Southern West Virginia is one of the most magnificent areas in the country for wilderness backpacking, hiking, and scenic tours. Take in panoramic mountain views, catch a glimpse of local wildlife or refresh yourself in a cool valley stream. Whatever your experience, you will be struck by the breathtaking beauty of the area and our rich, cultural heritage. We now offer a variety of half-day, full-day, and evening programs. Call for more information and specific itineraries.

Long Point Trail
This mild hiking adventure meanders through forested mountains with a variety of flora and fauna that will beckon to your senses. The final portion of the trail descends through lush rhododendron and mountain laurel to a narrow rock outcropping. Here, the sky opens up to spectacular views of the New River Gorge Bridge, Wolf Creek drainage and the mighty New River itself - over 300 feet below! Sunsets on this hike are beyond description! Easy to moderate 2.8 miles.

Kaymoor Mine Hike
This is a great hike for history buffs or families looking for educational activities. Beginning at the Wolf Creek Trailhead, you will continue for 1.8 miles to the abandoned coalmine at Kaymoor, the last mine to close in the New River Gorge. Encompassed by dense laurel thickets, this trail offers a breathtaking vista where the rushing waters of Wolf Creek cascade downward to join forces with the powerful New River. You will encounter a gentle slope leading to your first view of the New River Gorge Bridge and continue further passing vestiges left from the early mining era. There are many historical structures to explore; including several mine vent shafts, the powder house, machine shop, foreman's office and "head house", or working face of the mine where coal was brought from deep inside. Easy to moderate 3.6 miles.

Minden to Thurmond to Draper-Ingles Trailhead
This trail follows the abandoned Arbuckle Branch of the C&O Railroad. There are several scenic overlooks along the way offering views of the historic railroad town of Thurmond, as well as the New River that borders it. This hike is characterized by rare geological formations and remnants of the area's coalmining and railroad heritage. It is not uncommon to catch sight of wildlife darting across your path as you make your way to town. You will cross several trestles and the bridge at Thurmond. Once there, it's like taking a step back in time. You will visit the restored railroad depot and come to know Thurmond as it once was, "The Dodge City of the East". On your return, you will enjoy a hearty lunch at the Dun-Glen Day Use Area before completing your journey. Easy 4.4 miles one way.

New River Bridge Trail
Fayette Station Road is the starting point for this hiking adventure. The trail descends a steep rocky path that winds sharply downward, directly under the New River Gorge Bridge. Once you reach the Fayetteville Trail, you will branch off on the Long Point Trail and continue your descent. There are several abandoned mines to explore along the way, such as Bachman, Cataract and Whitney as well as some remnants of the Kaymoor #2 and South Fayette Mines. This is a rugged, steep trail and should only be attempted by those in good physical condition.

Kaymoor Mine/ Kaymoor Miners' Trail
Start with a moderate hike on the Kaymoor Mine trail described above and finish with a mile of extreme steep terrain on the Miners' trail, and the result is a complete educational workout! At the face of the mine, you will steeply ascend 1 mile to what is known as Kaymoor "Top". This is the route coal miners used everyday before and after a grueling 10-hour shift. The trail is tough, but the feeling of making it to "Top" will leave you feeling victorious!

Endless Wall Trail
The Endless Wall is one of the best "unknown" hiking destinations in the New River Gorge. Popular with rock climbers, this property was only recently added to the park in 1998. The Endless Wall winds around vertical cliffs and spectacular sandstone ledges offering vertical views of the New River - almost 1000 feet below! You can often hear exhilarated shouts wafting upwards through the canyon walls as rafters tackle the wild rapids below. This historic trail passes over the former site of the Nuttallburg mine, the largest coalmine in the New River Coalfields during the late 1800's.

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