The New River Gorge is highly considered the heartbeat of the Mountain State. For runners, it is a playground that oozes with miles of trails that stare down into the deep 1,000 ft gorge. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River and is located on the fringe of Fayetteville, West Virginia. With Fall in full swing, we have highlighted our favorite trails - Endless Wall, Fayetteville, and Kaymoor. Whether you roam or run, grab your crew, lace 'em up, and make an effort to see these thrilling views. Lil' extra - We also listed our favorite spots to refuel, recharge, and relax. Take time and soak in a long weekend at 'The Gorge,' you won't be disappointed.
Endless Wall Trail
2.4 miles (3.86 km) moderate
The Endless Wall Trail is a 2.4 mile moderate run that passes through rich forest, crosses Fern Creek, then zig-zags along the cliff edge. Many vistas can be seen along the trail. The overlook at Diamond Point provides a good turnaround spot, creating a popular two-mile out-and-back run from Fern Creek parking area. If you continue to the end of the trail, you will need to run for 0.5 miles back along the road to get to the starting point.
(How to get there) To reach the trailhead, turn off Route 19 on Lansing-Edmond Road, located just north of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Fern Creek Trailhead is located 1.3 miles (just before Fern Creek) down this road, while the Nuttall Trailhead is 1.8 miles from U.S. Route 19. This is a narrow road; please drive with caution.
Fayetteville Trail
3.96 miles (6.37 km) strenuous
This trail connects Fayette Station Road, the town of Fayetteville, and Kaymoor Top with running access to Long Point. Be prepared for a creek crossing and up and down terrain. Connections can be made to the following trails: Kaymoor, Bridge, Park Loop, Timber Ridge, Long Point, Butcher Branch, Kaymoor Miners, and Craig Branch.
(How to get there) To reach the Wolf Creek Trailhead:
Turn off U.S. Route 19 onto Lansing-Edmond Road (Route 5), located just north of Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Follow signs for State Route 82, turning right onto Fayette Station Road, then fork to the left. Cross the New River on the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, and continue for 1.2 miles to the small parking area on the left. Please do not park on the road; obey the parking signs.
(How to get there / Option 2) To reach the Kaymoor Top Trailhead: From U.S. Route 19, follow State Route 16 south through the town of Fayetteville. Take a left on Gatewood Road (park signs indicate Kaymoor and Cunard). Follow Gatewood Road 2.0 miles and turn left at the Kaymoor sign (Kaymoor No. 1 Road). Follow this road about one mile to the intersection; turn left. Parking is 50 yards on the right. This trail starts at the end of the parking area.
Kaymoor Trail
8.6 miles (13.84 km) moderate
The Kaymoor Trail runs parallel with the middle of the gorge, passing the historic coal mine site at Kaymoor. The northern two miles of the trail, from Wolf Creek trailhead to the old mine site, follows an old road. Wayside exhibits interpret the Kaymoor mine operation and community along the way. After passing the mine site the forested trail continues toward Cunard. Connections can be made with the steep Kaymoor Miner's Trail at the mine site, or the Craig Branch Trail, 1.74 miles further down the trail from the mine site.
(How to get there) To reach the Wolf Creek Trailhead:
Turn off U.S. Route 19 onto Lansing-Edmond Road (Route 5), just north of Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Follow signs for County Route 82, turning right onto Fayette Station Road (a very narrow road with hairpin turns), then fork to the left. Follow the one-way Fayette Station Road to the bottom of the gorge. Cross the New River on the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge and continue for 1.2 miles to the small parking area on the left at a hairpin turn. Please do not park on the road.
(How to get there / Option 2) To reach the Cunard Road Trailhead: To reach the trailhead from Route 19, follow Route 16 south through the town of Fayetteville. Take a left on Gatewood Road (sign indicates Kaymoor and Cunard). Follow Gatewood Road for 4.6 miles and turn left at the sign for Cunard. Go 1.8 miles and turn left at both of the signs indicating Cunard River Access Road. Parking for the Kaymoor Trail is located 0.5 miles further on the right. The trail begins about 50 yards back on the other side of the road.
EXTRA: Refuel, Recharge, and Relax
Eat at - Secret Sandwich Society (Fayetteville, WV) - The name says it all. Craft sandwiches that will fill you up... be sure to pair up with a local brew!
Eat at - The Station (Fayetteville, WV) - Locally sourced ingredients and seasonal offerings from local trout, veggie burgers, and craft cocktails
Eat at - Tudor's Biscuit World (Fayetteville, WV) - If you're from WV, you know how lucky we are to have Tudor's in our backyard. Fill up with a biscuit and coffee to start your day or cure a hangover from last night.
Eat at - Catherdrale Cafe (Fayetteville, WV) - Food in church, yes please! Fun and unique atmostphere offering breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.
Stay at - The Charming Barn Loft (Fayetteville, WV)
Stay at - Morris Harvey House (Fayetteville, WV)
Hang & Stay at - ACE Adventure (Fayetteville, WV) When you've finished your run, keep adventuring. ACE Adventure offers whitewater rafting trips down the New River. Go zip lining, paint-balling, climbing, kayaking, and more. They also offer cabin and lodge rentals. Visit their site and setup a day of fun.
Need specific details or tips, let us know - contact@RoamAndRun.com
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