Southside Trail

Q: Are the ruins actually interesting?

Yes. Three 19th-century mining towns with brick coke ovens, foundations, and structures. This is genuine industrial archaeology, not scattered rubble.

Q: How bad is the motorized vehicle traffic?

Audible on mile 1, but infrequent. Once past mile 1, vehicles are rare. Worth the trade-off for the history beyond.

Q: Can I do this with young kids?

Yes. It's flat, easy, and ruins engage children. Shorter option: park at Brooklyn and hike 1–2 miles backward to Red Ash. Supervise near the river and around uneven ruins.

Q: What's the water situation?

The river runs alongside the entire trail. Bring 2–3 liters in your pack; don't rely on treating river water. Vault toilet at Cunard trailhead.

Q: When's the best time to go?

Spring (April–May) or Fall (September–October) avoid summer heat. Go early (before 8am) to beat crowds and temperature buildup.

Q: Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes. The trail is popular, open to public, and ranger-patrolled. First-mile vehicles are predictable. Carry a whistle and map for peace of mind.

Distance

7 mi

Est. Time

3-4 hours at a steady pace; 5-6 hours with stops to explore ruins thoroughly.

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Spring through Fall. Year-round access but summer heat is intense on exposed riverside sections.

Overview

About This Trail

This 7-mile easy walk follows an old railroad bed along the New River through the Thurmond-Cunard area. The main reward is passage through three abandoned 19th-century mining towns—Rush Run, Red Ash, and Brooklyn—each with preserved brick coke ovens, foundations, and industrial buildings slowly reclaimed by the forest. Expect motorized vehicles on the first mile from Cunard, then peaceful riverside walking for the remainder. This is family-friendly hiking with zero technical challenge and substantial industrial archaeology payoff.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trail Highlights

Views of the New River and passage through three 19th-century mining towns (Rush Run, Red Ash, Brooklyn) with preserved brick infrastructure, coke ovens, and community buildings.

Insider Tips

• First mile feels crowded with vehicle traffic—push to mile 1.5 for solitude. • Red Ash and Brooklyn are the crown jewels; don't rush through them. • Brick coke ovens at Red Ash are the best photo ops—technical industrial archaeology. • Park at Brooklyn for a reverse hike (mile 7 parking, walk backward toward Cunard). • Commissary Building near Red Ash is the most intact structure—explore it fully.

Best Season to Hike

Spring through Fall. Year-round access but summer heat is intense on exposed riverside sections.

Hiking Tips

Bring 2-3 liters of water—the river runs alongside but carry your own supply.
The first mile has motorized vehicles—stay to the side and let them pass.
Wear a hat and high SPF sunscreen; riverside heat and glare intensify exposure.
Tighten your boots; debris and loose bricks near ruins demand solid footing.
Leave before 8am to avoid weekend crowds and afternoon heat buildup.
Red Ash and Brooklyn (miles 3–4) are the history payoff—don't rush through them.

Family Info

Excellent for families. Easy terrain, long but not arduous, and ruins are engaging for children. First mile has motorized vehicles—teach trail safety. Water hazard near river—supervise children. No technical scrambling.

What Hikers Say

Hikers praise the easy walk and authentic mining history. The three towns with coke ovens and ruins are the draw. Complaints center on motorized traffic on mile 1, but most agree the history justifies the distance.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 7 miles

Duration: 3-4 hours at a steady pace; 5-6 hours with stops to explore ruins thoroughly.

Difficulty: Easy

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Dirt and gravel on old railroad bed. First mile is wider and packed (vehicle-accessible); remainder is narrower and more natural.

Getting There

Trailhead: Cunard River Access. From Route 19 near Fayetteville, follow Route 16 south through town, turn left on Gateway Road, proceed 4.6 miles, turn left at Cunard sign, go 1.8 miles, then left at Cunard River Access Road signs. Follow to parking at river.

Fills Up: Full by late morning on weekends; weekdays rarely fill.

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required.

Fees: No park entrance fee.

Shuttle Available

No shuttle. Brooklyn (mile 7) offers alternate parking and vehicle access for shorter walks.

Trail Rules

Dogs: Not specified in provided data; assume standard leash requirements—verify with park.

Biking: Yes. Trail is designated for both hiking and biking.

Trail Markers: Well-marked on official park maps (labeled on Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map). Old railroad bed is obvious; navigation is straightforward.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: New River runs alongside the entire trail. Filter or treat water from river. Bring your own supply; most hikers carry 2-3 liters.

Shade: Partial. Riverside sections have some tree cover; expect significant sun exposure on open stretches between ruins.

Cell Service: Spotty to none in the gorge. Plan for self-rescue; carry a map.

Hazards:

Motorized vehicles use the first mile from Cunard—stay alert and yield. Trail runs adjacent to New River with drop-offs; supervise children. Open riverside sections have zero shade; sun protection is critical. Historic ruins have uneven ground and loose bricks—watch footing.

Emergency: Call 911 from areas with coverage. Park ranger assistance available at Canyon Rim or Sandstone Visitor Centers (9am–5pm daily).

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Low to moderate, with weekend day-trippers visiting the ruins.

Peak Times: Weekends, mid-morning to early afternoon.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Mostly flat and accessible. First mile is suitable for all abilities (vehicle access). Difficulty increases slightly around ruins (uneven ground, loose bricks) but remains manageable for families.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Parking and vault toilets at Cunard. Park visitor centers: Canyon Rim and Sandstone Visitor Center (9am–5pm daily; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day). Seasonal centers at Thurmond and Grandview (typically Memorial Day–Labor Day).

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this really 'easy'?

Yes. Seven miles is a long walk, not a hard one. Flat terrain, no scrambling, no altitude. Bring water and sunscreen, but expect minimal physical strain.

Are the ruins actually interesting?

How bad is the motorized vehicle traffic?

Can I do this with young kids?

What's the water situation?

When's the best time to go?

Is it safe to hike alone?