Rend Trail

Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 3.4
Route Type: Out-and-back with two trailhead options
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 3.4
Route Type: Out-and-back with two trailhead options
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Trail Surface: Wide, smooth gravel and packed railroad grade with stairs and five railroad trestles
Trail Features: Five historic railroad trestles
New River gorge views
Dunloup Creek paralleling the trail
Historic Thurmond community overlooks
South Boyd town ruins and foundations
Main scenic overlook
Historic rock slide area with stair bypass
Trail Highlights: Historical features, not currently accessible: Five historic railroad trestles crossing the New River gorge with river and creek views. Historic context of the 1906 coal-hauling railroad adds depth to the hike—the line was abandoned in 1972 and normally serves as a hiking and biking corridor when open. Both trailheads are closed until approximately December 2027.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Parking Fill Time: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Shuttle Required: No

Permits & conditions

Permits Required: No
Permit Details: No permits required
Fees: Free
Trail Status: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: Yes
Water Sources: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Accessibility: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Exposure on railroad trestles with drop-offs
Uneven trestle surfaces, especially when wet
Drop-offs at overlooks
One permanent bridge closure
Short staircase with no handrail
Hazard Details: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Cell Service: Likely available at trailheads; weak or absent in gorge sections
Crowd Level: High on weekends; moderate on weekdays
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends 10:00 AM-3:00 PM; spring and fall weekends are peak season
Best Season: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) for comfortable hiking temperatures
Best Time To Visit: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Tips Advice: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.

More details

Park Area: Cunard-Thurmond Area
Trail Markers: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Biking Allowed: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Shade Level: Mixed. Expect full sun exposure on the gorge-side trestles and overlooks; partial shade in forested creek sections. Bring a hat and sunscreen for exposed trestle sections.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911. Rend Trail is within New River Gorge National Park & Preserve managed by the National Park Service. Nearest ranger support: Park Headquarters, Glen Jean, or Thurmond seasonal visitor center (open Memorial Day–Labor Day).
Map Recommended: Yes
Snow Dates: December–February possible but rare in West Virginia
Mud Season: March–April after spring runoff and heavy rain
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through mid-October
Bug Season: Mosquitoes near Dunloup Creek, especially dawn and dusk in summer months (June–August)
Insider Tips: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Recent Updates: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Family Friendly Notes: Checked October 7, 2026: Rend Trail is CLOSED from both the Thurmond and Minden trailheads until approximately December 2027 for rehabilitation. No current hiking, biking, partial-trail or overlook access is available. The projected date is not a guaranteed reopening; recheck NPS closures before planning a visit.
Nearby Facilities: Limited facilities at historic Thurmond. Full services (food, water, restrooms) are in Oak Hill, approximately 15 minutes driving from the Minden trailhead. Pack all supplies at the trailhead; no food or reliable water is available on the trail itself.
Review Summary: Hikers consistently praise Rend Trail for accessibility and spectacular river gorge views. Most rate it among the park's best beginner-friendly hikes with surprising exposure and historic character. Families love the smooth, wide surface; mountain bikers appreciate the historic trestle sections and exposure training.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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Sources

National Park Service
YourNPGuide Editorial

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.