Deep in the heart of New River Gorge National Park, the Kaymoor Miners Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through history. 🤩
This steep trail leads to the remains of Kaymoor One, a once-thriving coal mine that played a vital role in West Virginia’s mining boom. Today, the site stands as a haunting yet fascinating reminder of the industry that shaped the region.
I personally love exploring old, abandoned structures and towns, so this trail is one of my favorites in New River Gorge!
Founded in 1900 by the Low Moor Coal Company, Kaymoor One was among the most productive mines in the gorge, fueling iron furnaces and industrial expansion across America.
At its peak, the mine supported a lively community, with workers and their families living in company housing scattered across the mountainside.
However, as mining technology advanced, jobs disappeared, and by the mid-1900s, Kaymoor was abandoned, leaving behind the remnants of its past.
Now part of the National Register of Historic Places, the site can only be accessed on foot, making it a unique destination for hikers eager to explore both nature and history.
The Kaymoor Miners Trail is short but intense, featuring a steep descent along with 800+ wooden steps! 😰
For those willing to take on the challenge, the reward is an up-close look at one of West Virginia’s most well-preserved mining sites. If you’re ready to take on this historic hike, read my guide for everything you need to know before you go!
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Kaymoor Miners Trail Stats and Map
Kaymoor Miners Trail Stats
Starting Point: Kaymoor Miners Trailhead
Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 950 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Hike Features: Small waterfall, 821 wooden steps, old remnants of the Kaymoor coal mine site and Kaymoor Bottom
Kaymoor Miners Trail Map
Kaymoor Miners Trail History
The Kaymoor One Mine was established in 1900 by the Low Moor Coal Company to supply coal and coke for its iron furnaces.
Named after John Kay, the superintendent who oversaw its construction, Kaymoor quickly became one of the most productive mines in New River Gorge.
The operation was so successful that Kaymoor Two was opened just three years later near present-day Fayetteville.
At its peak, the mine employed over 800 workers, including experienced miners from neighboring states, African Americans from the South, and immigrants seeking new opportunities.
Kaymoor One set an insane production pace from the start, shipping 16.9 million tons of coal over its 62-year lifespan – enough to fill 18 Empire State Buildings!
Unlike many other mining towns, Kaymoor had a reputation for being a relatively safe place to work, with no major explosions reported. However, dangers like rock falls, fires, and electrocution remained constant threats.
After World War II, demand for coal declined, and Kaymoor’s resources began to dwindle.
As cars became more accessible, miners no longer needed to live near the mine, leading to the town’s gradual abandonment. In 1962, Kaymoor One officially closed, marking the end of an era.
Decades later, in the 1980s and 1990s, the National Park Service acquired and protected the site, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, visitors can hike the Kaymoor Miners Trail or Kaymoor Trail to explore the remnants of this once-thriving coal town.
⚠️ As a protected historic site, it’s important to leave artifacts undisturbed and report any vandalism to park authorities at 304-465-0508.
Kaymoor Miners Trail Parking and Directions
The Kaymoor Miners Trailhead is located off Kaymoor Road in the Canyon Rim area of New River Gorge National Park.
Parking is available at Kaymoor Top, the ridgeline above the mine, but the lot is small and narrow, so larger vehicles, RVs, and trailers may have difficulty fitting.
Vault toilets are conveniently located near the trailhead.
🚗 Directions:
- From US 19, head south on WV 16 through Fayetteville.
- Turn left onto Gatewood Road (follow signs for Kaymoor and Cunard).
- Continue for about 2 miles, then turn left at the Kaymoor sign onto Kaymoor No. 1 Road.
- Follow the road for about a mile until you reach a “T” intersection, then turn left.
- The parking area will be on your right, just 50 yards ahead.
At the far end of the parking lot, you’ll find several other trails, including the Butcher Branch Trail and Fayetteville Trail.
The Kaymoor Miners Trail begins at the start of the parking area, marked by a sign to guide you in the right direction.
Best Time to Hike Kaymoor Miners Trail
The Kaymoor Miners Trail in New River Gorge is a fascinating hike year-round, offering different experiences with each season.
My favorite times to visit are fall, when the trees light up with vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, and winter, when a light dusting of snow transforms the landscape into a magical scenery.
✨ READ THIS: 8 Best Hikes in New River Gorge National Park
🌷 Spring (March – May): Spring is a great time for a hike with comfortable temperatures and beautiful wildflowers popping up along the trail. However, be mindful of spring rains that can make some sections of the trail muddy.
☀️Summer (June – August): Summer brings hot and humid conditions, which can make the hike more challenging. The trail is largely shaded by the forest, offering some relief from the sun.
Still, it’s best to start early to beat the heat and avoid larger crowds during the day.
🍂Fall (September – November): Fall is arguably the most stunning time to hike the Kaymoor Miners Trail. With crisp air and the fall foliage at its peak in mid-to-late October, the gorge is filled with vivid hues of red, orange, and gold.
However, this season is also a popular one, so expect more hikers, especially on weekends.
☃️ Winter (December – February): Winter offers a quiet, serene experience. The trail and its historical features are especially beautiful with a light dusting of snow. Just be cautious of snow and ice along the trail, especially on the steps!
Dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear, and consider bringing traction devices such as microspikes in case snowy/icy conditions are present.
Kaymoor Miners Trail Directions: Step-by-Step Guide
The Kaymoor Miners Trail is a tough but well-marked path that’s easy to follow. Start at the Kaymoor Miners Trailhead and begin your descent along a series of wooden steps.
When my husband and I first hiked this trail, I thought the 821 steps started immediately, but the trail starts out as a rocky and dirt path.
You’ll hike a short distance before reaching the infamous stairs – a nice little warm-up before the fun really begins!
✨ For the ultimate adventure, check out my in-depth New River Gorge guide! It’s packed with 1- to 5-day itineraries, top outdoor adventures, the best dining spots, essential trip-planning tips, and more.
The trail is a steep descent, and it can be slippery if there’s snow or mud, so be sure to take your time and watch your footing.
It’s important to enjoy the downhill section because, of course, you’ll need to climb back up later!
Along the way, you’ll pass a small waterfall off to the side. Its flow is usually light, but it’s a pretty sight.
After about 0.5 miles, you’ll reach the Kaymoor One mining site. Here, you’ll find remnants of the mine and a few old structures.
When you’re ready, make your way down the 800+ wooden steps towards Kaymoor Bottom.
Kaymoor Bottom was a coal company town from 1901 to 1952, home to over 560 residents at its peak. The company provided housing for just $5 a month, along with schools, churches, a store, and even a doctor.
Life in Kaymoor Bottom wasn’t just about work; the town also had a tennis court, a theater showcasing movies and vaudeville performances, and a company baseball team.
Today, only a few building foundations remain, but visitors can still see the remnants of Kaymoor One’s coal processing plant and power station.
Once you’ve reached the bottom, explore the area, but please note that the site is a protected historic location.
Don’t jump any fences or remove any artifacts. Additionally, stay away from the railroad tracks below as they are part of an active line on private property.
On Google maps, it may look like the trail gets pretty close to the New River, but it doesn’t.
And since you would have to cross the railroad tracks and descend down a steep, sketchy hill, I would not recommend attempting to reach the river.
Once you’ve had your fill of exploring, it’s time to face the climb back up.
It’s no small feat, especially in the summer heat, so bring plenty of water and salty snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
Take a rest at the top of the steps before continuing your ascent, and remember, it’s not a race – pace yourself.
When you reach the Kaymoor Miners Trailhead, give yourself a pat on the back! Congrats, you did it! 🥳
🥾 Don’t miss these other awesome hikes in New River Gorge!
- Hike the Endless Wall Trail to Diamond Point Overlook for stunning views of the gorge.
- Hike the Long Point Trail to Long Point Overlook for the best view of the New River Gorge Bridge.
- Hike the Kaymoor Miners Trail to the historical Kaymoor One Mine and Kaymoor Bottom town.
- Hike the Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock for a jaw-dropping view of New River Gorge’s horseshoe bend.
Kaymoor Trail (alternate route)
For a longer adventure, start at the Kaymoor Trailhead and follow the Kaymoor Trail.
This trail intersects with the Kaymoor Miners Trail at the Kaymoor One Mine.
The roundtrip hike from Kaymoor Trailhead to Kaymoor Bottom and back is approximately 4.4 miles.
You will also find a cool waterfall along this route known as the Wolf Creek Falls.
Kaymoor Miners Trail: Hiking Tips and Packing List
Kaymoor Miners Trail Hiking Tips
1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by beginning your hike in the morning, especially in peak season.
2. Check the Trail Conditions: After a heavy snowfall, the trail – particularly the 821 steps – can become slippery and difficult to navigate.
Always check the NPS website for updates on trail conditions and use good judgment. And be sure to bring the appropriate gear when hiking in winter.
3. Know Your Limits: This trail features 950 feet of elevation gain in just 0.75 miles – this is a very tough trail! If you are up for the challenge, make sure you are prepared physically and bring plenty of water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
4. Respect This Historical Site: Climbing, sitting, or walking on historic structures and buildings can cause damage and weaken their integrity.
Please respect the site by leaving all structures and artifacts undisturbed, allowing them to continue telling the story of the past.
5. Watch for Bears: Black bears live in New River Gorge National Park – follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.
6. Watch for Timber Rattlesnakes and Northern Copperheads: These snakes are poisonous and can sometimes be found hiding within rock crevices, old structures, or in the middle of a trail – be careful when hiking the Kaymoor Miners Trail or Kaymoor Trail!
7. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of New River Gorge National Park.
Kaymoor Miners Trail Packing List
👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!
Check out my favorite tops 👇
- Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
- Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
- Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
- Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. If cold, windy, and rainy conditions are in the forecast (or there’s a slight possibility), I make sure to pack my Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.
🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.
Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇
- Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
- RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
- Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
- RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
- Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts
🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!
🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!
🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇
- Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
- Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
- Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack
🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!
❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.
🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.
🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.
🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.
🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.
💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.
🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.
🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.
💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!
Kaymoor Miners Trail Photos
Conclusion
Hiking the Kaymoor Miners Trail is an awesome way to dive into both the natural beauty and rich history of New River Gorge.
It’s a tough one, with 950 feet of elevation gain in just 0.75 miles, including 821 steps, but trust me, the reward is worth every step.
Along the way, you’ll get a close-up look at the old mining site and be treated to breathtaking views of the gorge.
I loved exploring the historic structures and learning about life during the mining era. It’s crazy to think how much has changed since then.
If you’re up for a challenging hike and want to soak in the history of New River Gorge’s coal mining past, this trail definitely needs to be on your list!
If this guide inspires you to hike the Kaymoor Miners Trail in New River Gorge, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!
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