Southside Trail
The Southside Trail is an easy, 7-mile (11.27 km) one-way trail that offers a scenic and leisurely journey along the river.
Plan Around Southside Trail
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Southside Trail Details
The Southside Trail is an easy, 7-mile (11.27 km) one-way trail that offers a scenic and leisurely journey along the river. Perfect for both hikers and mountain bikers, this trail takes you through lush forests while revealing remnants of the area's industrial past, offering a fascinating mix of nature and history. Starting at the Cunard River Access, the trail follows an old railroad line that was once used to transport coal from the mining towns of Rush Run, Red Ash, and Brooklyn. These towns, now abandoned, once flourished during the mining boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As you walk or bike along the path, you'll pass ruins of old buildings, rusted tracks, and other relics of the mining era, offering an intriguing glimpse into the history of the New River Gorge. The Southside Trail provides stunning views of the New River, with the peaceful waters contrasting the remnants of past industry. The first mile from the Cunard River Access is open to motorized vehicles, but the rest of the trail offers a quieter, more secluded experience. The path is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it perfect for families, casual hikers, or those looking to enjoy a relaxed ride through the gorge.
Difficulty
Open
Distance
7 miles
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Southside Trail
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Southside Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Southside Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Church Loop Trail
Sometimes, the best adventures come in small packages.
0.2 mi away
Thurmond Depot
The Thurmond Depot, built in 1904 by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, was once the heart of a booming railroad town in West Virginia.
0.4 mi away
Thurmond Historic District
Nestled within the rugged beauty of New River Gorge & Preserve, the Thurmond Historic District takes visitors back to a time when the clatter of trains and the hustle of coal mining ruled the day.
0.7 mi away
Arbuckle Connector Trail
Rated as a strenuous hike, the Arbuckle Connector Trail is a short but challenging route.
1.7 mi away
Stone Cliff Trail
The Stone Cliff Trail offers an engaging 2.7-mile (4.35 km) hike or bike ride through both natural beauty and historical significance.
