Kaymoor Mine Area
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of New River Gorge & Preserve, the Kaymoor Mine Area offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into the park's industrial history.
Plan Around Kaymoor Mine Area
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Kaymoor Mine Area Details
Tucked away in the rugged beauty of New River Gorge, the Kaymoor Mine Area offers visitors an intriguing glimpse into the park's industrial history. Once a bustling coal mining operation, this area stands as a testament to the ingenuity and hardships that defined the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Kaymoor Mine was established in 1899 and quickly became a major supplier of "smokeless" coal, playing a significant role in fueling the industrial revolution. The mine featured over 200 beehive coke ovens and employed hundreds of miners who lived in the nearby town of Kaymoor Bottom. This once-thriving community, which supported coal production, has now been reclaimed by nature, leaving behind fascinating remnants of its past. Today, visitors can step back in time by hiking two primary trails that lead to the heart of the Kaymoor Mine area. The Kaymoor Miners Trail is a challenging descent that takes you through 821 wooden steps down to the old coke ovens and town site, where the remains of industrial history still stand. For those seeking a less strenuous hike, the Kaymoor Trail offers a more moderate route, winding along the gorge and providing views of the historic mine entrance. As you wander through the area, you'll pass the crumbling foundations of buildings, rusted mining equipment, and the impressive coke ovens that once processed the coal. It's an incredible place to learn about the people who lived and worked in this coal town and the industrial forces that shaped the region. Pro tip: The hike can be steep, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. And keep your camera handy-the views and historic remnants make for some amazing photos!
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
New River Gorge Scenic Drive
Nearby Parks Around Kaymoor Mine Area
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Kaymoor Mine Area
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Kaymoor Mine Area while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Kaymoor Miners Trail
Rated as a strenuous hike, the Kaymoor Miners Trail is a challenging but rewarding journey into the coal mining history of New River Gorge and Preserve.
0.1 mi away
Butcher Branch Trail
Rated as a moderate hike, the Butcher Branch Trail takes visitors on a 0.8-mile journey through the rugged woodlands of New River Gorge and Preserve.
0.1 mi away
Kaymoor Trail
The Kaymoor Trail is a scenic, 8.6-mile (13.84 km) one-way trail that offers hikers a chance to explore both the natural beauty and industrial history of the area.
0.2 mi away
Kaymoor
Imagine a coal town literally carved into the steep slopes of New River Gorge-welcome to Kaymoor.
0.3 mi away
Clovis Trail
For a short yet satisfying adventure through New River Gorge, the Clovis Trail offers an ideal mix of easy terrain and scenic beauty.
