Southside Trail

The trail alongside railroad track ruins through the forest

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 7
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 7
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 3-4 hours at a steady pace; 5-6 hours with stops to explore ruins thoroughly.
Trail Surface: Dirt and gravel on old railroad bed. First mile is wider and packed (vehicle-accessible); remainder is narrower and more natural.
Trail Features: Abandoned mining towns
Brick coke ovens
River views
Historic ruins
Old railroad bed
Mining community foundations
Riverside walking
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 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.
Parking Fill Time: Full by late morning on weekends; weekdays rarely fill.
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle. Brooklyn (mile 7) offers alternate parking and vehicle access for shorter walks.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required.
Fees: No park entrance fee.
Trail Status: Open
Seasonal Closures: None reported. Park is open 24/7 year-round.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: New River runs alongside the entire trail. Filter or treat water from river. Bring your own supply; most hikers carry 2-3 liters.
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.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Motorized vehicles on mile 1
River exposure
Sun and heat exposure
Uneven ground near ruins
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Spotty to none in the gorge. Plan for self-rescue; carry a map.
Crowd Level: Low to moderate, with weekend day-trippers visiting the ruins.
Peak Crowd Times: Weekends, mid-morning to early afternoon.
Best Season: Spring through Fall. Year-round access but summer heat is intense on exposed riverside sections.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round, but spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best conditions. Start by 7am to beat heat on open riverside sections and avoid weekend crowds.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Thurmond-Cunard Area
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.
Biking Allowed: Yes. Trail is designated for both hiking and biking.
Shade Level: Partial. Riverside sections have some tree cover; expect significant sun exposure on open stretches between ruins.
Emergency Contacts: Call 911 from areas with coverage. Park ranger assistance available at Canyon Rim or Sandstone Visitor Centers (9am–5pm daily).
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare. Winter snow is uncommon in West Virginia's gorge. Check conditions before winter hikes.
Mud Season: Spring and after heavy rains. Low sections near river can be muddy.
Wildflower Peak: Spring (April-May)
Fall Colors Peak: October
Bug Season: Mosquitoes heaviest June-August near the river. Bring insect repellent.
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.
Recent Updates: None reported.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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).
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.