Trail

Tipple Trail

Trail
A view of the old coke ovens near to the trail

This 0.6-mile walk through Nuttallburg reveals the industrial and community story of early 1900s coal mining in the New River Gorge. You'll see a conveyor and tipple system designed by Henry Ford in the 1920s, coke ovens where coal was processed for steel, and ruins of a segregated African American mining community. The terrain is easy but uneven around historic structures—treat each stone as a clue to life here. Short distance, massive history.

Quick facts

Distance Miles
0.6
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
0

Trail profile

Distance Miles
0.6
Route Type
Out-and-back
Difficulty Level
Easy
Elevation Gain Feet
0
Estimated Time
45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on walking pace and time spent at exhibits
Trail Surface
Gravel, dirt, and packed earth with historic structures and sections through industrial ruins
Trail Features
  • Tipple system and conveyor
  • Coke ovens battery
  • Historic mining community ruins
  • Short Creek bridge
  • Clubhouse remains
  • Post office site
  • Henry Ford-era industrial structures
Trail Highlights
Coal mining heritage from the early 1900s with conveyor and tipple system designed by Henry Ford in the 1920s. See how coal was processed into coke for steel production. Explore the remains of a segregated African American mining community, including clubhouse, post office, and extensive coke ovens. This is industrial archaeology with real human stories.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location
Turn onto Lansing-Edmond Road (CO 5/82) off US 19 in Lansing, north of Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Drive 6.0 miles to Winona, then turn right onto Keeneys Creek Road (CO 85/2). Travel 4.1 miles to Nuttallburg parking area. Accessible parking available 0.10 mile beyond main lot. Alternative: US 60 to Lansing-Edmond Road in Lookout, 2.1 miles to Winona, then 4.1 miles on Keeneys Creek Road.
Parking Lot Size
Limited - Small gravel lot; accessible parking 0.10 mile beyond main area
Parking Fill Time
Typically fills by late morning on weekends; weekdays rarely full
Shuttle Required
0
Shuttle Details
None required. Personal vehicle essential due to narrow, winding access roads.

Permits & conditions

Permit Details
None required
Fees
No entrance fee required
Trail Status
Open year-round
Seasonal Closures
Roads may be impassable or hazardous during heavy snow or ice (December-March). Check road conditions before winter visits.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead
0
Water Sources
Dry trail - carry all water. No filterable sources. Bring 1-2 liters minimum. Summer sun exposure makes hydration critical.
Accessibility
Short distance (0.6 miles) accommodates most mobility levels. Parking includes accessible spot 0.10 mile from main lot. Trail terrain is uneven with structures and variable footing—not suitable for wheelchairs. Walking poles recommended for stability around ruins.

Safety & strategy

Hazards
  • Fragile historic structures and walls
  • Narrow, curvy access roads with single-lane sections
  • Uneven terrain around ruins
  • Sun exposure and limited shade
  • Cliff edges near some structures
Hazard Details
Historic walls and constructed features are extremely fragile and collapse if climbed on or sat upon; respect preservation notices and barriers. Lansing-Edmond and Keeneys Creek Roads are legitimately narrow and winding with single-lane sections—drive cautiously and be prepared to back up for oncoming traffic. Terrain is uneven around ruins; watch your footing carefully. Limited shade means high sun exposure in summer. Some structures occupy cliff-edge positions; stay on marked trail and respect all barriers.
Cell Service
Poor to nonexistent. Reliable cell service unlikely. Carry a whistle or signal mirror for emergencies.
Crowd Level
Ghost town - very light foot traffic, especially on weekdays
Peak Crowd Times
Weekends (especially summer Saturdays 10am-3pm) may see modest increases, but this remains a quiet educational site
Best Season
Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures without summer heat or winter road hazards
Best Time To Visit
Spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for stable weather. Arrive by 10am to beat afternoon heat and secure parking. Morning light is optimal for photographing the industrial structures.
Tips Advice
  • Bring 1-2 liters of water—educational pacing means extended sun exposure; hydration is critical even on short walks.
  • Wear sturdy shoes; uneven terrain around structures demands good footing.
  • Do NOT climb, sit on, or walk on walls—they're fragile and tell the story better intact.
  • Drive slowly and carefully on Lansing-Edmond and Keeneys Creek Roads; they're narrow, curvy, with single-lane sections.
  • Respect all 'Do Not Enter' signs and barriers on unstable structures.
  • Start early on weekends; the lot fills and roads can slow traffic.
  • Bring a camera; late-afternoon light transforms the industrial geometry.

More details

Park Area
Nuttallburg Area
Trail Markers
Well-marked with educational exhibits and historical signage throughout. Trail is clearly defined but smaller than typical park trails.
Biking Allowed
Mountain bikes permitted only on marked section from parking area that crosses under conveyor and runs parallel to coke oven battery. All visitors must walk to view coke oven fronts or structures under tipple. This protects fragile historic structures and rider safety.
Shade Level
Mostly open to partial sun. Historic structures and vegetation provide scattered shade. Summer sun exposure is significant; wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
Emergency Contacts
Call 911. Canyon Rim Visitor Center (9am-5pm daily) is the nearest ranger station. Park headquarters in Glen Jean for non-emergency information.
Map Recommended
1
Snow Dates
December through March - snow and ice possible, affecting road access and trail conditions
Mud Season
March through May - following snowmelt and heavy spring rains, roads and trail may become muddy and slippery
Fall Colors Peak
October - Hardwood foliage peaks in the New River Gorge region
Bug Season
June through September - Mosquitoes and gnats present near water sources and damp areas. Apply insect repellent.
Insider Tips
  • The roads are genuinely narrow and winding—not a casual drive. Reduce speed and watch for oncoming traffic.
  • The tipple and conveyor are the visual centerpiece; photograph in late afternoon when shadows define the industrial geometry.
  • The coke ovens battery (beyond the conveyor) is easy to miss—the trail continues, so keep exploring.
  • The Short Creek bridge section tells the story of the African American segregated community—don't skip this part.
  • Bring binoculars or magnifying glass for reading smaller exhibits and understanding technical coal operation details.
  • Morning visits feel less crowded and offer better light as you progress.
  • This is a coal mining lesson in 0.6 miles—respect it as both a historical site and engineering marvel.
Family Friendly Notes
Perfect for families due to short distance and educational focus. Young children handle the easy grade well. CAUTION: Historic structures and cliff edges near some ruins require constant supervision. No climbing on structures. Explain preservation rules before starting. Segregated community history is appropriate for children 10+ with context-setting conversation.
Nearby Facilities
Limited services. Lansing has a small store. Canyon Rim Visitor Center (9am-5pm, 6 miles from parking) has restrooms, water, and ranger information. Stock up on supplies before heading to Nuttallburg. No services at trailhead.
Review Summary
Visitors consistently praise the educational value and unique perspective on coal mining heritage. Hikers and history buffs value the easy walk and accessible distance. Many note the access roads require careful driving. Families appreciate the short length and age-appropriate history lesson.

Location

Frequently asked questions

How long does this actually take?

Plan 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. It's 0.6 miles, but exhibits and structures pull you in. Budget more time for careful reading and photography.

Is the terrain difficult for someone out of shape?

No. This is easy terrain—flat with minor uneven patches around structures. The real challenge is the narrow drive to get there, not the walk. Perfect for history without suffering.

Are there safety risks I should know about?

Two main ones: Lansing-Edmond and Keeneys Creek Roads are narrow and winding—drive cautiously. Second: Historic structures are fragile and some have drop-offs—stay on trail and don't touch or climb. Respect all 'Do Not Enter' barriers.

Can I bring young kids?

Yes, the 0.6-mile distance is perfect for families. Supervise them around structures and cliffs. Explain the 'don't climb' rule beforehand. The African American community history is valuable context for kids 10 and up.

Is there water available on the trail?

No. Carry 1-2 liters of water. No filterable sources. Summer heat makes hydration critical even on short walks.

What makes Nuttallburg historically significant?

It was a segregated coal mining community in the early 1900s with infrastructure designed by Henry Ford in the 1920s. Coal was processed into coke here for steel production. The site tells the story of industrial engineering and African American labor history in Appalachia.

Can I bike this trail?

Bikes only on the marked section from parking—specifically where it crosses under the conveyor and runs parallel to coke oven battery. Everyone must walk to see coke oven fronts or structures under the tipple. This protects fragile historic sites and riders.

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Sources

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.