New River Gorge

Description for New River Gorge

The New River Gorge area offers an extensive trail network that varies from technical singletrack for the experienced rider, to mellow fireroad cruising for the beginner. New River Gorge Mountain Biking is #409 in the book 500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up.

Four great mountain biking trails can be found in the New River Gorge National River, provided by the National Park Service. Other multi-use trails are being developed in state and local parks throughout the New River region.          


Cunard - Kaymoor Trail - 6.6 miles - moderate - hiking trail and biking trail
   
This popular New River Gorge hiking trail descends from top of the gorge at Kaymoor Top to a point near the bottom of the gorge at Cunard (photos). From there the trail begins a gradual climb to the abandon Kaymoor Mine site. Once at the mine site, you'll find abandon mine buildings and steep steps that lead down to old coke ovens and the ruins of the town of Kaymoor.

Notes: Bikes are not permitted on trail beyond the mine site. Do not enter any of the abandoned structures in the Kaymoor area.


Thurmond-Minden Trail - 3.2 miles - moderate - hiking trail and biking trail
   
The gradual grade of this popular New River Gorge hiking trail makes for easy hiking and biking and provide spectacular views of Thurmond and the New River Bridge, and passes over several five old railroad trestles.  This trail follows the former route of the Rend Branch of the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Railway, a branch line completed in 1906 to haul coal from the Minden mines.

Notes: The rail line in the area near Dunloup Creek are active (as is railroad line across the river in Thurmond). Stay off the railroad tracks and away from trains!

Brooklyn-Southside Junction Trail - 6.0 miles - moderate - hiking trail and biking trail

This popular New River Gorge hiking follows alone the easy grade of the route formerly utilized by  C&O Railway Southside Branch. This riverside trail is only about 100 feet above of the level of the New River. The dense canopy provided by the tall hardwood forest over the trail makes for pleasant hiking or biking during the warm summer months.

Notes: The rail line in the area near Dunloup Creek are active (as is railroad line across the river in Thurmond). Stay off the railroad tracks and away from trains!

Stone Cliff Trail - 3.5 miles - moderate - hiking trail and biking trail
   
This rugged New River Gorge hiking and biking provides great view of the river as the trail follows an old road along the banks of the New River. 

Notes: The rail line in the area near Dunloup Creek are active (as is railroad line across the river in Thurmond). Stay off the railroad tracks and away from trains!

Directions to New River Gorge Trailhead