The Thompson Trail #629 is part of the Railroad Grade Trail, a 19-mile route that follows the railroad tracks. Starting in 1918, the railroad hauled logs from the Apache National Forest and Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Later on, between 1964 and 1976, the White Mountain Scenic Railroad was used to transport tourists from McNary to Maverick, south of Big Lake. The railroad tracks where removed in 1982. At the trailhead, you will find a small parking lot and an information board.
The nearby West Fork Black River and the Burro Creek are nice spots for fishing, but catch-and-release only!