Rails to Trails Projects Give the New River Gorge Several Great Trails

West Virginia is fortunate to have 27 different rails to trails projects throughout the state – with one large site right here in the New River Gorge.  Our site is made up of four different trails – the Kaymoor, Glade Creek, Southside Junction to Brooklyn and Rend Trails – all converted railway right-a-ways. If you’re a biker – you’ll want to check out the Southside and Rend trails.  They are six and three miles in length and offer an easy grade.  Along the way are great views of Dunloup Creek, the town of Thurmond, and abandoned coal towns.

On the hiking side, all of the rail-trails are hiking approved, with Kaymoor being moderately difficult.  The National Park Service also sells a great book on the Kaymoor area, which you might want to take along.

The Hawks Nest Rail Trail, which runs from the top of Ansted along Mill Creek to the bottom of Hawks Nest Lake, is a great trail for the family.  Be sure to stop and snap some pictures of the Mill Creek Waterfall.

The National Park Service has information to plan your next hiking or biking trip.

Have you been on the New River Gorge area rail trails?