Kaymoor Mine Site and Ruins – Kaymoor Miners Trail loop from Fayetteville
Kaymoor Mine Site and Ruins – Kaymoor Miners Trail loop from Fayetteville
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15,807
runners
Kaymoor Mine Site and Ruins – Kaymoor Miners Trail loop from Fayetteville
03:26
25.9km
620m
Running
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
5.04 km
View of New River Gorge Bridge from Long Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
19.0 km
Kaymoor Mine Site and Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
19.2 km
Kaymoor Miners Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
19.7 km
Kaymoor Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
25.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
20.6 km
4.17 km
894 m
154 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
21.0 km
3.22 km
1.49 km
154 m
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Elevation
Highest point (610 m)
Lowest point (350 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Monday 13 July
27°C
18°C
39 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a truly challenging experience that blends history with a serious workout, the Kaymoor Mine Site and Ruins – Kaymoor Miners Trail loop from Fayetteville delivers. This 16.1-mile (25.9 km) route, despite being classified for jogging, is a difficult undertaking with 2025 feet (617 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 26 minutes to complete as a strenuous hike. It's best suited for experienced hikers seeking a rigorous physical test and a deep dive into West Virginia's coal mining past.
What to expect on Kaymoor Mine Site and Ruins – Kaymoor Miners Trail loop from Fayetteville
The journey plunges you into a lush Appalachian forest, starting with a very steep descent over rocky paths and switchbacks. The most iconic feature is the series of 821 wooden steps that lead deep into the gorge to the historic Kaymoor mine site. Here, you'll explore the skeletal remains of a once-thriving coal community, with crumbling buildings, rusted machinery, and coke ovens overtaken by nature. From the bottom, you'll also get rewarding views of the New River. The return trip involves climbing all those steps back out, making this a demanding and high-intensity activity best suited for experienced hikers looking for a significant physical challenge and a unique historical immersion.
Planning your visit
Due to the trail's strenuous nature, especially the ascent of over 800 steps, bringing ample water is strongly recommended. The trail is generally considered unsuitable for jogging, particularly the uphill sections. While specific parking details aren't provided, the trailhead is accessible from Fayetteville. This trail offers a unique experience combining natural beauty with tangible historical remnants, making it a popular destination for those seeking a challenging and educational outing within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Trail details
- Distance: 16.1 miles (25.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 2025 feet (617 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 26 minutes
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