Place
The New River Gorge & Preserve is rich in history, and its places tell the stories of a diverse range of communities and industries that once thrived here.
Plan Around Place
A good stop is not just something to read about. Once it belongs on the day, move into a saved trip and build the route around it.
Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Place Details
The park is rich in history, and its places tell the stories of a diverse range of communities and industries that once thrived here. Thurmond, a historic railroad town, stands as one of the few non-mining settlements, with remnants of its commercial row and buildings still visible today. The Nuttallburg mining town, with its tipple, coke ovens, and conveyor systems, offers a look into one of the region's most significant coal mining operations, while Kaymoor was once the largest coal producer in the area. In addition to these mining towns, Glade Creek/Hamlet marks the site of a former lumber mill and company logging towns, and Royal was the location of the first coal mining company in Raleigh County. The Trump-Lilly Farm and Richmond Hamilton Farm give visitors a glimpse into early Appalachian subsistence farming, showcasing the region's agrarian roots. Additionally, McKendree Hospital and the Prince Depot provide insights into the healthcare and transportation infrastructure that supported the communities throughout New River Gorge. These places, preserved throughout the park, offer a unique look at the intersection of natural beauty and industrial heritage in the New River Gorge.
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
N/A
Region
History & Culture
Nearby Parks Around Place
Compare nearby parks around Place when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Place
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Place while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Jessie Benton Fremont
An early advocate of the Park, without her work behind the scenes, Yosemite might not exist today.
0.0 mi away
ZERO LANDFILL IN THE PARKS:
THE YOSEMITE, GRAND TETON AND DENALI PROGRAM
0.0 mi away
30-Minute Helicopter Ride
Fly rim-to-rim in a half-hour.
0.0 mi away
50-Minute Airplane Tour
The ultimate Canyon airplane tour.
0.0 mi away
50-Minute Helicopter Tour
Offering aerial tours of the North and South Rims as well as the Grand Canyon's East Rim.
