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new river gorge, hike

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Gorge View in Early Fall - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Gorge View in Early Fall - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Fall colors begin to appear in the gorge. Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

The New River - National Parks Gallery

The New River - National Parks Gallery

The Stone Cliff Trail provides many up close views of the New River

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Safety Sign

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Safety Sign

At the Kaymoor Mine site halfway down the gorge, hikers will pass under an old mine safety sign.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Forest Trail

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Forest Trail

The Burnwood Trail passes through rich forests. Public domain photograph of hiking trail, National Parks tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The View Down the Stairs - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

The View Down the Stairs - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Over 800 stairs make this a challenging hike. Remember, what goes down must also come back up.

Collapsed Coke Oven - National Parks Gallery

Collapsed Coke Oven - National Parks Gallery

Rows of coke ovens can be viewed alongside the trail. Many of these have started to collapse. For your safety, be sure to keep out of and off of any of these historic structures.

National parks: Wildflowers - public domain image

National parks: Wildflowers - public domain image

Wildflowers bloom along the Island Loop Trail.

New River View - National Parks Gallery

New River View - National Parks Gallery

A view through the trees of the New River Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

National parks: Stream - public domain image

National parks: Stream - public domain image

The boardwalk passes over a small stream on its way to the final island overlook.

A Cliff-side Trail View - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

A Cliff-side Trail View - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Exposed cliffs and ledges make the Castle Rock a challenging trail.

National parks: Bridge - public domain image

National parks: Bridge - public domain image

The trail overlooks a quiet stream and bridge on the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rocky Trail

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rocky Trail

The Castle Rock Trail provides a challenging, off-the-beaten-path experience for hikers.

National parks: Trailhead - public domain image

National parks: Trailhead - public domain image

The beginning of the Tunnel Trail near Main Overlook.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Gorge View

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Gorge View

A glimpse of the New River Gorge through the trees. Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Coke Ovens

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Coke Ovens

Rows of coke ovens alongside the Southside Trail provide a view back in history to the days when the coal coming from the New River Gorge helped to fuel the industrialization of the nation.

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

Near the top of the Kaymoor Miners Trail, the trail passes by a waterfall.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Kaymoor Tipple

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Kaymoor Tipple

Hikers that make it to the bottom of the stairs can explore the ruins of Kaymoor Bottom. For your safety, please stay off historic structures.

National parks: Stairs - public domain image

National parks: Stairs - public domain image

With over 800 stairs to climb back up, this is a view that hikers will get used to.

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

A small, cascading waterfall alongside the Keeneys Creek Rail Trail.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Kaymoor Mine

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Kaymoor Mine

An old safety board and mine car sit at the entrance to the Kaymoor Mine.

New River View - National Parks Gallery

New River View - National Parks Gallery

A view of the New River from the Southside Trail.

Truck in the Woods - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Truck in the Woods - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

The remains of an old truck mark the site of an old homestead now reclaimed by forest.

National parks: Hikers - public domain image

National parks: Hikers - public domain image

Two hikers walk through open hardwood forest. Public domain photograph of hiking trail, National Parks tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

National parks: Boardwalk - public domain image

National parks: Boardwalk - public domain image

Near the end of the Tunnel Trail the trail crosses a wooden boardwalk under a large sandstone overhang.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - River's Edge

New River Gorge national park and preserve - River's Edge

Glimpses of the New River can be seen through the trees along the Southside Trail.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rocky Path

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rocky Path

A rocky path through the forest. Public domain photograph of hiking trail, National Parks tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

National parks: Hiker - public domain image

National parks: Hiker - public domain image

A hiker walks along the base of a large cliff along the Castle Rock Trail.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Forest Canopy

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Forest Canopy

A view into the forest canopy Public domain photograph of tree trunk, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

National parks: Footbridge - public domain image

National parks: Footbridge - public domain image

A footbridge crossing Glade Creek marks the midpoint of this 5.6 mile-long trail.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Coke Oven

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Coke Oven

The ruins of old coke ovens sit along abandoned rail lines at the bottom of the trail.

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

Hikers will encounter this seasonal waterfall near the top of the Kaymoor Miners Trail.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rocky Trail

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rocky Trail

Some of the Bridge Trail can be steep and rocky.

Riding Under the Coal Conveyor - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Trail Through Forest - National Parks Gallery

Trail Through Forest - National Parks Gallery

The Southside Trail follows an old railroad grade through hardwood forests along the river's edge.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Bridge View

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Bridge View

A view of the New River Gorge Bridge from directly below.

National parks: Stream - public domain image

National parks: Stream - public domain image

A small stream along the Burnwood Trail.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Stone Stairs

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Stone Stairs

Stone steps climb around a huge boulder.

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

The boardwalk passes by several overlooks of smaller parts of the falls before arriving at the spectacular overlook of the main falls.

Hikers - National Parks Gallery

Hikers - National Parks Gallery

Hikers walk the trail towards the coal tipple

Bridge View - National Parks Gallery

Bridge View - National Parks Gallery

The overlook at the end of the Long Point Trail provides one of the best views of the New River Gorge Bridge.

View of Tipple and Conveyor - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

View of Tipple and Conveyor - Public Domain image, National Parks Gall...

A view of the Nuttallburg tipple and coal conveyor.

Coal Conveyor - National Parks Gallery

Coal Conveyor - National Parks Gallery

The Tipple Trail passes directly under the old coal conveyor that once haled coal down the gorge from the mine to the tipple.

Gorge View - National Parks Gallery

Gorge View - National Parks Gallery

A view looking across the gorge to Diamond Point and Endless Wall.

Stone Walls - National Parks Gallery

Stone Walls - National Parks Gallery

The Town Loop Trail winds through old stone walls and foundations that provide a glimpse back through time to life in a busy coal town.

National parks: Trailhead - public domain image

National parks: Trailhead - public domain image

The Burnwood Trail begins and ends at the Burnwood Group Campground.

Mine Safety Sign - National Parks Gallery

Mine Safety Sign - National Parks Gallery

An old sign at Kaymoor reminds coal miners to work safely.

Top of the Kaymoor Stairs - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Top of the Kaymoor Stairs - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...

The Kaymoor safety sign marks the junction with the Kaymoor Miners Trail.

Kaymoor Mine Site - National Parks Gallery

Kaymoor Mine Site - National Parks Gallery

The Kaymoor Trail passes through the remains of the once bustling Kaymoor Mine site.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Mine Entrance

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Mine Entrance

An old mine car sits at the entrance to the Kaymoor Mine.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Sandstone Falls

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Sandstone Falls

Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

National parks: Rhododendrons - public domain image

National parks: Rhododendrons - public domain image

Catawba rhododendrons bloom on the rim of the gorge at Turkey Spur.

The New River - National Parks Gallery

The New River - National Parks Gallery

A view of the New River from the Rend Trail. Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

Sandstone Falls View - National Parks Gallery

Sandstone Falls View - National Parks Gallery

a view of Sandstone Falls seen from the boardwalk. Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Mine Car

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Mine Car

An old mine car sits in front of the Kaymoor Mine.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - River View

New River Gorge national park and preserve - River View

Views of the New River are common along the Stone Cliff Trail.

National parks: Thurmond - public domain image

National parks: Thurmond - public domain image

A view of Thurmond from the Rend Trail

Railroad to Nowhere - National Parks Gallery

Railroad to Nowhere - National Parks Gallery

Old railroad tracks have long been reclaimed by the forest.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Sandstone Falls

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Sandstone Falls

The end of the boardwalk provides spectacular views of Sandstone Falls.

Gorge View in Winter - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Gorge View in Winter - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

One of the many great overlooks along the Grandview Rim Trail.

Kaymoor Mine Site - National Parks Gallery

Kaymoor Mine Site - National Parks Gallery

The Kaymoor Mine site covered with snow

New River Gorge national park and preserve - More Stairs

New River Gorge national park and preserve - More Stairs

Hikers on the Kaymoor Miners Trail will need to climb down, and then back up, over 800 stairs.

Top of the Stairs - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Top of the Stairs - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Several old buildings at the Kaymoor Mine site give a glimpse back in time.

Trail Through the Forest - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Trail Through the Forest - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

The start of the Long Point Trail gives no indication of the amazing views that lie ahead.

National parks: Hikers - public domain image

National parks: Hikers - public domain image

Hikers on the Keeneys Creek Trail Public domain photograph of hiking trail, National Parks tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Stone Foundations

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Stone Foundations

The foundations of many buildings remain. Public domain photograph - American ruins, National Parks, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Company Store

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Company Store

This old foundation is all that remains of the old Nuttallburg Company Store.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Bridge View

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Bridge View

A view through the trees of the New River Gorge Bridge.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Trail Sign
Hikers on the Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Hikers on the Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Hikers on the Butcher Branch Trail Public domain photograph of hiking trail, National Parks tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Trail Sign
New River Gorge national park and preserve - Forest Trail

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Forest Trail

The Park Loop Trail is a pleasant, easy trail passing through mixed hardwood forest.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rocky Ledge
Creek-side Trail - National Parks Gallery

Creek-side Trail - National Parks Gallery

Taking the left branch of the Big Branch Trail, the trail gently follows and crosses a small. cascading stream.

Walkway Through Woods - National Parks Gallery

Walkway Through Woods - National Parks Gallery

The easy walking path passes by boulders, cliffs, and caves.

Big Buck Trail - National Parks Gallery

Big Buck Trail - National Parks Gallery

The Big Buck Trail provides an easy 0.9 mile loop through quiet forest.

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

National parks: Waterfall - public domain image

Spring rains can make the Big Branch Trail an awesome sight, but be prepared for several creek crossings.

Hiker on the Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Hiker on the Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

A hiker pauses before the steep descent back to River Road.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Horseshoe Bend

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Horseshoe Bend

The horseshoe bend in the New River from one of the overlooks along the Grandview Rim Trail.

Tourist Attraction - Tipple and Conveyor

Tourist Attraction - Tipple and Conveyor

The Tipple Trail provides excellent views of both the Nuttalburg tipple and coal conveyor which once hauled coal down from the mine.

National parks: Trailhead - public domain image

National parks: Trailhead - public domain image

A sign marks the beginning of the Woodland Loop Trail

National parks: Homestead - public domain image

National parks: Homestead - public domain image

The ruins of an old homestead can be seen along the Big Branch Trail.

Nuttallburg Coal Tipple - National Parks Gallery

Nuttallburg Coal Tipple - National Parks Gallery

The Tipple Trail passes by the Nuttallburg coal tipple.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rock Legdes

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rock Legdes

The Tunnel Trail loops around many interesting rock formations. Public domain photograph of hiking trail, National Parks tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

National parks: Trailhead - public domain image

National parks: Trailhead - public domain image

The Big Buck Trail starts alongside Shelter #2 at Grandview. Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Cascading Waterfall

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Cascading Waterfall

One of the many cascading waterfalls along the Big Branch Trail.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Coal Conveyor
Tipple and Railroad Tracks - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Tipple and Railroad Tracks - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...

Old railroad tracks under the tipple once allowed trains to load coal.

Hiker on the Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Hiker on the Trail - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

A hiker walks through open forest along the Big Buck Trail.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rocky Ledge

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Rocky Ledge

The end of the Tunnel Trail passes under a large rock overhang.

Tourist Attraction - Hikers on the Trail

Tourist Attraction - Hikers on the Trail

The Castle Rock Trail provides hikers with a unique cliff bottom view of Grandview Rim.

Foundations in the Forest - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

Foundations in the Forest - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...

Stone foundations in the forest tell the stories of the people who once lived and worked here.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Gorge View

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Gorge View

Old stone foundations overlook a view through the trees into the New River Gorge

National parks: Trail - public domain image

National parks: Trail - public domain image

The Seldom Seen Trail connects the Nuttallburg townsite with the old settlement of Seldom Seen.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Old Foundation

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Old Foundation

Many old foundations remain to mark the location of the settlement of Seldom Seen.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Young HIker

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Young HIker

A young hiker enjoys the easy graded Stone Cliff Trail.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Wash Basin

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Wash Basin

An old wash basin sits on the stone foundation of a home where somebody once lived.

Brooklyn Mine Ruins - National Parks Gallery

Brooklyn Mine Ruins - National Parks Gallery

The Brooklyn Mine Trail ends at the remains of the Brooklyn Mine site.

Tourist Attraction - A River of Clouds

Tourist Attraction - A River of Clouds

The view from Long Point on a cloudy day.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Forest View

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Forest View

Much of the Gwinn Ridge Trail passes through ridge-top hardwood forests.

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Mine Opening

New River Gorge national park and preserve - Mine Opening

A mine opening at the Brooklyn Mine site. Public domain photograph of a cave, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

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