New River Gorge National Wild & Scenic River

New River Gorge National River offers almost 20 miles of mountain bike trails, varying from easy to difficult in terrain and distance. All trail distances are one-way.

Cunard Kaymoor Trail
6/6.4 miles moderate hiking/biking.

This trail begins from trailheads at Kaymoor Top and on the Cunard Access Road. It follows an old road and offers views of the gorge and river. From Kaymoor Top, it is 3.6 miles to the Kaymoor Mine site, and 6.4 miles to Cunard. From Cunard, it is 6 miles to the Kaymoor Mine site, and 6.4 miles to Kaymoor Top. Note: Bikes are not permitted on the Kaymoor Trail between the mine site and the trailhead on Fayette Station Road.

Brooklyn Southside Junction Trail
6 miles moderate hiking/biking.

This riverside trail provides great views of the New River, and passes through some of the New River Gorge's abandoned mining towns. The first 1.8 miles from the Cunard River Access is open to motorized vehicles. A parking area at Brooklyn marks the end of the maintained road.

Trailheads: These trailheads are located on the Cunard River Access Road. This road is reached from Fayetteville or Oak Hill via Gatewood Road. From Fayetteville: Take WV Route 16 South through the town of Fayetteville. Take a left on Gatewood Road, and go 4.6 miles to the Cunard turn-off. Turn left and go 1.8 miles. Follow signs indicating Cunard River Access.

From Oak Hill: Take the Main Street Exit (Oak Hill) off of Route 19. If going south on Route 19, turn left and go 0.5 miles; if going north on Route 19, turn right and go 0.4 miles. Take a right on Gatewood Road, and go 5.4 miles to the Cunard turn-off. Turn right and go 1.8 miles. Follow signs indicating Cunard River Access town of Fayetteville. Take a left on Gatewood Road. Follow this road for 2 miles, and turn left at the Kaymoor sign. Follow this narrow road for about one mile to an intersection, and bear left. Parking is 50 yards down on the right; the Cunard Kaymoor Trail begins behind the gate back at the intersection.

More information on Brooklyn to Southside Junction Trail

Thurmond Minden Trail
3.2 miles easy hiking/biking.

A popular bike ride along an abandoned branch line of the C&O Railway. This mostly level trail crosses five railroad trestles. Several overlooks provide scenic views of Thurmond and the New River.

Thurmond Trailhead: From U.S. Route 19 north of Beckley, take the Glen Jean Thurmond exit. Take an immediate left, and go 0.5 miles to Glen Jean. Take a right and follow the signs to Thurmond (WV Route 25). The trailhead is on the left, 5.1 miles down WV Route 25.

Minden Trailhead: Take the Main Street Exit (Oak Hill) off Route 19. If going south on Route 19, turn left and go 0.2 miles; if going north on Route 19, turn right and go 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Minden Road, and follow this 2.1 miles. Take a right across a small bridge to the trailhead.

More information on Thurmond to Minden Trail

Stone Cliff Trail
3.5 miles moderate hiking/biking.

This rugged trail follows an old road along the banks of the New River ending near the site of the abandoned Bragg homestead. Great views and easy access to the river are available along this trail.

Trailhead: From U.S. Route 19 north of Beckley, take the Glen Jean Thurmond exit. Take an immediate left, and go 0.5 miles to Glen Jean. Take a right and follow the signs to Thurmond (WV Route 25). Continue on this road for 6 miles to a three-way intersection. Bear right and go 1.5 miles on this road. Take a right on a gravel road, just before crossing over the New River. Continue past the boat launch to the parking area. Trail users should park at the far end of the parking lot. The Stone Cliff Trail begins at the closed road beside the picnic area.