RECREATION
Bridge Day:
Photograph provided by NPS.
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The area surrounding the New River Gorge Bridge is filled with an endless
array of outdoor activities for all visitors. The first and most recognized
activity occurs on the third Saturday in October each year. On this day,
the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce hosts "Bridge Day." On this one
day of the year, one side of the New River Gorge Bridge is closed to traffic and
open to pedestrians. Crowds of up to 250,000 people crowd the
bridge to participate in a variety of events such as organized walks, parachuting and rappelling demonstrations, music,
and a wide variety of vendors. (Department of Interior)
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Photograph provided by NPS.
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Whitewater Rafting:
Photograph provided by NPS.
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Another very popular activity for visitors and residents of
Fayette County is the extreme sport of whitewater rafting. The high speeds and
turbulent rapids of the New River provide great conditions for whitewater
rafting. Fayette county is the home of several whitewater rafting companies that provide
day trips down the river at affordable prices. While this sport is not very
popular in the winter months, it attracts hundreds of people from across the
country every summer to come and ride the river. (Department of the
Interior)
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Photograph provided by NPS.
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Hiking & Biking:
Photograph provided by NPS.
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Another popular attraction for tourists is the wide variety of hiking
available. With the trails ranging from a quarter of a mile to seven miles in length,
they provide day hikes to just about everyone. In addition to the hiking, some
of the trails also offer visitors the option of mountain biking through the
woods. (Department of the Interior)
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Photograph provided by NPS.
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The following is a listing of all trails available in the area and a short
summary of the trail. Additional information can be viewed simply by clicking on
the name of the trail.
- Trails are marked to indicate if they are:
- Hiking Only
- Hiking and Mountain
Biking
All mileages are one-way unless identified as a loop trail.
Big
Branch Trail
This 1.8 mile trail begins on River Road near Hinton. This trail passes an old
homestead site, and features several waterfalls and cascades.
Bluestone
Turnpike Trail
This 7 mile trail follows along the Bluestone River, and offers a tranquil
riverside experience. Access is from Bluestone and Pipestem State Parks.
Bridge
Trail
This 1.6 mile trail begins on Fayette Station Road near Fayetteville. This is a
steep, rocky trail with unique views of the new River Gorge Bridge. Connects
with the Kaymoor Trail at Wolf Creek.
Brooklyn
to Southside Junction Trail
A 6.0 mile trail that follows the banks of the New River, passing the ruins of
numerous abandoned town sites. The trail begins at the old town-site of
Brooklyn, at the end of the Cunard Access Road.
Canyon
Rim Boardwalk
Located at Canyon Rim Visitor Center just north of Fayetteville. This 20 minute
roundtrip walk descends a set of stairs to great overlooks of the New River and
the New River Gorge Bridge. A fully accessible ramp leads to the first overlook.
Canyon
Rim Trail (Grandview)
The Canyon Rim Trail at Grandview is an enjoyable 3.2 mile roundtrip hike, and
some incredible viewpoints! This winter-time look provides a glimpse of the park
after a January snow.
Cunard
to Kaymoor Trail
This trail begins from trailheads at Kaymoor Top and on the Cunard Access Road.
It follows an old road past the site of the Eleverton Mine, offering views of
the gorge and river. From Kaymoor Top it is 3.8 miles to the Kaymoor Mine and
6.5 miles to Cunard. From Cunard, it is 6.1 miles to the Kaymoor Mine and 6.5
miles to Kaymoor Top. Note: Bicycles are not permitted beyond the Kaymoor
Mine.
Endless
Wall
This recently developed trail affords incredible views of the New River Gorge,
and access to the best known climbing locations.
Glade
Creek Trail
Beginning near Prince on route 41, this 5 mile trail follows Glade Creek as it
descends to the New River. Fishing and camping are popular on this trail.
Grandview
Trails
Five trails, ranging from 3/8 to 2 miles in length, are found at Grandview.
Great overlooks of the New River Gorge, interesting geologic formations, and the
spring rhododendron bloom are some of the attractions.
Kaymoor
Trail
This popular trail follows an old road to the former coal mining site of Kaymoor.
A steep trail leads from the mine openings down to the coke ovens and town site
at river level.
Kaymoor
Miner's Trail
This short, but steep, trail descends from the rim of the gorge to the historic
Kaymoor Mine.
Laing
Loop Trail
Begins at Burnwood Day Use Area, across from Canyon Rim Visitor Center. An
enjoyable walk through forest, rhododendron, and open field.
Long
Point Trail
Traverses field and forest on the way to a rock outcrop (Long Point) with
panoramic views of the gorge and bridge.
Sandstone
Falls Boardwalk
This 1/4 mile boardwalk is fully accessible, and offers outstanding views of
Sandstone Falls. These falls extend across the entire New River, and are among
the parks most popular attractions.
Thurmond
to Minden Trail
This popular 3.2 mile trail follows an abandoned railroad grade above the New
River and Arbuckle Creek. Several overlooks provide views of the town of
Thurmond and the New River. There are five railroad trestles that are crossed.
All links and information regarding each trail was provided by the National
Parks Service.
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