Little Laurel Trail

An old dirt road through bright green forest

Little Laurel Trail drops 1,400 feet from Grandview down to the New River over 2.6 miles—a strenuous, relentless descent on an old dirt road. The physical toll is real: steep grades throughout, uneven footing, and exposure on the descent. You'll pass the old coal mine site at Royal and experience spring wildflowers, but this is a grit-test, not a scenic stroll.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.6
Route Type: One-way
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1400

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.6
Route Type: One-way
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Elevation Gain Feet: 1400
Estimated Time: 2–3 hours downhill if you're fit; 3.5–4 hours with frequent breaks. Ascending the same route takes 4–5 hours.
Trail Surface: Old dirt road with loose gravel sections and uneven footing; tree roots exposed in forest portions.
Trail Features: Old coal mine site at Royal
Spring wildflowers with elevation zone diversity
New River Gorge 1,400 feet below
Historic coal town ruins
Trail Highlights: Descend through multiple forest zones to the New River Gorge 1,400 feet below. Historic coal mining site and seasonal wildflower displays. The elevation change exposes a great diversity of spring wildflowers.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Upper: Parking area for shelter #3 and #4 at Grandview. Lower: Glade Creek Road—0.25 mile down from junction on right, near scattered foundations of coal town of Royal.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Two distinct trailheads (Grandview upper, Glade Creek Road lower). No shuttle service provided by park. Arranging two vehicles or ride-share essential for one-way descent; out-and-back return possible but doubles physical toll.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required.
Trail Status: Open.
Seasonal Closures: None reported. Park is open year-round; visitor centers seasonal.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: No reliable water sources on trail. New River at bottom is your only water access; carry 2–3 liters minimum from start.
Accessibility: Steep and uneven. Loose gravel, exposed roots, and technical footing throughout. Not wheelchair-accessible. Requires strong hiking fitness and joint stability to handle relentless descent.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Steep descent
Loose gravel and uneven footing
Exposure on drop-offs
Slippery when wet
No bailout mid-trail
Hazard Details: Road descends steeply with 1,400-foot loss over 2.6 miles. Loose gravel and exposed roots create treacherous footing. Steep sections become dangerously slippery when wet. Single-track sections expose hikers to drop-offs with no guardrails. Not suitable for anyone with fear of heights or poor balance.
Best Season: Spring (April–May for wildflowers) and fall (September–October for stable weather).
Best Time To Visit: Late April through early June for spring wildflowers and moderate weather. Start by 6 AM to complete the descent before afternoon heat builds.
Tips Advice: Bring 2–3 liters of water minimum; no reliable water sources on trail.
Trekking poles essential for the steep descent—your knees will demand them on the way down.
Wear ankle-supporting hiking boots; footing is loose and uneven in places.
The descent is relentless; pace yourself and take breaks every 20 minutes.
Wear layers: mornings are cool, but you'll overheat fast during exertion.
Two vehicles or arranged shuttle needed for true point-to-point descent.

More details

Park Area: Grandview
Trail Markers: Well-marked. Labeled (1) on official Grandview Area Trails map. Trail signs at junctions; some sections may be less obvious after heavy rain or snow.
Biking Allowed: Yes. Trail is designated for hiking and biking.
Shade Level: Mixed: Tree cover for first 1.5 miles; increasingly exposed as grade steepens. Afternoon sun beats unshaded sections relentlessly.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 for emergencies. Visitor center staff (when staffed) can assist with non-emergency issues.
Map Recommended: 1
Wildflower Peak: April–May.
Insider Tips: The coal mine site at Royal—the scattered foundations near the lower trailhead—is the historical payoff. Many hikers miss it; ask visitor center for exact location.
Spring mud is real in Appalachian terrain; wear boots with aggressive tread.
False confidence: the road looks manageable for the first mile; killer grades come later.
Descending is deceptively hard on the body; most hikers underestimate descent time.
If doing out-and-back, plan for 7–8 hours total; this is a full-day commitment.
Family Friendly Notes: Not suitable for young children or inexperienced hikers. The 1,400-foot descent is physically demanding with steep, exposed sections. Only suitable for fit teens and adults experienced with strenuous, technical terrain and comfortable with heights.
Nearby Facilities: Seasonal Visitor Center at Grandview (open 9 AM–5 PM daily, Memorial Day–Labor Day). Parking areas with shelter facilities. Nearest town supplies in Beckley, WV (approximately 30 miles north).
Review Summary: Hikers consistently report the elevation loss as brutal—a relentless 1,400-foot descent that hammers the knees on the way down. The reward is river access and spring wildflower diversity, but this trail is strictly for those with strong fitness levels and joint stability.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Is this beginner-friendly?

No. This is strenuous—1,400 feet of loss over 2.6 miles. Even fit hikers find it challenging. Start with easier Grandview trails first.

How long does this take?

2–3 hours downhill for fit hikers; 3.5–4 hours with frequent breaks. If you return uphill the same day, add 4–5 hours for the slog back.

Can I do this alone?

Yes, but risky. No cell service guarantee and steep terrain offers no bailout. Tell someone your plan, bring an emergency whistle, and start early to finish before dark.

What's the biggest risk on this trail?

The steep descent with loose gravel and no guardrails. One misstep on a steep section and you're in trouble. Strong ankle-supporting boots and trekking poles are non-negotiable.

Is there water on the trail?

Not until the New River at trail's end. Carry 2–3 liters minimum. Visitor facilities (including water) are seasonal at Grandview.

Do I need special gear?

Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the descent to save your knees. Ankle-supporting hiking boots are essential—athletic shoes won't cut it. Bring plenty of water and wear layers.

When's best—spring or fall?

Spring (April–May) for wildflowers; fall (September–October) for clear weather and stable conditions. Summer is hot with full sun exposure on the descent.