Keeneys Creek Rail - 3.3mi Easy Hike

Hikers walking on an old road towards a wooden boardwalk

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 3.3
Route Type: Out-and-back (or one-way point-to-point between the two trailheads)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 700

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3.3
Route Type: Out-and-back (or one-way point-to-point between the two trailheads)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 700
Estimated Time: 1.5-2 hours one-way (3-4 hours round trip with photo stops)
Trail Surface: Wide packed dirt and gravel rail bed
Trail Features: Trestle bridges
Historic railroad bed
Scenic mountain streams (Short Creek)
Coal mining infrastructure remnants
Visible conveyor system
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

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Keeneys Creek Road; two small parking areas: first at 2.0 miles down Keeneys Creek Road from Winona, second 1.5 miles further
Parking Lot Size: Very small (two separate parking areas, few spaces each)
Parking Fill Time: Rarely full (remote location, small lots)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required; two trailheads available at each end

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required
Fees: Free (New River Gorge has no entrance fee)
Trail Status: Currently CLOSED due to dangerous washout
Seasonal Closures: Rarely closes from snow, but winter conditions (ice, mud) may make road access treacherous. Trail currently closed indefinitely due to washout.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Short Creek and other streams cross the trail—water available but must be filtered
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Dangerous washout (trail closed)
High drop-offs at trestle bridges
Narrow winding road access
Limited cell service
Potential wildlife encounters
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Spotty or none—plan on unreliable service; tell someone your plans
Crowd Level: Solitude-heavy (remote location, small parking, limited road access)
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends if trail reopens; likely minimal crowding due to road access difficulty
Best Season: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer stable weather, fewer bugs, and mild temperatures
Best Time To Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) for stable weather and fewer bugs. Start early to secure parking at the small lots. Once reopened, avoid summer heat and winter mud. Current status: CLOSED—check NPS website before planning.
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Park Area: Nuttallburg Area
Trail Markers: Well worn and clear—follows old rail bed, marked on Nuttallburg Area Trails map
Biking Allowed: Yes—wide, smooth rail bed suitable for gravel bikes and mountain bikes
Shade Level: Mixed—trail criss-crosses landscape, alternating sun and shade sections
Emergency Contacts: 911 (service may be delayed); nearest ranger station at Canyon Rim Visitor Center (6 miles by road)
Map Recommended: 0
Snow Dates: Appalachian region rarely receives heavy snow; winter closures uncommon but winter mud frequent (December-March)
Mud Season: Late winter through spring (February-April) typically muddy
Fall Colors Peak: September-October (peak foliage in Appalachia)
Bug Season: June-August (mosquitoes and biting flies active in warm months)
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
Recent Updates: Trail CLOSED due to dangerous washout as of July 2026. Check NPS website for reopening timeline and current status.
Family Friendly 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.
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

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.

What gear do I need?

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

Is it family-friendly?

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

Can I bring my dog?

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

When will it reopen?

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