ CRITICAL: Currently CLOSED due to dangerous washout—check NPS status before visiting.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Historic trestle bridges with views of scenic mountain streams, visible coal-mining infrastructure from the industrial era, remnants of a 100-year-old railroad engineering feat, connection points to Conveyor Trail and Town Loop Connector Trail

Insider Tips

• The trestle bridges are THE highlight—take your time and enjoy the views down to the streams • Historic conveyor system is visible along the trail—look left around mile 1.5 • Trail connections to Conveyor Trail and Town Loop Connector Trail allow loop variations if exploring • Park at the first lot and hike the full 3.3 miles one-way to the second parking area for out-and-back • The road gets narrower past Winona—single-lane sections require honking your horn around blind curves • Most hikers return the same way; no shuttle service between parking areas

Best Season to Hike

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer stable weather, fewer bugs, and mild temperatures

Hiking Tips

Check the NPS website for reopening updates—trail currently closed due to washout
Road access is narrow and twisty with single-lane sections; drive carefully and honk around blind curves
Bring water despite stream crossings; filter before drinking
Start early to secure one of the two small parking areas
Cell service unreliable—tell someone where you're going
Trestle bridges offer the best views; don't rush through them
Wide trail and gentle grade make this good for families if open

Family Info

Excellent for families—easy grade, wide trail surface, no steep scrambling. Trestle bridges have high drop-offs with no guardrails; children must stay on the trail and under constant supervision.

What Hikers Say

Once reopened, this easy rail trail offers a low-impact scenic walk through historic railroad infrastructure and Appalachian streams. Hikers appreciate the accessibility and historical context, though the remote location and narrow road access test patience. Expect solitude rather than crowds.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 3.3 miles

Elevation Gain: 700 ft

Duration: 1.5-2 hours one-way (3-4 hours round trip with photo stops)

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back (or one-way point-to-point between the two trailheads)

Surface: Wide packed dirt and gravel rail bed

Getting There

Trailhead: Keeneys Creek Road; two small parking areas: first at 2.0 miles down Keeneys Creek Road from Winona, second 1.5 miles further

Parking: Very small (two separate parking areas, few spaces each)

Fills Up: Rarely full (remote location, small lots)

Requirements

Permit Required

None required

Fees: Free (New River Gorge has no entrance fee)

Shuttle Available

Not required; two trailheads available at each end

Trail Rules

Biking: Yes—wide, smooth rail bed suitable for gravel bikes and mountain bikes

Trail Markers: Well worn and clear—follows old rail bed, marked on Nuttallburg Area Trails map

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Short Creek and other streams cross the trail—water available but must be filtered

Shade: Mixed—trail criss-crosses landscape, alternating sun and shade sections

Cell Service: Spotty or none—plan on unreliable service; tell someone your plans

Hazards:

TRAIL CURRENTLY CLOSED due to dangerous washout at an undisclosed location. Road access is narrow, twisty, with single-lane sections requiring careful driving. Trestle bridges have high drop-offs with no guardrails. Remote location with limited cell service and potential for wildlife encounters.

Emergency: 911 (service may be delayed); nearest ranger station at Canyon Rim Visitor Center (6 miles by road)

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Solitude-heavy (remote location, small parking, limited road access)

Peak Times: Weekends if trail reopens; likely minimal crowding due to road access difficulty

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Wide, gently graded rail bed accessible to most fitness levels. No scrambling or technical climbing. Road access is narrow and twisty, which may be challenging for RVs or large vehicles.

Family Notes:

Excellent for families—easy grade, wide trail surface, no steep scrambling. Trestle bridges have high drop-offs with no guardrails; children must stay on the trail and under constant supervision.

Nearby Facilities

Canyon Rim Visitor Center (6 miles away) has restrooms, water, and information. Nearest town supplies in Lansing or Winona; no services at trailhead.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail hard?

No—it's a gentle 4% grade on a wide rail bed. The real challenge is the narrow, twisty road access and remote location with no cell service.

How long does it take?

Is it safe to hike alone?

What gear do I need?

Is it family-friendly?

Can I bring my dog?

When will it reopen?

📖 National Park Service — Keeneys Creek Rail Trail (official page) (checked 2026-07-03) 📖 National Park Service — New River Gorge National Park & Preserve fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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