Keeneys Creek Trail in New River Gorge National Park

Keeneys Creek Trail

The Keeneys Creek Rail Trail offers a serene 3.3-mile (one-way) adventure through West Virginia's coal mining history and natural beauty.

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Keeneys Creek Trail Details

The Keeneys Creek Rail Trail offers a serene 3.3-mile (one-way) adventure through West Virginia's coal mining history and natural beauty. Rated easy and great for hiking and biking, this trail follows an old railroad grade with gentle slopes, making it accessible for a variety of visitors. Along the route, you'll cross wooden trestles, meander through shady hardwood forests, and pass beneath the towering Nuttallburg coal conveyor system-one of the park's most iconic industrial remnants. The path parallels Keeneys Creek, providing a soothing soundtrack of rushing water, and offers occasional glimpses of wildlife such as deer and songbirds. The historic feel of the Keeneys Creek Rail Trail is palpable, as it traces the path once used by trains carrying coal from Nuttallburg to the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes this a rewarding outing for those interested in the region's industrial past as well as those seeking a peaceful forest hike. Visitors can access the trail via Keeneys Creek Road, though the road is gravel and can be narrow in spots. Keeneys Creek Rail Trail also connects to the Headhouse Trail and Conveyor Trail, providing plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure and dive deeper into Nuttallburg's coal mining history.

Difficulty

Open

Distance

3.3 miles

Estimated time

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Keeneys Creek Trail

Compare nearby parks around Keeneys Creek Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Keeneys Creek Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Keeneys Creek Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Conveyor Trail

The Conveyor Trail offers an immersive journey into the region's coal mining heritage.

0.1 mi away

Town Loop Trail

Rated as a moderate hike, the Town Loop Trail immerses visitors in the historical heart of Nuttallburg, one of the most well-preserved coal mining towns within New River Gorge.

0.2 mi away

Tipple Trail

The Tipple Trail is a 0.6-mile (0.96 km) one-way trail that provides a fascinating glimpse into the industrial history of the region.

0.2 mi away

Nuttallburg Trails

The Nuttallburg area of New River Gorge and Preserve offers a fascinating network of trails that immerse visitors in the region's rich coal mining history while showcasing the beauty of the Appalachian landscape.

0.2 mi away

Nuttallburg, WV

Deep in the folds of New River Gorge, where dense forests now reclaim rusted iron and crumbling stone, lies Nuttallburg, one of the most intact coal mining towns in West Virginia.