New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Things to Do

The historic Thurmond Depot Visitor Center

The mining community of Red Ash was established in 1891 to accommodate its namesake mine, as well as others in the area, including Rush Run and Kaymoor.

Red Ash Island is a 12-acre pseudo-isle previously used by the Red Ash mining community. The Island had swimming holes, a baseball diamond, dance platform, and most notably, a cemetery.

Labeled (3) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map LENGTH: 3.4 miles/5.47 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. An easy grade and wide, smooth trail make the Rend Trail one of the most popular trails in the park. It is great for hikers of all ages and levels of fitness, and a great start for beginning mountain bikers.

Make Do or Do Without The upstream section of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a different landscape from the more iconic lower gorge. This is the transition zone of the New from a broad river bordered by wide, flat bottomlands, to a narrow mountain river roaring through its deep, boulder strewn gorge. This section offered early peoples more than a transportation corridor and exposed coal seams; these flat river bottoms provided rich farmlands. American Indian archeological sites are common throughout this area, but it is the heritage of European and African settlers, specifically the Richmond family which lends the name to these lands. This side of the river has traditionally been known as “Richmond’s Bottom” and many direct descendants still live on these lands. This site offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of early settlers in the New River Gorge area before the coming of the railroad, a life of self-sufficiency. Subsistence farming, “living of the land,” was a full-time job. The basic needs of food, shelter, and water were not bought; they were produced by all members of the family and guided all aspects of daily life. Chopping wood, carrying water, tending the crops and farm animals, preserving and curing food, spinning, weaving, and sewing raw flax and wool into clothing were everyday activities. Hunting wild game and gathering seasonal wild plants for food and medicinal use was a way of life. Bartering with neighbors and a few area merchants for items you could not produce on your own was a common practice. Trading a hog, eggs, or apples for coffee, lead shot, and gunpowder; or giving a share of your corn crop to the grist mill operator in exchange for ground corn meal was also a vital part of the lifestyle. The basic layout for a subsistence farmstead included the house, usually an original log cabin modified over the years with attached additions and a painted clap-board exterior, numerous outbuildings, barns, sheds, springhouse, and outhouse. Surrounding the farm, the forest was cleared and planted with corn fields, garden plots, and often apple orchards. Barns and other outbuildings provided shelter to the many domestic animals vital to the subsistence lifestyle. A horse or mule was needed to pull the plow and wagons, cows and chickens supplied milk, butter, cheese, and eggs, and beehives provided honey. Hogs, which were allowed to roam semi-wild through the forests, provided a basic source for meat, and the wool from sheep was sheared, spun, and woven for clothing. The Richmond-Hamilton house and farmstead you see today is one of several examples in the park of the final evolution and remains of the old subsistence lifestyle. The original Revolutionary War veteran land grant in this area of the New River was granted in 1796, to William Richmond, on a tract of land near the present-day Sandstone Falls (originally called Richmond’s falls). Through generations the original lands were broken up and divided amongst married children and their descendants. The last residents of this site were a railroad worker and his family who operated the farm part time to provide a secondary income. The River Road section of the park still consists of many privately owned properties which have evolved from the subsistence farmlands of the original European and African settlers from the early 1800’s. The Richmond Hamilton historic site is located two miles down the ten-mile long River Road, accessible off of Route 20 at Hinton, that dead ends at the Sandstone Falls boardwalk and day use area. River Road and Sandstone Falls covers the upper ten miles of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and is the longest scenic riverside drive in the park. There are several public picnic, fishing, and river access areas along the way, including the Brooks Falls day use area and Big Branch trailhead. Sandstone Falls marks the dramatic transition for the New Rivers final fifty-mile rush through the New River Gorge to its confluence with the Gauley to form the Kanawha River. Visiting Richmond Hamilton Farm To get to Richmond Hamilton Farm, exit I-64 at exit 139. Take Route 20 south towards Hinton. Follow Route 20 for 10 miles south to Hinton. After reaching a traffic light, turn right on Route 20 and cross the New River. At the other side of the river turn right onto River Road. Richmond Hamilton Farm is located about two miles down River Road on your left. Watch for a break in a stone wall. There is a parking lot and vault toilet at the entrance. You can walk from there to visit two barns, an outbuilding, and the farmhouse.

These beehive coke ovens belonged to the mining company of Rush Run. Evidence supports that there may have been as many as 180 ovens at this site. The ovens run parallel to the river side of the trail.

Rush Run was established in 1889 by the Rush Run Coal Company as the earliest mining town along the old C & O railway on this tour. It was a busy community that was even equipped with its own post office and saloon. In 1905, five years after the initial tragedy at Red Ash, yet another disaster occurred in the conjoined Red Ash and Rush Run mines, ultimately killing 24 men. After the closure of the Rush Run mine in the 1940s, the town was abandoned.

New River Gorge Waterfall Tour Stop 8: The most iconic waterfall in the park is Sandstone Falls. Spanning 1,500 feet across, it is the largest waterfall on the New River. Several small islands divide the falls into different parts that drop 10 to 25 feet. Although the falls require some walking to view it, the boardwalk is short and accessible. Sandstone Falls marks the transition zone of the New River from a broad river of large bottomlands, to a narrow mountain river roaring through a deep boulder strewn V- shaped gorge. The falls form the dramatic starting line for the New Rivers final rush through the New River Gorge to its confluence with the Gauley river to form the Kanawha River. Your journey to view the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk will require some driving time, but it will take you along two of the park's most scenic roads, Route 20 from I-64 at the community of Sandstone, ten miles upstream to the town of Hinton, then downstream eight miles along River Road, the park's only scenic riverside drive. Both these routes offer several overlooks, historic sites, natural areas, trails, and river access points. As you drive south, high above the river on Route 20 to Hinton you will pass two park vistas. The Sandstone Falls Overlook provides an aerial view of the falls from 600 feet above the river. Brooks Overlook looks down on the mile-long Brooks Island, a perennial bald eagle nesting site. Hinton is the southern gateway to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. A once booming railroad center, the town has a large historic district, railroad museum, antique shops, and restaurants. After crossing the bridge at Hinton you will begin driving alongside the New River down River Road. There are great riverside vistas, several river access points, a trail, picnic area and small boardwalk view at Brooks Falls, a powerful Class III rapid. The journey ends at the Sandstone Falls day use area, where you begin your walk along the boardwalk and bridges that span the two islands below the falls. The walk begins by crossing a short bridge that spans a manmade channel that once diverted water for a water powered gristmill used for grinding the local farmers corn and wheat. The first island offers a view of the lower falls, the one half mile Island Loop Trail, and one of the most unique botanical ecosystems in West Virginia, the Appalachian riverside flat rock plant community. This community is found in only five areas in the state and consists of several southern plant species that have migrated along the north flowing New River and have adapted to the thin rock strewn soil and occasional scouring floods on this elevated island below the falls. The second bridge, a mini arch cor-ten steel structure, crosses a wide, naturally formed channel bringing you onto a low-lying island covered with a floodplain forest community and views of the impressive main falls. Sandstone Falls was created by the powerful flow of the New river eroding the soft conglomerate rock layer that lies below the hard sandstone layer from which the falls gets its name. Through eons of time as the river washed away the conglomerate beneath the harder sandstone, the precipice of the falls and the great boulders below were created. The falls are still a dynamic geological environment as slowly but surely the falls, through time are advancing upstream. A journey to Sandstone Falls provides a rare riverside scenic drive, the beautiful falls, and the dramatic interface of the New River's transformation from a broad mountain stream into a raging whitewater gorge in its final descent through the Appalachian Mountains. Safety Advisory: The waters around Sandstone Falls are very swift and dangerous. Remain on the boardwalk or trails when visiting the falls. Anyone near or on the water should always wear a life jacket. Directions Sandstone Falls is not located at the Sandstone Visitor Center. It is an approximately 45 minute drive from the visitor center to the falls. Travel Advisory: The final portion of New River Road to Sandstone Falls is narrow with no yellow line and limited passing space. Large vehicles over 25 feet in length such as RVs are not recommended. If Following Waterfall Tour from Big Branch Falls: Take a left onto New River Road and continue north. The parking lot will be on the right in 4.2 miles. From Sandstone Visitor Center: Take a left out of the visitor center parking lot. Follow WV-20 S for 10.3 miles to the town of Hinton. Continue through the town of Hinton. At the traffic signal in town, turn right onto WV-20 S / Temple Street. Cross the bridge and take a right onto WV-26 / New River Road. The parking lot will be on the right in 8.3 miles.

Labeled (3) on the Sandstone Brooks Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.2 miles/0.32 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and accessible. Sandstone Falls is a sight that should not be missed. This is the largest waterfall on the New River spanning 1500 feet across. Divided by islands, the falls drop from 10 to 25 feet. A ¼ mile, handicapped accessible boardwalk crosses two bridges leading to islands and observation decks offering fantastic views of the falls.

Labeled (1) on the Sandstone Brooks Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.1 mi/0.16 km. DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. See all of Sandstone Falls at this scenic overlook just off of the highway. This short, gravel walkway descends briefly from the parking lot to a view of the falls and river, 600 feet below.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 16: Segregation of African Americans Thousands of African Americans migrated to West Virginia in search of jobs. Upon their arrival, they were met with segregation and discrimination, but also with economic, political, and educational opportunities that had been denied to them in other southern states. Many towns had a “white” section and a “black” section that separated where they lived. African Americans were also subjected to segregation at the movie theater, eating at a restaurant, attending school, and staying at a hotel. There were hotels for whites and hotels for blacks. At the movie theater, blacks had to sit in the balcony or away from the whites. The Ritz Theatre was a place in Hinton that was segregated until the late 1950s. Second Baptist Church: Second Baptist Church was organized in 1878 in the home of Mrs. Henrietta Hostler of Hinton, WV. The Rev. C. H. Payne was its first pastor. The congregation met in member’s homes for several years until they could purchase for thirty-five dollars the property where the church now stands. In 1881, a wood framed building was constructed on the property and the congregation grew rapidly under the leadership of Pastor R. J. Perkins. Eventually, the original wooden structure was torn down and a larger church erected in its place. By 1925, the Church’s membership had grown so much that a larger church building was needed. In September of 1925, the corner stone was laid for the construction of a new brick sanctuary and education facility. During this time, the congregation held worship in the Odd Fellows Lodge with Rev. J. D. Woodfolk as pastor. At a cost of $45,000.00 the new facility was opened and dedicated for worship on February 13, 1927. This is the church building you see today at 212 James Street in Hinton. For the full story go to: Segregaton: Hinton, WV Other nearby places of interest: Lincoln School Hinton, WV Driving Directions Physical Address: 210 James Street, Hinton, WV 25951 GPS Coordinates: N37.672028 -W80.889716 From Beckley, WV: Take I-64 East to Exit 139 (Hinton/Sandstone, WV). Turn left on to Highway 20 south and travel 10 miles to Hinton, WV. Route 20 will become Summers Street (one-way) through town. Turn left on 2nd Avenue. Go straight through the stop light and turn right on Ballengee Street. Drive around the Courthouse and Memorial Building and turn left on James Street at the Civil War Monument. Travel one block on James Street. Tour stop (Second Baptist Church) is the red brick church on the right. Directions to the next Tour Stop Hinton Depot Physical Address: 100 2nd Avenue, Hinton, WV 25951 GPS Coordinates: N37.675011 -W80.892184 From the church, turn right on Third Avenue and travel to Summers Street. Turn left and travel to Second Avenue. Turn right on Second Avenue and park along the curb. Tour Stop is the Hinton Railroad Depot on the left. STAY OFF THE TRACK.

Labeled (7) on the Nuttallburg Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.3 miles/0.48 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. Seldom Seen served as a small residential community for some families of those employed at Nuttallburg. Follow this trail to the town site, where a foundation here or there are all that remain, evidence of an earlier time and life in the New River Gorge.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 12: African American Music in West Virginia Slab Fork, like many company owned coal camps in southern West Virginia, was home to many cultures and ethnicities. The reach of the company town extended beyond employment and a place to live. It was also the organizer of social life in the town. As migrants arrived in the coal company town looking for work, they found a common language in music. From the south, African Americans brought banjos, group harmonies, and spirituals, eastern Europeans brought brass bands and folk tunes, and Scotch-Irish immigrants brought fiddles and ballads. As the sounds mixed in the hills of the West Virginia coal camps Appalachian music was born. Often considered an Appalachian icon is the singing, dancing, and music surrounding the banjo. African American music was transformed when, in the early 1900s, guitars became readily available and affordable through mail-order catalogs. Music genres such as string band music, bluegrass, and rock ‘n’ roll are the result of the influence of black music in Appalachia. Slab Fork: Slab Fork was established as a mining town in the early 1900s by the Slab Fork Coal Company. Taking is name from the Slab Fork, a tributary of the Guyandotte River, it was the first coal mine in the Winding Gulf Coal Field. The mine at Slab Fork opened in 1907 and operated until 1983. The Slab Fork mine was the first mine to ship coal out of the Winding Gulf Coal Field. Coal at Slab Fork was mined from the Beckley seam, and later from the Pocahontas No. 3 & 4 coal seams. The mine was served by the Virginian Railway which later became a part of the Norfolk & Western Railroad. For the full story go to: African American Music in West Virginia: Slab Fork Driving Directions: Physical Address: 374 Slab Fork Road, Slab Fork, WV 25920 GPS Coordinates: N37.686920 -W81.330368 From Beckley, WV: Travel on I-77 north or south to Exit 42. Take Exit 42 (Highway 16 south and 97 west, Robert C. Byrd Drive) and travel three miles on Highway 16/97. Move into the left lane and continue straight at the split onto Highway 121 (Coalfield Expy). Travel four miles to Slab Fork Road. Turn right on Slab Fork Road and travel to the old Slab Fork Post Office. Tour Stop will be on your left. From Fayetteville, WV: Travel south on Highway 19 to Beckley. Continue straight on Highway 19 toward I-77/I-64. Take I-77 south to exit 42 (Highway 16 south and 97 west, Robert C. Byrd Drive). Take exit 42 and travel three miles on Highway 16/97. Move into the left lane and continue straight at the split onto Highway 121 (Coalfield Expy). Travel four miles to Slab Fork Road. Turn right on Slab Fork Road and travel to the old Slab Fork Post Offic. Tour Stop will be on your left. Directions to the next Tour Stop: Helen Physical Address: Tams Highway (Highway 16), Helen WV 25853 GPS Coordinates: N37.636248 -W81.314486 From Slab Fork, return to Hwy 121 and turn left. Travel 1.2 miles to McKinney Mountain Road (Route 12/12) and turn right. Travel to Highway 16 South and turn right. Travel 5 miles to Helen and turn right into the Coal Miners Memorial Park. Tour Stop and parking is at the park.

Labeled (2) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map LENGTH: 7.0 miles/11.27 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This easy seven mile riverside trail provides great views of the New River and passes through several abandoned New River Gorge mining towns. Rush Run, Red Ash, and Brooklyn were all once bustling communities located along this abandoned railroad line. The first mile from Cunard River Access is open to motorized vehicles.

Labeled (6) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map LENGTH: 2.7 miles/4.35 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This moderate 2.7 mile trail follows an old road along the banks of the New River. Great views and easy access to the river are available along this trail.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 14: African American Education in West Virginia Gone are the days of the early 1800s in which African Americans were mainly provided education by missionaries and charitable organizations. The WV legislature passed a bill in 1866 that provided public schools for African Americans, but revised it in 1872 and stipulated that white and black students would be taught separately. In 1919, the first all-black high school in Raleigh County, named after Reverend Daniel Stratton, was opened and graduated its first two students that same year. The school had already grown to 37 students and 10 faculty by 1933. In 1939, Stratton High School moved to a new facility on South Fayette Street which presently houses Stratton Elementary. By 1967, Stratton High School’s final year, the graduating class had grown to 109 students and consisted of 32 staff members, 10 of which were original graduates.During the 48 years that Stratton served the community as an all-black high school, it graduated 2,786 students, some of which became doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, nurses, and ministers. For the full story go to: Early African American Education: Stratton High School; Beckley, WV Driving Directions: Physical Address: 1129 S. Fayette Street, Beckley, WV 25801 GPS Coordinates: N37.766545 -W81.173965 From Beckley, WV: From downtown Beckley, take South Fayette Street to Stratton Elementary School. Tour Stop (Stratton Elementary School) will be on your left From Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 south to the exit for Eisenhower Drive and Beckley, WV. Turn left at the bottom of the exit onto Eisenhower Drive and travel to Johnstown Road. Turn right onto Johnstown Road. Cross over Kanawha Street and continue straight on Beaver Avenue until you get to S. Fayette Street (Highway 3). Turn left on S. Fayette Street and travel to Stratton Elementary School. Tour Stop (Stratton Elementary School) will be on your left. Directions to the next Tour Stop: John Henry Park Physical Address: 3262 West Virginia 3, 25951 GPS Coordinates: N37.652038 -W80.762975 From the school, continue on S. Fayette Street to Hwy 3 East and turn right. Travel 29.5 miles on Hwy 3 East to Talcott (you will cross the New River and Greenbrier River). Turn right at the John Henry Park sign at Talcott. Tour Stop and parking are at the end of the road.

During the first two decades of the 1900s, Thurmond was a classic boomtown. With the huge amounts of coal brought in from area mines, it had the largest revenue on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Having many coal barons among its patrons, Thurmond's banks were the richest in the state. Fifteen passenger trains a day came through town-its depot serving as many as 95,000 passengers a year. The town's stores and saloons did a remarkable business, and its hotels and boarding houses were constantly overflowing. With the advent of diesel locomotives, and less coal coming in from local mines, the town began a steady decline. The many businesses closed down, and most residents moved on. Today, the town of Thurmond remains surprisingly untouched by modern development. It is a link to our past, and a town with many stories to tell. New River Gorge National River invites visitors to experience the impact of the industrial revolution, and the mission of the National Park Service to preserve our nation's heritage. To reach Thurmond, take U.S. Route 19 to the Glen Jean exit, north of Beckley. Follow the signs to Thurmond, seven miles down WV Route 25 (Route 25 is a narrow, winding road and is not recommended for RVs and trailers). Thurmond in Prosperous Times The year 1873 marked the completion of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway mainline. It was also the year that Captain W. D. Thurmond acquired 73 acres along the railroad, a strategic position for developing a town. Thurmond was the heart of the New River Gorge, carrying shipments of coal from the surrounding coal fields. The town of Thurmond grew as the coal and timber industries expanded in the gorge. The rail yard was expanded to meet the railroad’s needs. By 1910, Thurmond was the chief railroad center on the C&O Railway mainline. In 1910, the C & O operation at Thurmond was first in revenue receipts, producing more freight tonnage than Cincinnati, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia, combined. Freight was not the only key to this town’s success. Seventy-five thousand passengers passed through Thurmond in 1910, delighting in all it had to offer. At its peak, Thurmond had two hotels, two banks, restaurants, clothing stores, a jewelry store, movie theater, several dry-good stores, and many business offices. The town continued to thrive through the early decades of the 20th century. Thurmond in Decline With the onset of the Great Depression, several businesses closed, including the National Bank of Thurmond. The town’s economic vitality waned after two large fires wiped out several major businesses. By the mid 1930s there were other indications that Thurmond’s heyday was ending. The American public had begun its love affair with the automobile, and good roads made travel by car easy. C & O Railway changed from steam to diesel locomotives in the 1940s. Thurmond had been a steam town, its rail yard and crews geared toward the short service intervals of steam locomotives. The switch to diesels left many of the rail yard structures and jobs obsolete. Once the heart of the New River Gorge, Thurmond remains its soul. Memories continue to be made here in the 21st century. The town is still incorporated and hosts an annual reunion for former residents. Stabilizing Thurmond’s Past for the Future The Thurmond Depot was restored as a visitor center by the National Park Service in 1995. There are over twenty other park-owned structures in Thurmond. The National Park Service began a stabilization program in 2003, including repairs to preserve buildings until the time that they can be rehabilitated or restored. Work includes removal of overgrown vegetation, improvement of drainage around the buildings, installation of more permanent metal panel roofs and gutters, removal of hazardous porches and additions, the installation of window louvers to provide adequate interior ventilation and some exterior restoration work.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 17: Migration of African Americans to WV Hinton and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway became an important migration corridor for thousands of African Americans. For nearly sixty years, 1870 to 1930, African Americans traveled to West Virginia through major rail centers like Hinton. They came in search of jobs as well as economic and political opportunities denied to them in other states. Beginning in 1869, African Americans poured into the state to fill hundreds of jobs building the C&O Railway, its branch lines, and other railroads through the mountainous landscapes. Once the railroads opened up the large coalfields of Central Appalachia, even more journeyed to West Virginia. Hinton became an integral stop for African American men and their families who came to fill hundreds of jobs in the coal mines. Although some remained in Hinton to work for the railroad, some became buisnessmen, teachers, and ministers, but the majority passed through on their way to new jobs and new lives in the coal camps of the New River Gorge and southern West Virginia. Hinton Railroad Depot The Hinton station was built for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (C&O) in 1905 as a division terminal. The station and tracks lie along a bend in the New River; in a quirk of engineering, the eastbound trains pass southwest through the station and westbound trains pass northeast. The otherwise two-story depot has a middle section that stands at three stories and is built entirely from red brick with a rock-faced stone belt course that runs at the window heads. The porch coverings are supported by heavy wooden brackets that feature a wood-fan pattern trim. Currently, the station is largely unoccupied except for an Amtrak waiting room opened and closed by a caretaker. Along the hillside bordering the platform, a neighbor maintains a lush garden for the enjoyment of rail passengers. Other nearby places of interest: Hinton, WV Hinton Railroad Museum Driving Directions Physical Address: 100 2nd Avenue, Hinton, WV 25951 GPS Coordinates: N37.675011 -W80.892184 From Beckley, WV: Take I-64 East to Exit 139 (Hinton/Sandstone, WV). Turn left on to Highway 20 south and travel 10 miles to Hinton, WV. Route 20 will become Summers Street (one-way) through town. Turn right on 2nd Avenue and park along the right hand side of the road. Tour Stop (Hinton Depot) will be on your left at the bottom of the street. You are welcome to walk around the Depot to the exhibit area. PLEASE STAY OFF THE TRACK. Directions to the next tour stop: Quinnimont Missionary Baptist Church Physical Address: Stanaford Road (Highway 41), Prince, WV 25907 GPS Coordinates: N37.855641 -W81.045615 From the Hinton Depot, travel up Second Avenue to Temple Street (Hwy 20) and turn left. Travel 22 miles on Hwy 20 North to Meadow Bridge and turn left on Meadow Bridge Road (Route 31). Travel 6.5 miles to Danese and turn left. Travel 11.5 miles on Hwy 41 South to Quinnimont. At Quinnimont, you will turn right at the first gravel road at the African American Heritage Tour sign. Tour Stop and parking is at the second church on the left.

Brooklyn was a mining community and complex established in the 1890’s as one of the last coal camps in the area.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 2: Camp Washington Carver Camp Washington-Carver was named after Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the early 1940s. Camp Washington Carver opened in 1942 as the first 4-H camp in the country that was for the African-American youth. Today, Heritage Arts Camp, the Appalachian String Band Festival, and the Great Chestnut Lodge, the largest log structure of its kind in the world, make this site a favorite place for festivities. On July 26, 1942 the first African American 4-H camp in the United States was opened here in Fayette County. A 1929 report showed that 44 of the state’s 55 counties had 4-H camps for white children, but none for black children. Fleming Adolphus Jones, a black member of the WV House of Delegates presented to the legislature the importance of Camp Washington Carver:“For the purpose of teaching Negro boys and girls the 4-H standard of living, and to inspire them to lift themselves toward these standards, and to discover and train Negro boys and girls for leadership, and for the purpose of teaching standards of excellence in agriculture, soil conservation, vocational agriculture, and home economics.” Use of the camp began immediately, even before construction was fully completed. The peak years of use occurred during the 1950s when the camp accommodated approximately 1,600 campers annually. A camper’s day included nature study, music, drama, crafts, swimming, play time, and evening vespers. Today the site is used for many different purposes, weddings, reunions, festivals, and other gatherings. Local historian Norman Jordan said it best, “Regardless of what it [the camp] becomes, its roots will always represent a landmark for African American unity and achievement.” For the full story go to Camp Washington Carver: Clifftop, WV Driving Directions: From Beckley, WV Take Highway 41 north and travel 28.5 miles to Clifftop Road (Route 11). Turn left on to Clifftop Road toward Camp Washington Carver. Go 3/10 of a mile and turn left on Old Clifftop Road. Travel 1.5 miles and turn left at Camp Washington Carver on Camp Carver Road. Tour Stop (Camp Washington Carver) is at the end of the road. From Fayetteville, WV Take Highway 19 north and travel 6.8 miles to Highway 60. Exit onto Highway 60. Turn left on Highway 60 east and travel 9.5 miles to the junction of Highway 41. Turn right onto Highway 41 and travel 1.6 miles to Old Clifftop Road. Turn right on Old Clifftop Road and travel 2 miles. Turn left at Camp Washington Carver on Camp Carver Road.Tour Stop (Camp Washington Carver) is at the end of the road. Directions to Next Tour Stop: Winona Physical Address: Keeney’s Creek Baptist Church, Winona, WV 25942GPS Coordinates: N38.047379 -W81.991094 From Camp Washington Carver: Return to Old Clifftop Road and turn right onto Old Clifftop Road. Travel 2 miles to Highway 41. Turn left on Highway 41 north and travel 1.6 miles to Highway 60. Turn left on Highway 60 west and travel 5.3 miles to Lansing Edmond Road (Route 82). Turn left on Lansing Edmond Road and travel 2 miles to Keeney’s Creek Baptist Church in Winona. Tour stop (Keeney’s Creek Baptist Church) will be on the left.

Labeled (2) on the Arrowhead Bike Trails map; LENGTH: 3.1 miles/4.99km (One-Way). DIFFICULTY: Easy to Intermediate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and Biking. DESCRIPTION: This trail loops through the forest on low-grade swooping dips along light uphill and downhill sections. This trail is 30" to 36" wide with a few rock-surfaced sections, wide turns and switchbacks, offering safe and exciting learning opportunities for beginning mountain bikers.

Labeled (4) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map LENGTH: 0.3 miles/0.48 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This steep and rocky trail connects the Rend and Southside Trails. Located 1.2 miles from the Thurmond end of the Rend Trail, just past the third trestle, this 0.3 mile connector trail drops off to the right. This trail also provides glimpses of the stonework and coke ovens of the former mining town of Wee Win.

New River Gorge Waterfall Tour Stop 7: Big Branch Creek is a feeder creek for the New River near the town of Hinton. It has many small cascades and falls which are visible along the Big Branch Trail. The largest of these plunges nearly 30 feet down tiered sandstone and is located just a short hike from the Big Branch Trailhead. Hiking is required to reach this falls; Big Branch Falls is not accessible. Directions Big Branch Falls is located on the Big Branch Trail across from the Brooks Fall parking lot. If Following Waterfall Tour from Glade Creek Falls: Return to WV-41 by following Glade Creek Rd for 5.6 miles. Cross the railroad tracks and take a slight left onto WV-41 S. Continue for 3.9 miles then turn left to continue on WV-41 S for 4.5 miles. Turn left onto E Beckley Bypass and follow 3.3 miles to I-64 E. Follow signs for I-64 E and merge onto the interstate. Follow for 13.8 miles to exit 139 for Sandstone. Take a left onto WV-20 S and follow for 10.3 miles to the town of Hinton. Continue through the town of Hinton. At the traffic signal in town, turn right onto WV-20 S / Temple Street. Cross the bridge and take a right onto WV-26 / New River Road. The trailhead will be on the left in 3.9 miles across from the Brooks Falls parking lot. From Sandstone Visitor Center: Take a left out of the visitor center parking lot. Follow WV-20 S for 10.3 miles to the town of Hinton. Continue through the town of Hinton. At the traffic signal in town, turn right onto WV-20 S / Temple Street. Cross the bridge and take a right onto WV-26 / New River Road. The trailhead will be on the left in 3.9 miles across from the Brooks Falls parking lot. To Hike to the Falls: From the trailhead, hike clockwise 0.7 miles to reach the falls. Beyond the falls, the trail will become more strenuous for the remainder of the loop. Good hiking shoes are recommended. Visitors may wish to return the way they came to avoid the steeper portions of the trail.

Labeled (5) on the Sandstone Brooks Area Trails map; LENGTH: 2.0 miles/2.74 km (Round-trip). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE Hiking only. On the west side of the river at Brooks Falls is the Big Branch Trail. This strenuous trail creates a 2 mile loop that is especially scenic in the early spring when wildflowers are in bloom. It can be a great place to see the early bloomers like trout lilies, spring beauties, toothwort, and bloodroot.

Labeled (2) on the Grandview Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.9 miles/1.45 km (round trip). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This easy 0.9 mile trail loops through a rolling section of forest. Tree identification signs along the way celebrate the great diversity of flora found in the Appalachian forest.

Labeled (4) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map LENGTH: 0.86 miles/1.38 km (one way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This occasionally steep and rocky trail offers views of the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. The trail passes under the bridge and connects to the Fayetteville Trail.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 8: African American Fraternal Organizations African American fraternal organizations, like Bright Hope Lodge #9 in Montgomery, WV began as a means of meeting the economic and social needs of the African American community. They shaped African American identity through rituals of brotherhood and protected members against poverty and other hardships. Although fraternal organizations originated in free black communities before the Civil War, thousands were founded during Reconstruction. Fraternal organizations for black and white residents began before governmental aid and other assistance programs existed for the poor. Segregation and discriminatory practices made obtaining what little help that was available even more difficult for African Americans. African American fraternal organizations became a back-up plan for their communities. By collecting membership dues, they were able to aid the poor, the unemployed, orphanages, and widows, often providing burial funds. Bright Hope Lodge was organized on January 22, 1889 in Coal Valley, Fayette County. For the full story go to: African American Fraternal Organizations: Bright Hope Lodge #9; Montgomery, WV Other nearby places of interest: Simmons High School Booker T. Washington Home and Monument Driving Directions: Physical Address: 65 Gaines Street, Montgomery, WV 25136 GPS Coordinates: N38.179942 -W81.315825 From Beckley, WV: Take Highway 19 north to Oak Hill, WV. Take the East Oak Hill exit and turn left at the top of exit ramp (Main Street or Highway 16 south). Drive through downtown Oak Hill. Turn right on Highway 61 north (Jones Street) and travel 23 miles to Montgomery. Pass the Montgomery City sign and turn right on the first road (Gaines Street) on the right after the City sign and before you drive under the overpass. Stop at Bright Hope Lodge on the right From Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 south to Oak Hill, WV. Take the Oak Hill exit and turn right at the top of exit ramp (Main Street or Highway 16 south). Drive through downtown Oak Hill. Turn right on Highway 61 north (Jones Street) and travel 23 miles to Montgomery, WV. Pass the Montgomery City sign.Turn right on the first road (Gaines Street) on the right after the City sign and before you drive under the overpass. Stop at Bright Hope Lodge on the right Directions to the next Tour Stop: Harlem Heights Physical Address: 10 Broadway Avenue, Oak Hill, WV 25901 GPS Coordinates: N37.998485 -W81.131346 From Montgomery, take Hwy 61 South 23 miles to Oak Hill and turn left on Hwy 16 North. Travel 2 miles to Russell E. Matthew’s Park and playground. Turn right at park. Tour Stop and parking is at the playground.

The beehive-style coke ovens of the Brooklyn Coal Company stand on the opposite side of the Southside trail, closer to the bank of the river.

Labeled (1) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map LENGTH: 2.7 miles/4.35 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking, biking and equestrian. This 2.7 mile hiking and equestrian Trail follows an old road through the forest to the Brooklyn coal mine site. Scenic views of the river through the trees can be found along the trail.

Brooks Falls, the smaller sister to Sandstone Falls, is a 4 foot drop that spans the 1000 foot width of the river. Though the name suggests it as a waterfall, Brooks Falls is perhaps better described as a runnable, Class III rapid. The Brooks Falls Roadside Park provides a small observation of the Falls’ vista, as well as restroom facilities, picnic spots, and river access. *CAUTION* Always wear a life jacket when wading or swimming in the shallow river access eddies.

Brooks Island Overlook peers over the mile-long Brooks Island, a perennial bald eagle nesting site. Since 2010, three mated bald eagle couples have used the established nest in an American sycamore tree to incubate and raise their chicks. Though once listed as a threatened and endangered species, the bald eagle population within the country has steadily improved, and their sightings in the park have become more frequent! Two other nesting sites have been confirmed within the park in more recent years.

Labeled (1) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Trails map LENGTH: 1.2 miles/1.93 km (Round-trip). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This enjoyable 1.2 mile loop trail leads through old-growth forest and rhododendron thickets. The trail then follows the edge of an open field, loops back through the forest, and returns to the field. This area was a former home site of the Laing family.

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 10 - Old-Growth Forest Network On August 4th, 2023, a ceremony was held with over 50 people in attendance to induct the Burnwood Trail into the Old-Growth Forest Network, a national non-profit organization with the goal of dedicating at least one protected old-growth forest open to the public in each county in the United States that can sustain a native forest. Having forests permanently protected in parks like these at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve means more forests will be allowed to continue to grow and mature into old-growth in the future. The research done by Concord University allows park managers to better understand what kind of forest we are managing towards. Trails like Burnwood allow visitors to look through a window into the past and see what the original forests looked like. Now that you know what kind of unique characteristics old trees and forests have, look for these features whenever you are hiking and you may stumble across a previously undocumented old-growth forest that could potentially be part of the Old-Growth Forest Network. To learn more about old-growth forests within New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, including a video about Burnwood and a link to the research report produced in partnership with Concord University, visit Old-Growth Forests - New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 1 - Logging History of Appalachia Large trees over 100 feet tall and hundreds of years old were once common across the Appalachian landscape. Throughout the late 19th to early 20th century, a large-scale commercial logging boom swept across the forests of Appalachia. New advancements in sawmill technology and rapid development of urban areas across the country created a higher demand for lumber, resulting in millions of acres of forests being clearcut within a few decades. It is estimated that less than 1% of the original forests remain throughout the eastern United States and West Virginia, usually in small patches of a few dozen acres or less. The forest along this trail was a small tract of private property owned by the Laing family. Evidence along the trail reveals part of the land was cleared for pasture and a homestead, but some of the forest was left to grow naturally with minimal human impact. It is unclear why they chose not to cut a portion of their land. Perhaps they left the forest for hunting or as a form of insurance where they could sell their timber during times of potential hardship. Look for clues of past land use from the remnant fencing found along the sides of this portion of the trail.

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 2 - Defining Old-Growth What determines if a forest is old-growth? Generally, old-growth forests are forests that existed prior to the prevalent industrial land clearing of the 19th century. Natural processes have been the major force shaping an old-growth forest ecosystem. A defining feature people use to determine if a forest is old-growth is that it hasn’t had any human disturbance throughout its history. This type of forest is also called a primary forest. A forest that has experienced major human clearing in the past is referred to as a secondary forest, highlighting that the second forest has grown to replace the original that was cleared. A forest could have been cleared by humans 200 years ago and enough time has passed to where old-growth features are coming back, but this wouldn’t be considered a primary forest due to the history of human clearing. The forest type and ecosystem are also important in determining what is considered old-growth. A 200-year-old forest in the eastern United States could be considered old-growth since most overstory tree species reach a maximum life of 300-400 years. However, a 200-year-old forest may not classify as old-growth in the Pacific Northwest where trees can live for over 1,000 years. Some forests and ecosystems don’t reach old-growth age status naturally due to large, frequent disturbances. In the New River Gorge, riverscour prairies naturally experience frequent flooding that keeps vegetation from reaching old age because of the scouring of the riverbank by water. A riverscour prairie could theoretically be a primary ecosystem that humans haven’t disturbed, but it isn’t considered old-growth since flooding naturally keeps most of the plants from achieving old age. Despite some subjectivity surrounding the definition of old-growth, there are many characteristics that are unique to old-growth deciduous forests that can be scientifically measured and classified.

Labeled (2) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Trails map LENGTH: 0.1 miles/0.16 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Easy/strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and accessible to the top overlook This boardwalk offers scenic views of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge. An easy walk on a fully accessible ramp leads to the first viewing point, while 178 steps descend to the lower overlook.

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 3 - Forest Succession The forest to your right is in stark contrast with the forest along the rest of this trail. This young forest was an old field probably used for livestock, hay, or a yard. Aerial imagery from Google Earth reveals that the National Park Service stopped mowing the field in the mid-2000s and young tulip poplar trees have quickly infilled. Tulip poplars are not tolerant of shade and are quick to establish in open areas with high sunlight. This young forest is an example of a secondary, early successional forest that is in the beginning stages of development. Succession is the process by which vegetation communities change in species composition and structure through time as the ecosystem matures. This forest is considered even-aged, where all of the trees began growing at the same time after mowing stopped. Old-growth forests are late-successional and uneven-aged, where trees naturally grow to their upper age limits and numerous canopy layers and ages of trees can be found. The uneven-age of older forests is evidence that the trees didn’t all establish after a large human disturbance that cleared the entire area. Instead, numerous smaller events such as infrequent windstorms create gaps in the canopy and allow for new growth to establish once sunlight reaches the forest floor.

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 4 - Decoding the Old-Growth How do we know that the Burnwood forest is old-growth? The presence of numerous species of large trees made park rangers at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve believe that the forest could be considered old-growth. During the fall of 2022, the National Park Service partnered with Dr. Tom Saladyga, Professor of Geography at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. Dr. Saladyga is a dendrochronologist, or a scientist who specializes in using annual growth rings to accurately date trees and study changes in the environment, such as past fire, climate, storms, and human activities. Dr. Saladyga led eight of his students for a class project to classify Burnwood as an old-growth forest. The work led to a research report published by the National Park Service titled, Documenting Remnant Old Growth at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve: A Pre-Industrial Legacy Forest at the Burnwood Area. The study confirmed that the forest should be considered old-growth. Fourteen of the fifty trees that were sampled were at least 250 years old, with five individuals dating to the 1670s. This research revealed that the forest escaped the industrial logging period of the early 20th century, has experienced minimal human disturbance, and existed prior to European settlement of the New River Gorge.

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 5 - Characteristics of Old Trees This large chestnut oak is over 160 years old and provides an example of some of the unique physical characteristics trees develop in older age. By looking around the entire trunk, you will notice some parts of the tree’s bark are thick-plated and blocky while some areas of bark are flat. Many older trees will have a mix of balding and protruding bark patterns up and down the entire trunk. Bark on old trees can also be strikingly different in appearance compared to younger trees of the same species. Old trees also have very little stem taper, with minimal change in diameter from the base of the tree to the top near the crown. Perhaps the best clue to determine if a tree is old lies within the branches and the crown. Lower branches are absent, indicating the tree grew in a closed-canopy forest where lower branches wouldn’t be useful to capture sunlight. Older trees usually have only a few large diameter branches that are high up into the crown, resembling a stalk of celery that only has leaves at the top of the tall stem. The upper branches are twisted and gnarled from decades of withstanding harsh winds and continuously reaching through the canopy attempting to capture available sunlight.

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 6 - How Tree Age is Determined The large tree just off the trail to the left with thick-plated, irregular shaped, blocky bark resembling alligator hide is a blackgum. Blackgum is a long-lived, slow growing tree that is highly tolerant of shade, being able to wait in the understory for centuries before a neighboring tree falls and allows for direct sunlight to reach the forest floor. This blackgum is the oldest tree along the trail and has an inner-ring date of 1674, being at least 350 years old. How are trees accurately dated? The researchers from Concord University who led the Burnwood study used an instrument called an increment borer to extract a straw-sized sample containing the growth rings from the tree. The increment borer has a sharp bit that is twisted into the tree by the user and the wood sample is then extracted from the hollow auger. While this tree is confirmed to be at least 350 years old, it could be much older. When coring a large tree, if the increment borer is off from the center of the tree by even a couple of inches, decades of growth rings could be missing from the sample, especially on slow growing trees like the blackgum.

Labeled (4) on the Grandview Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.6 miles/0.97 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This strenuous 0.6 mile trail begins near Main Overlook and ends where it intersects the Grandview Rim Trail, approximately ½ mile from Main Overlook. Hikers will find close-up views of towering fortress-like rock walls and exposed coal seams. The Castle Rock Trail and Grandview Rim Trail can make a great one mile loop.

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 7 - A Forest Giant This American beech is the largest tree by diameter and volume along the trail. Unfortunately this tree couldn’t be dated due to being hollow, but despite its size it may not be as old as it appears. Some large trees are young, and some small trees are old. While larger trees are usually older, this relationship between size and age will not be as consistent with the oldest of trees. The graph from the study conducted by Concord University researchers shows that the relationship between tree size and age starts to fade once a tree reaches about 200 years old. Oftentimes, the oldest trees are rather small and unsuspecting; the oldest tree in this forest is a blackgum off-trail that dated to 1671 but was less than 19 inches in diameter. Trees like this example have usually been growing under closed forest canopies for long periods of time, waiting for an opportunity to capture sunlight. The large, spreading branches on this American beech indicates that it has been growing in more open conditions free of neighboring trees competing for sunlight, allowing for decades of rapid growth. Two American beech trees smaller than this individual were sampled in this forest, each with inner ring year dates of 1829 and 1755 respectively, and the age of this large tree is probably within that range

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 8 - Decomposition There are many different components other than just big, old trees that make up an old-growth forest. Large fallen trees on the forest floor, also called coarse woody debris, are a key feature researchers use to determine if a forest truly is old-growth. When a large tree falls it can take decades if not over a century for the wood to fully decompose. Finding this decomposing debris highlights that humans haven’t altered the forest by taking fallen wood for use. This rotting wood does not go to waste. The decomposition of wood recycles nutrients and carbon back into the forest soils, which act as long-term carbon sinks for greenhouse gases. Coarse woody debris provides habitat for many species that grow and feed on moist, decomposing wood such as moss, lichen, mushrooms, and insects. Many species of wildlife rely on the large decomposing wood found in old-growth forests for their habitat. The moisture retained in the shaded forest floor and in the coarse woody debris create the perfect conditions for salamanders to flourish. Coarse woody debris is also used as denning habitat for smaller mammals such as foxes, skunks, and opossums. Dead standing trees called snags are also more common in old-growth forests and provide great habitat for bats, owls, and the cerulean warbler, a declining bird species that relies on mature, deciduous forests.

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 9 - Old-Growth Complexity This large oak tree fell and took out a few other trees with it during a snowstorm in January 2024. Infrequent disturbance events like storms and low-intensity wildfires that knock over and kill a small percentage of trees within the forest are an important ecosystem process. These fallen trees are not necessarily a bad thing, disturbances like this are part of the processes that add complexity to an old-growth forest. When this tree fell the root ball came with it, creating a large pit in the ground. Pit and mound topography is a defining characteristic of old-growth forests and these features can last on the landscape for centuries. The pit will eventually fill up from the dirt that erodes off the root ball, creating an obvious mound. Look to your left off trail and you will see an old mound from a tree that probably fell decades ago. Now that the snowstorm blew over these trees, more coarse woody debris is on the forest floor that will slowly decompose, recycling nutrients and creating new wildlife habitat. A beam of light now shines through the opening in the canopy, allowing for young tree seedlings to grow. Old-growth forests are always in a constant state of change but are self-renewing, where the end of one organism means new beginnings for others.

New River Gorge Waterfall Tour Stop 4: Butcher Branch Falls is created from a small creek flowing down tiered sandstone in multiple cascades. This falls is rainfall dependent and may not be flowing in drier weather. Hiking is required to reach this falls; Butcher Branch Falls is not accessible. Directions: Butcher Branch Falls is located on the Butcher Branch Trail which starts from the Kaymoor Top Trailhead. If Following Waterfall Tour from Wolf Creek Falls: Return to Fayette Station Road and continue on the one-way road until it intersects with US-19. Turn right onto US-19 then turn left onto WV-16 at the traffic signal. Continue 0.7 miles through the town of Fayetteville. Turn left onto Gatewood Rd. Follow Gatewood Rd 1.9 miles and take a left onto Kaymoor Rd following signs for Kaymoor Top. Continue for 0.6 miles until the road comes to a T. Take a left to reach the trailhead parking lot. From Canyon Rim Visitor Center: From the parking lot, head back to US-19 and take a left to head south. Continue across the bridge and take a left onto WV-16. Continue 0.7 miles through the town of Fayetteville. Turn left onto Gatewood Rd. Follow Gatewood Rd 1.9 miles and take a left onto Kaymoor Rd following signs for Kaymoor Top. Continue for 0.6 miles until the road comes to a T and take a left to reach the trailhead parking lot. To Hike to the Falls: The path to the falls has steep, rocky switchbacks that may be slick when wet. Good shoes are recommended and hiking poles may be useful. From the trailhead, hike 0.3 miles on the Butcher Branch Trail. At the Climbing Access sign, follow the access trail along the sandstone cliff for 0.15 miles.

Labeled (11) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map LENGTH: 0.8 miles/1.29 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This wooded trail connects the Kaymoor Top area to the Long Point Trail, with a spur to the popular Butcher Branch climbing area. There are steep sections and a small stream crossing on this trail.

New River Gorge Waterfall Tour Stop 2: Near the town of Gauley Bridge, Cane Creek drops 60 feet over a rocky ledge of shale and sandstone to form one of the highest waterfalls in West Virginia. Cathedral Falls is easily accessed and viewed from the road. A paved path to a bridge offers good views of the falls. A short dirt trail leads to a closer look. The short trail is not accessible and may be slippery. Use caution when walking closer to the base of the falls. Directions Cathedral Falls is located outside the park near the town of Gauley Bridge. If Following Waterfall Tour from Kanawha Falls: Continue west on Highway 60 through the town of Gauley Bridge towards Ansted. In 2.7 miles there will be a small parking lot on the left marked for Cathedral Falls. Follow the short trail from the parking lot to reach a closer view of the falls. From Canyon Rim Visitor Center: Take US-19 north. Exit to follow Highway 60 west through Ansted towards the town of Gauley Bridge. In 14.3 miles, there will be a small parking lot on the right marked for Cathedral Falls. Follow the short trail from the parking lot to reach a closer view of the falls.

Fayette Station Road audio Chapter 1: Intro - Canyon Rim Visitor Center parking lot to Lansing-Edmond Road Chapter 1 [Music starts, and fades out slowly] Narrator: Welcome to New River Gorge National River and the National Coal Heritage Trail. You are about to embark on a drive down Fayette Station Road, a small, winding road that takes you to a bridge at the bottom of the New River Gorge. For about 100 years, this route was the only way to cross the New River in this immediate area without getting wet. In 1977 the arching, modern, New River Gorge Bridge was built up on Route 19, and Fayette Station Road lost its importance as a vital link in the area. Before starting your drive and beginning your adventure…please take a moment to listen to a few tips that will make your experience safer and more enjoyable along the way. First, to keep in sync with the interpretive story, please maintain a speed between 15 and 25 mph after you get on Fayette Station Road. *REMOVE* The second tip is for those listening to a CD instead of an audio tape. Whenever the program says to stop the recording, just turn off your CD player. When you turn it back on, the CD will resume playing at the correct point. When you take this route without stopping along the way, this trip will take you about 30 minutes—a far cry from the 30 seconds or less it takes to cross the river on the highway today. If, however, you stop along the way to read the interpretive exhibits at each pull-off, plan on taking an hour to enjoy the tour. Before leaving the parking lot of Canyon Rim Visitor Center, you may want to set your car’s trip meter to zero. This will help you find your way on the map that accompanies this program. [pause here before giving out directions] Now let’s begin the journey… As you leave the parking lot, [pause…] turn left to get back on to Route 19. [pause..] Take a right on Route 19 and go north, approximately three tenths of a mile, [pause…] to the first road on the right. Take this right, onto Lansing-Edmond Road. You will see signs that point out the route as you drive along. [music begins by fading in] Stop the recording now until you turn onto Lansing-Edmond Road. [music fades out quickly] [after a pause, music starts, and fades out slowly]

Labeled (5) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map LENGTH: 0.1 miles/0.16 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This 0.1 mile trail loops past the First Baptist Church of Thurmond.

Labeled (1) on the Arrowhead Bike Trails map. LENGTH: 1.1 miles/1.77 km (Loop Trail). DIFFICULTY: Easy to Intermediate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. DESCRIPTION: This compact loop trail offers lightly rolling, forested terrain on a tread that is 30" to 36" wide. There are a couple of short, even rocky sections that are simple to navigate on bike or foot. For runners and bikers, this trail offers a nice sense of flow.

The tall coaling tower used to load rail cars.

The old Commissary building that was most recently a U.S. Post Office.

Labeled (2) on the Nuttallburg Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.8 miles/1.29 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This steep, rugged trail zigzags from the mid-bench level, not far from the mine entrance, to the old Keeneys Creek railroad line (trail). Views of the conveyor and gorge is visible from time to time, but be sure to watch your footing, for the trail surface is loose and slaggy (old coal debris from the conveyor) in many places.

Labeled (10) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map LENGTH: 2.4 miles/3.86 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This forest trail offers views of the river and gorge, plus it connects to the Kaymoor Trail, offering access to the historic Kaymoor coal mine site. There are several steep sections on this gravel trail (administrative road).

Labeled (3) on the Arrowhead Bike Trails map; LENGTH: 6.4 miles/10.3 (One-Way); DIFFICULTY: Intermediate: TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking; DESCRIPTION: This trail is more narrow than the easy (green) loops in the Arrowhead Trail system. Trail tread width is 20" to 24" with tight turns and mildly steep hills. From Point N, ride towards Point M along a ridge line, then drop down through a cool rhododendron tunnel.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 5: The Hawk's Nest Tunnel Disaster Throughout the years, West Virginia has suffered many a tragedy that left hundreds of workers injured or dead. The Hawk’s Nest Tunnel disaster became one of the worst industrial tragedies in the history of the United States. In 1930, construction began on a three-mile tunnel through Gauley Mountain located between Ansted and Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. When finished, the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel would divert water from the New River to a hydroelectric plant downstream. In order to build the tunnel through solid rock, hundreds of unemployed men were recruited for construction jobs on the project. At least two-thirds of these workers were African Americans. As the men drilled and blasted the tunnel through the mountain, they drilled through rock that contained high levels of silica. The dry drilling techniques that was used released large amounts of silica dust into the air, which made working in the tunnel very dangerous. Workers emerged from the hole in the mountain covered with layers of white dust. The interior of the tunnel was a white cloud of silica, impairing vision and clogging the lungs of workers. Excavation of the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel lead to the greatest death toll ever from silicosis in the United States. At least 764 tunnel workers died of silicosis. A majority of the dead were African Americans. In the years after the project was completed, many more would die due to their exposure to silica dust while working in the tunnel. With the death of so many black workers, the problem of where to bury them became an issue. There were a limited number of burial sites for blacks nearby. To solve the issue, a funeral parlor in Summersville, West Virginia located an open field on Martha White’s farm. This field became the burial grounds for many of the African Americans who died working on the tunnel project. For the full story go to: The Hawks Nest Tunnel Disaster Driving Directions: Physical Address: 98 Hilltop Drive, Lookout, WV 26679 GPS Coordinates: N38.234467 -W80.852690 From Beckley and Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 north toward Summersville, WV. Pass Highway 60 and travel 12.5 miles to Whippoorwill Road (if you cross Summersville Lake you have gone ½ mile to far). Turn left on Whippoorwill Road and an immediate right onto Hilltop Drive. Tour Stop (cemetery site) is on the right at the end of the road. From Summersville, WV: Take Highway 19 south to the Summersville Lake bridge. Go another ½ mile and turn right on Whippoorwill Road. Take an immediate right onto Hilltop Drive. Tour Stop (cemetery site) is on the right at the end of the road. Directions to next Tour Stop: Mt. Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Physical Address: 100 Skaggs Street, Ansted, WV 25812 GPS Coordinates: N38.144374 -W81.104798 From the cemetery, take Hwy 19 South 12 miles to Hwy 60. Take Hwy 60 West 6 miles to Ansted, WV and turn right on Page Street. Travel .3 of a mile to Log Town Road and turn left. Travel .4 of a mile to Mt. Chapel Missionary Baptist Church on the left. Tour Stop and parking are at the church.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 11: Integration of West Virginia Schools In 1906 a levy was passed in Fayette County to establish the county’s first high schools, one for white children and one for black children. Eleven years later, this became a reality for African American students when an eight room brick building was erected in 1917 on the hill above Dunloop Creek, across from the present day Mount Hope High School. The school was named after Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, an educator and civil rights leader on the staff of Howard University in Washington, DC. DuBois High School offered many classes such as home economics, French, chemistry, world history, math, and English. Students could participate in the band that performed at football games and competitions. Boy’s football and basketball were the school’s main team sports. Girls could join the cheerleading squad, but there were no other sports for girls. Tragedy struck in 1950, when the original schoolhouse was destroyed by fire. On January 30, 1954, the new DuBois High School opened its doors, again as an all-black high school. Two years later, in the fall of 1956, DuBois High School and the all-white high school in Mount Hope integrated and the school was renamed Mount Hope High School. For the full story go to: Integration of Schools: DuBois High School; Mount Hope, WV Other nearby places of interest: DuBois on Main Museum Mount Hope Driving Directions: Physical Address: 110 High School Drive, Mount Hope, WV 25880 GPS Coordinates: N37.898051 -W81.157067 From Beckley, WV: Take Highway 19 north to the exit for Mount Hope, WV. Turn left off of Highway 19 onto the exit for Mount Hope. At the bottom of the exit turn right onto Stadium Terrace Road and drive into Mount Hope. Turn left on Main Street. Go to and turn right on Virginia Street. Go 0.1 mile and turn left on High School Drive. Park at the entrance to school From Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 south to the exit for Mount Hope, WV. Turn right off of Highway 19 onto the exit for Mount Hope. At the bottom of the exit turn right onto Stadium Terrace Road and drive into Mount Hope. Turn left on Main Street. Go to and turn right on Virginia Street. Go 0.1 mile and turn left on High School Drive. Park at the entrance to school Directions to the next Tour Stop: Slab Fork Physical Address: 374 Slab Fork Road, Slab Fork, WV 25920 GPS Coordinates: N37.686920 -W81.330368 From Mt. Hope High School, return to Hwy 16 South and turn right. Travel to the four lane at Highway 19 and turn right onto the four lane toward I-77/I-64. Take I-77 South to exit 42 and turn right onto Hwy 16 South. Travel 3 miles and continue straight using the left lane onto Highway 121 (Coalfield Expressway). Travel 4 miles to Slab Fork Road and turn right. Travel into Slab Fork. Tour Stop and parking is at the old post office.

New River Gorge Waterfall Tour Stop 5: Dunloup Creek, a tributary of the New River, winds through the park following active railroad tracks until it reaches the New River at the historic town of Thurmond. Along the way, the creek drops 20 feet off a shelf of sandstone to form Dunloup Falls. Lucky visitors may be able to spot a coal train riding the rails just above the falls. Directions: Dunloup Falls is located along the road to the historic railroad town of Thurmond. Travel Advisory: Thurmond Road is winding and narrow at times. Large vehicles over 25 feet in length and trailers are not recommended. If Following Waterfall Tour from Butcher Branch Falls: Return back to US-19 through the town of Fayetteville. Take a left to follow US-19 south 10.8 miles past the town of Oak Hill. Turn left at the signal following sings for Glen Jean and the Thurmond Historic District. Immediately take another left and head north on WV-61 for 0.4 miles. Take a right towards Thurmond and follow Thurmond Road for 4.3 miles. The falls are located at an unmarked pullout with a large rock. From Thurmond Depot: Return to the Thurmond Road by crossing the New River on the one lane bridge. Continue for 2.2 miles past the Rend Trailhead. The falls are located at an unmarked pullout with a large rock.

Labeled (3) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map; LENGTH: 2.4 miles/3.86 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. The Endless Wall Trail is a 2.4 mile moderate walk that passes through rich forest, crosses Fern Creek, then zig-zags along the cliff edge. Many vistas can be seen along the trail.

The Engine House was where the railroad crew worked on railcars and engines.

Labeled (5) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map; LENGTH: 3.96 miles/6.37 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This trail connects Fayette Station Road, the town of Fayetteville, and Kaymoor Top with hiking access to Long Point. Be prepared for a creek crossing and up and down terrain. Connections can be made to the following trails: Kaymoor, Bridge, Park Loop, Timber Ridge, Long Point, Butcher Branch, Kaymoor Miners, and Craig Branch

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 7: African Americans and the Railroad Construction of railroads and stations brought thousands of people to the coal-rich region of Appalachia. Three railroads opened the vast coalfields of Southern West Virginia to mining: the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway along the New and Kanawha rivers, the Norfolk & Western Railway through the Pocahontas coalfield, and the Virginian Railway into the Winding Gulf fields. This meant jobs building and maintaining the railroads as well as jobs in the coal mines. African Americans made up the majority of workers whose sweat, muscle, and blood carved the C&O Railway, its branch lines, and other railroads through the mountainous landscapes. Constructed between 1869 and 1873, it employed thousands of black laborers. Jobs in these industries provided the opportunity for African American families to escape the “Jim Crow” segregated society of the Deep South. African American men were able to build new lives as vital, more respected, and better-paid workers. For the full story go to: African Americans and the Railroad: Gauley Brige Depot; Gauley Bridge, WV Other nearby places of interest: Cathedral Falls Kanawha Falls Gauley Bridge Driving Directions: Physical Address: 278 Railroad Street, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085 GPS Coordinates: N38.164560 -W81.196938 From Beckley and Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 north to Highway 60. Follow the exit up the ramp and turn right onto Highway 60 West. Travel 15 miles to the town of Gauley Bridge, WV. Cross the bridge over the Gauley River and turn right on the first road after the bridge (at Welcome to Gauley Bridge sign).Drive under the old railroad bridge and immediately turn left and drive up the hill to the parking lot behind the Depot. Directions to the next Tour Stop Bright Hope Lodge Physical Address: 65 Gaines Street, Montgomery, WV 25136 GPS Coordinates: N38.179942 -W81.315825 From Gauley Bridg take Hwy 60 West 10 miles to the Town of Smithers, WV. Turn right onto the exit for Hwy 61 to Montgomery. Cross the river and continue straight across the overpass and turn right on Hwy 61 South. Travel .2 of a mile and turn left on the first road (Gaines Street). Tour Stop and parking is in front of the lodge.

Labeled (1) on the Nuttallburg Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.7 miles/1.13 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This gravel trail (administrative road) leads to the entrance of the Nuttall coal mine and top of the coal conveyor which was used to transport coal from the mine to the processing area at river level. Learn more about this mine operation from exhibits at this site. Stairs next to the conveyor allow a closer look at the conveyor structure

New River Gorge Waterfall Tour Stop 6: Glade Creek has several small falls, cascades, and pools that are local swimming holes. The largest of these falls flows down tiered sandstone steps spanning the width of the creek. Hiking is required to reach this falls; Glade Creek Falls is not accessible. Directions Glade Creek Falls is located on the Glade Creek Trail which is accessed from two trailheads. It is strongly recommended to use the campground trailhead. Travel Advisory: The road to the upper Glade Creek Trailhead is steep, narrow, winding, and unpaved dirt. It is not suitable for most vehicles except those with high clearance and 4WD. The hike from this trailhead to the falls is 9.4 miles roundtrip. If Following Waterfall Tour from Dunloup Falls: Return to WV-61 by following the Thurmond Road through Glen Jean. Take a left at the intersection with WV-61. Continue on WV-16 S / WV-61 S for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto WV-61 S near Mount Hope. Follow for 4.4 miles, then turn left onto WV-41 N. In 3.9 miles, there will be a bridge crossing the New River near Prince. Before this bridge, take a slight right onto Glade Creek Rd crossing over the railroad tracks. Follow Glade Creek Rd to the end, about 5.6 miles. The trailhead will be on your right. From Sandstone Visitor Center: Take a left out of the visitor center parking lot. Turn left onto the onramp for I-64 W towards Beckley. Follow I-64 W for 14.4 miles to exit 124. Continue onto E Beckley Bypass / Joe L Smith Dr for 3.3 miles then turn right onto WV-41 N / Stanaford Rd. After 4.5 miles, turn right to continue on WV-41 N. In 3.9 miles, there will be a bridge crossing the New River near Prince. Before this bridge, take a slight right onto Glade Creek Rd crossing over the railroad tracks. Follow Glade Creek Rd to the end, about 5.6 miles. The trailhead will be on your right. To Hike to the Falls: From the trailhead parking lot, hike along Glade Creek for 1 mile. The trail has slight elevation gain with brief steeper portions. Some areas may be muddy. Good hiking shoes are recommended.

Labeled (1) on the Glade Creek Trails map; LENGTH: 5.6 miles/9.01 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This 5.6 mile trail follows an abandoned narrow-gauge railroad along Glade Creek. The trail offers an enjoyable stroll at a very moderate grade, and is popular with hikers of all ages and abilities, as well as being a favorite destination for those in search of swimming holes.

One of the original buildings of Thurmond that housed Mrs. McClure's diner.

Grandview provides some of the most dramatic scenery found in the park and is a popular place for hiking, picnicing, and sight seeing. Grandview is a peaceful place to relax and unwind while enjoying outstanding views of the New River. From 1400 feet above the river at Main Overlook, visitors are rewarded with one of the most outstanding views in the park. On a clear day you can see directly into the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including seven miles of the New River and its watershed. From Main Overlook visitors can also get a glimpse of some of the gorge's unique cultural history. From here you see an active railway and the town of Quinnimont, where the first coal was shipped out of the gorge in 1873. Don't miss the views from Turkey Spur Overlook, and be sure to walk the woodland trails. Grandview is a great place to see the spectacular displays of Catawba rhododendrons that bloom here every spring. The purple Catawba rhododendrons bloom in mid May, while the white great rhododendrons bloom in July. The exact bloom times are not always consistent year to year, so check with a ranger at one of our visitor centers or check our facebook page for updates. The Grandview section of the park includes overlooks of the New River, a visitor center (open seasonally), five hiking trails, ranger-led walks and talks, summer outdoor dramas, and picnic areas with playgrounds. Information about renting picnic shelters at Grandview can be found on the Permits and Reservations page of the New River Gorge website. Grandview is home to Theatre West Virginia, which features outdoor drama presentations from June through August. Grandview was originally a part of the West Virginia State Park system. In 1939, the state of West Virginia purchased 52 acres of land at Grandview to develop a day use park. The Civilian Conservation Corps built roads, shelters, and a picnic area, all still in use today. Construction began in 1960 on the 1200-seat Cliffside Amphitheater. The children’s playgrounds, recreation area, and additional walkways were built from 1961 to 1964. After more than 50 years as one of West Virginia’s most popular state parks, Grandview was transferred to the National Park Service in 1990. Directions To reach Grandview from Beckley follow I-64 East five miles to Exit 129 B. From Lewisburg follow I-64 West forty miles to Exit 129. From either exit, turn right and follow Route 9 North six miles to Grandview.

Labeled (5) on the Grandview Area Trails map; LENGTH: 1.6 miles/2.57 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This is the longest trail at Grandview, connecting Main Overlook with Turkey Spur. From Main Overlook to Turkey Spur is a moderate 1.6 mile hike (3.2 miles round trip). Along the way hikers will enjoy many breathtaking views of the gorge and river far below.

Labeled (2) on the Sandstone Brooks Area Trails map; LENGTH: 3.0 miles/4.83 km (Round-trip). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. South of Sandstone Visitor Center on the east side of the New River off Brooks Mountain Road is the Gwinn Ridge Trail, a three mile loop through a ridge top forest. The south branch of the moderately strenuous trail follows the edge of the ridge where hikers can sometimes (in winter) get views through the trees.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 9: The Community of Harlem Heights Harlem Heights, a historic African American community within the city of Oak Hill, was different than most communities in the New River region. Black residents worked in a variety of occupations as teachers, mining inspectors, seamstresses, and ministers. Although there were a few coal miners, they did not represent the majority. Unlike a coal town where homes were owned by the company, most of the residents of Harlem Heights were homeowners. The people of Harlem Heights took pride in their community by keeping it clean and attractive. They actively supported their churches, civic clubs, and fraternal organizations. Through all of these efforts, it grew to become a rather upscale African American community, eventually gaining its own voting precinct. Today, the community has a Masonic Lodge and three churches. For the full story go to The Community of Harlem Heights Other nearby places of interest: First Baptist Church of Harlem Heights Russell E. Matthew Park Hilltop Baptist Center Driving Directions: Physical Address: 10 Broadway Avenue, Oak Hill, WV 25901 GPS Coordinates: N37.998485 -W81.131346 From Beckley, WV: Take Highway 19 north to the exit for East Main Street (Oak Hill). Turn right at top of exit and travel 1.5 miles. Turn right at Russell E. Matthew Park and playground onto Broadway Avenue. Tour Stop is the playground parking lot on the left. Please feel free to drive through the community of Harlem Heights. From Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 south to the exit for Lochgelly Road. At the top of the exit, turn right on Lochgelly Road. The road will turn in to Highway 16 (Main Street). Travel 5/10 of a mile to playground at Russell E. Matthew Park. Turn left onto Broadway Avenue. Tour Stop is the playground parking lot on the left. Please feel free to drive through the community of Harlem Heights. Directions to next Tour Stop: Thurmond Physical Address: Hwy 25/2, Thurmond, WV 25936 GPS Coordinates: N37.957095 -W81.078851 From the park, turn right on Hwy 16 North. Travel .6 of a mile to Highway 19 South and turn left. Travel on Hwy 19 South to the Greentown Exit and turn left on to Highway 16 South. Travel 2 miles to Glen Jean and turn left at the crossroads. Follow the brown signs 7 miles to Thurmond. Tour Stop and parking is at the Thurmond Depot.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 13: African American Coal Miners In the 1910s, the East Gulf Coal Company opened what came to be known as the Helen Mine and Coal Camp. Realizing their need to attract a more reliable and family-oriented workforce, the coal operators began constructing “model towns.” Here in the model town of Helen there was a boarding house, company store, clubhouse, movie theater, and even a telephone exchange. Although Helen had separate and segregated residential areas and businesses, equality for the black coal miner did exist in the coalfields of southern West Virginia. African Americans could vote, hold public office, and send their children to school. In the mines, blacks were provided equal wages for equal work. About 75 percent of black workers became coal loaders. Others were daymen and coke workers. Picking and loading coal was hard, dangerous, back-breaking work, but provided the most opportunity for earning money. Loaders were paid by the ton, rather than by the hour. A coal loader performed the laborious task of cutting, drilling, blasting, and loading the coal. A dayman hauled the loaded coal from the rooms to the mine face where the coal was weighed and the miner credited for payment. Coke workers performed the hot and laborious job of tending the “beehive” ovens. They filled the ovens with coal and unloaded the finished coke into train cars. Helen’s population began to decline, especially for African Americans, in the 1950s with the advent of new machinery. After 1953, the services of hand loaders or unskilled laborers were no longer needed. The town, like so many, began its long decline in population and vitality. Helen’s rich heritage lives on in its citizens and in the community’s coal-related street names: Lantern, Check, and Scrip Alleys. For the full story go to: African American Coal Miners: Helen, WV Other nearby places of interest: Byrd Prillerman High School Driving Directions: Physical Address: Tams Highway (Highway 16), Helen WV 25853 GPS Coordinates: N37.636248 -W81.314486 From Beckley, WV: Travel on I-77 north or south to Exit 42. Take Exit 42 (Highway 16 south and 97 west, Robert C. Byrd Drive) and travel three miles on Highway 16/97. Move into the left lane and continue straight at the split onto Highway 121 (Coalfield Expy). Travel 3.8 miles to McKinney Mountain Road (Route 12/12). Turn left on McKinney Mountain Road and travel until it dead ends into Highway 16. Turn right on Highway 16 south and travel 5 miles to Helen, WV. Turn right into the Coal Miners Memorial Park (Old Delta 60, Route 16/26). Tour Stop location (Coal Miners Monument) is on the right. Directions to the next Tour Stop: Stratton Elementary School Physical Address: 1129 S. Fayette Street, Beckley, WV 25801 GPS Coordinates: N37.766545 -W81.173965 From Helen, take Hwy 16 North 8 miles to Sophia and turn left at the traffic light. Travel 5.5 miles to Neville Street in Beckley and turn right. Travel 5 blocks to South Fayette Street and turn right. Travel 1.2 miles to Stratton Elementary School. Tour Stop and parking is in front of the school.

Had it not been for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Company, Hinton would have had no reason to exist. The aftermath of the Civil War had left the railroad in shambles, its goal to reach the Ohio River on the verge of collapse. While struggling to obtain capital, in early 1869, then president Gen. Williams C. Wickham, recruited railroad capitalist Collis P. Huntington. After making a tour of the whole line, Huntington, fresh from his work building the Central Pacific, became interested in the C&O as a link in a true coast-to-coast rail line. The tour took him through what would later become Hinton and Summers County. At that time the territory was entirely in timber and farm land, owned by the Ballengee family and the Hinton family. The Ballengee family located here first, before 1778, and owned all the land that would later become Hinton. It wasn't until 1835 that John Hinton (1788-1858) moved his family to the area of Hinton, a 175 acre tract that had been purchased from Henry and Rachel Ballengee and now known as Avis, after his second wife. They were married on July 4, 1843. When Huntington and Gen. Wickham reached Hinton's Ferry they engaged two of John and Avis Hinton's sons, William and Joe, and Parker Adkins to take them down the River for a view of the proposed route. Even Hinton, a half-brother, was among the few that knew the railroad would be following the river; and, with Virginia attorney, James Furgeson, the two went to Charleston in 1871 when the Legislature was in session and lobbied for the creation of the new county. His argument and with some boundary line adjustments was successful and the new County of Summers was created on Feb. 27, 1871. In 1871 about six families lived in the vicinity of what would become Hinton and only three houses existed in the Hinton/Avis/Bellepoint area. These were the homes of the Isaac and George Ballengee family and John Hinton's family.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 11: Integration of Schools: DuBois High School, Mount Hope, WV On May 17, 1954, “Separate but Equal” became “Unequal.” That day, the United States Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional. In West Virginia, school segregation was mandated by the state constitution. West Virginia was one of seventeen states that had a dual school system; schools for whites students and schools for black students. At the time of the decision, there were 420,000 white and 26,000 black students attending school in West Virginia. Black students were not receiving an equal education. They were using outdated, second-hand books as well as band and school equipment passed down from white high schools. The ruling did not come with specific recommendations; desegregation was left up to the individual states and often to the individual county school systems. By June of 1954, the institutes of higher learning in West Virginia had begun the process of desegregation. By September, twenty-nine of the forty-six West Virginia counties with African American students had also begun the process of integrating their K-12th grade schools. Some counties were reluctant and slow to integrate their schools. A few remained segregated until the mid-1960s. Other school systems maintained their dual school system allowing black students to attend an integrated school or continue to attend an all-black school. In most counties, desegregation went fairly smoothly; however, there were students and parents who protested against integration or boycotted efforts to integrate. None of these activities led to major violence. In Fayette County, school officials announced that all schools would be integrated at the beginning of the 1956-57 school year. Here in Mount Hope, the older white high school was converted to a middle school. The white students were moved to the all-black DuBois High School which was the newer and nicer of the two high school buildings. DuBois was renamed Mount Hope High School. The results of integration affected each person differently. African American principals before desegregation were demoted to teachers after integration. Many black teachers were the first to lose their jobs if there were not enough teaching positions at the combined schools. In some integrated schools, male black students were allowed to play on the football and basketball teams, but they could not play other team sports. African American girls were not allowed to be on the cheerleading squad. Throughout the region, black students were treated differently. At some schools they could not participate in the band or chorus, or join white-only school clubs and organizations; at others they could. Artifacts, trophies, yearbooks, and records from many of the black high schools were burned or placed away in boxes and forgotten. Kathleen Scott attended the segregated DuBois High School. For her, the most significant effect of integration was losing many of her friends who lived in more distant communities. “Our friends from other parts of the county began going to high schools closer to where they lived,” she said. “And we didn’t get to see them anymore.” It took West Virginia school districts almost a decade to become fully desegregated, and the closing of the African American schools resulted in a loss of community identity for black residents. Driving Directions Physical Address: 110 High School Drive Mt. Hope, WV 25880 GPS Coordinates: N37.897291, W-81.158267 From Beckley Take US-19N/WV-16N from Beckley. Continue on 16 North through Mount Hope. Turn left onto Virginia Ave. After 0.1 miles, turn right onto High School Dr. The next stop will be 0.1 miles on the right. From Fayetteville Take US19 South. Exit left at Glen Jean (Wood Mountain Road). Turn right onto WV 16/61 South. Travel 2.2 miles to Mount Hope and turn right on Virginia Street. Travel .1 of a mile and turn right on High School Drive. Tour Stop and parking is at gate entrance to Mount Hope High School. Directions to the next Tour Stop: Slab Fork Physical Address: 374 Slab Fork Road, Slab Fork, WV 25920 GPS Coordinates: N37.686920 -W81.330368

Labeled (4) on the Sandstone Brooks Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.5 miles/0.8 km (Round-trip). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. The Island Loop Trail is an easy ½ mile trail that loops around the largest island below Sandstone Falls. The island was once farmed, grazed, and timbered, and a grist mill once operated here. Today, hikers can observe the natural succession as the old fields transition back to forest.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 15: John Henry, The Steel Drivin' Man In the early 1870s, construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway along the Greenbrier and New rivers employed thousands of workers. Many of these men were African Americans who migrated to West Virginia in search of jobs. Jobs on the railroad were labor intensive and low paying, required long hours, and were at times dangerous. Railroad workers primarily used shovels, wheelbarrows, mules, and black powder to move millions of tons of rock and dirt to prepare the railroad bed. Workers used axe and adz to cut and shape hundreds of trees into ties, bridge timbers, and lumber for railcars. They sweated in the hot summer sun and froze in the cold mountain winters as they worked to connect Tidewater Virginia with the Ohio Valley. As the C&O Railway stretched westward along the Greenbrier River, The Legend of John Henry was born at Big Bend Mountain near Talcott, West Virginia. The Legend of John Henry is just that, a “legend,” and through the legend, John Henry became a symbol. He symbolized the many African Americans whose sweat and hard work built and maintained the rails across West Virginia. He was a symbol for the black workers who gave their lives in these dangerous occupations. The legend, as told through ballads and work songs, has kept the story of John Henry and the black railroad workers alive. For the full story go to: The Legend of John Henry; Talcott, WV Driving Directions Physical Address: 3262 West Virginia 3, 25951 GPS Coordinates: N37.652038 -W80.762975 From Hinton, WV: Travel south on Highway 20 to the New River bridge at the Bluestone Dam. Turn left on Highway 3 east and cross the New River. Turn right on Highway 3 east and travel 5 miles to the junction of Highway 3/12. Continue on Highway 3 across the Greenbrier River. Travel 3 miles to Talcott. Pass the “Talcott Unincorporated” sign and turn right on the first gravel road into the entrance to the John Henry Park. From Beckley, WV: Travel on I-64 East to exit 139. Turn left on Highway 20 south and travel 10 miles to Hinton, WV. Continue south on Highway 20 to the New River bridge at the Bluestone Dam. Turn left on Highway 3 east and cross the New River. Turn right on Highway 3 east and travel 5 miles to the junction of Highway 3/12. Continue on Highway 3 across the Greenbrier River. Travel 3 miles to Talcott. Pass the “Talcott Unincorporated” sign and turn right on the first gravel road into the entrance to the John Henry Park. Directions to the next Tour Stop Second Baptist Church, Hinton Physical Address: 210 James Street, Hinton, WV 25951 GPS Coordinates: N37.672028 -W80.889716 From Talcott, take Hwy 3 West 8 miles to Hwy 107 at Hinton. Turn right on Hwy 107 and travel into downtown Hinton. Turn right on James Street at the Civil War Monument. Travel one block. Tour Stop and parking is in front of Second Baptist Church.

New River Gorge Waterfall Tour Stop 1: Kanawha Falls span the entire width of the Kanawha River. The Kanawha River is formed by the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers near the town of Gauley Bridge. Approximately one mile downstream from the confluence, a sandstone ledge across the river forms the falls. At its highest point, Kanawha Falls drops fifteen feet. A low dam above the falls diverts water into a hydropower facility. The falls are enjoyable to see at any water level. Directions Kanawha Falls is located outside the park near the town of Gauley Bridge. From Canyon Rim Visitor Center: Take US-19 north 4.8 miles to the US-60 exit. Turn right to follow US-60 west towards Gauley Bridge for 17 miles passing through the town of Ansted and past Hawks Nest State Park. At the town of Gauley Bridge, continue another 0.75 miles to reach a dirt parking area on the left. The falls are visible from the road with no hiking required. Picnic tables are located nearby. From Charleston, WV: Take US-60, the Midland Trail, east. From I-64, take exit 96 towards Belle. Continue following the Kanawha River through multiple small towns for 31 miles. After passing the falls, a dirt parking lot will be on the right. Picnic tables are located nearby.

Labeled (1) on the Grandview Area Trails map; LENGTH: 2.6 miles/4.18 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This strenuous trail connects Grandview with the New River 1,400 feet below. The trail follows an old road for two miles as it descends to the river, passing by the site of an old coal mine at Royal.

Labeled (12) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map; LENGTH: 1.6 miles/1.29 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking . This trail traverses field and forest on the way to a rock outcrop (Long Point) with panoramic views of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge. Most of this trail lazily descends through the forest, but it does include one steep section just before you arrive at the point.

As part of a tributary that feeds into Glade Creek, Kates Falls plunges spectacularly over steep sandstone cliffs onto rocks below. Kates Falls is not part of the New River Gorge Waterfall Tour. Hiking is required to reach this falls; Kates Falls is not accessible. Directions Kates Falls is located on a spur trail, Kates Falls Trail, from the Glade Creek Trail which is accessed from two trailheads. It is strongly recommended to use the campground trailhead even though the hike is longer. Travel Advisory: The road to the upper Glade Creek Trailhead is steep, narrow, winding, and unpaved dirt. It is not suitable for most vehicles except those with high clearance and 4WD. From Canyon Rim Visitor Center: From the parking lot, head back to US-19 and take a left to head south. Follow US-19 for 12.7 miles past the towns of Fayetteville and Oak Hill. Turn left at the signal following sings for Glen Jean and the Thurmond Historic District. Turn right and follow WV-16 S / WV-61 S for 2.7 miles. Turn left onto WV-61 S near Mount Hope. Follow for 4.4 miles, then turn left onto WV-41 N. In 3.9 miles, there will be a bridge crossing the New River near Prince. Before this bridge, take a slight right onto Glade Creek Rd crossing over the railroad tracks. Follow Glade Creek Rd to the end, about 5.6 miles. The trailhead will be on your right. From Sandstone Visitor Center: Take a left out of the visitor center parking lot. Turn left onto the onramp for I-64 W towards Beckley. Follow I-64 W for 14.4 miles to exit 124. Continue onto E Beckley Bypass / Joe L Smith Dr for 3.3 miles then turn right onto WV-41 N / Stanaford Rd. After 4.5 miles, turn right to continue on WV-41 N. In 3.9 miles, there will be a bridge crossing the New River near Prince. Before this bridge, take a slight right onto Glade Creek Rd crossing over the railroad tracks. Follow Glade Creek Rd to the end, about 5.6 miles. The trailhead will be on your right. To Hike to the Falls: From the trailhead parking lot, hike along Glade Creek for 4.6 miles. The trail has slight elevation gain with brief steeper portions. Some areas may be muddy. Good hiking shoes are recommended. From Glade Creek Trail, take the Kates Falls spur trail 0.2 miles to access the falls. From the upper Glade Creek Trailhead (requires high clearance, 4WD vehicle to access), hike for 1.1 miles on the Glade Creek Trail then take the Kates Falls spur trail. Hiking Advisory: There is currently a partial trail washout on the Glade Creek Trail near the start of the Kates Falls Trail that can be impassible at high water times. Use caution.

Labeled (2) on the Glade Creek Trails map; LENGTH: 0.2 miles/0.32 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This is a very short 2/10 mile, steep spur trail leading from the Glade Creek Trail to Kates Falls.

Labeled (3) on the Glade Creek Trails map; LENGTH: 5.1 miles/8.21 km (Round-trip). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. Look for signs of beaver, deer, and turkey as you follow old logging roads. The 5.1 mile trail passes through fields, forests, and near wetlands. Initially the trail passes under Interstate 64, then crosses Kates Branch. The creek crossing of Kates Branch can be challenging and involves some steep terrain.

New River Gorge Waterfall Tour Stop 3: As Wolf Creek flows to join the New River, a tributary cascades down the hillside crossing underneath the Kaymoor Trail. This tributary, forming the falls, is actually drainage from the Kaymoor Mine that flows down into Wolf Creek. Since this trail is on the side of the gorge, visitors are encouraged to be careful and keep a good distance from any steep dropoffs on the trail. During the autumn and winter seasons, the falls may be visible from the road. Hiking is required to reach this falls; Wolf Creek Falls is not accessible. Directions This waterfall is located on the Kaymoor Trail near the Wolf Creek Trailhead on Fayette Station Road. Travel Advisory: Fayette Station Road is a narrow one-way road with sharp curves and low clearance. Vehicles over 12 feet of height cannot drive on Fayette Station Road; this road is not suitable for large vehicles over 25 feet in length or trailers. If Following Waterfall Tour from Cathedral Falls: Follow US-60 W past Hawk's Nest State Park and the town of Ansted. Take the ramp to US-19 S and continue for 4.6 miles. Turn left onto Lansing Edmond Road and continue for 0.4 miles. At the brown sign, turn right onto Fayette Station Road then veer left to stay on Fayette Station Road. Continue onto the one way road for 4.3 miles, crossing the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge. Parallel parking is available on the right side of the road after the sharp curve past the trailhead. From Canyon Rim Visitor Center: Follow US-19 north 0.3 miles to the very first right. Turn right onto Lansing Edmond Road and continue for 0.4 miles. At the brown sign, turn right onto Fayette Station Road then veer left to stay on Fayette Station Road. Continue onto the one way road for 4.3 miles, crossing the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge. Parallel parking is available on the right side of the road after the sharp curve past the trailhead. To Hike to the Falls: On the Kaymoor Trail, hike 0.1 miles across the bridge and up the hill. The falls are located on the right side of the trail.

Labeled (9) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map; LENGTH: 1.0 miles/1.6 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This forest trail descends steeply 0.5 miles from the top of the gorge with stairs and switchbacks to the Kaymoor coal mine site, where it crosses the Kaymoor Trail.

Labeled (8) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map; LENGTH: 8.6 miles/13.84 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. The Kaymoor Trail runs parallel with the middle of the gorge, passing the historic coal mine site at Kaymoor. The northern two miles of the trail, from Wolf Creek trailhead to the old mine site, follows an old road. Wayside exhibits interpret the Kaymoor mine operation and community along the way.

Labeled (3) on the Nuttallburg Area Trails map; LENGTH: 3.3 miles/5.31 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride on this wide trail that criss-crosses the rugged mountain landscape at a 4% grade. Here it is easy to see how the rugged terrain was a great challenge to those who constructed this railroad line over 100 years ago.

The site of the original Lafayette Hotel in Thurmond, WV

Labeled (4) on the Arrowhead Bike Trails map; LENGTH: 1.8 miles/2.9 km (One-way); DIFFICULTY: Intermediate; TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking; DESCRIPTION: The LeCroy Trail is narrow, with a tread width of 20" to 24". Enjoy a few stretches of rolling and sweeping turns, and cross a challenging rock bridge over a small drainage then be enchanted by a tunnel of rhododendron.

The Mankin-Cox Building in Thurmond, WV

Note: The tour stop is at Thurmond. Very little remains of McKendree Hospital and what does is located in an inaccessible location off of the McKendree Road, which is not maintained and may be impassible. African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 10: McKendree Miner's Hospital African American workers were vital to the railroad and mining industries of West Virginia. The state’s economic base and identity was built on and around coal mining, and a third of those miners were black. When the C&O Railway opened the state for the mining and timber industries, the sparse rural medical services were quickly overwhelmed. With the establishment of West Virginia’s three state “miners” hospitals in 1891, healthcare for all coal miners and railroad workers became available. Miner’s hospitals 1, 2 & 3 would be named for the towns where they were located; #1 the southern coalfields in Welch, #2 at the small mining town of McKendree in the heart of the New River Gorge, and #3 in the northern coalfields at Fairmont. McKendree Miners Hospital provided free medical care for coal miners and railroad workers, and charged $1.59 per day for all other patients. The patients were divided into segregated wards; there were larger wards for males, smaller wards for females, and private rooms available only to pregnant women for deliveries. A segregated whites only two-year nurses’ training program was established at the hospital in 1910. For the full story go to: The McKendree Miner's Hospital; McKendree, WV. Other nearby places of interest: Thurmond Thurmond Black Church Driving Directions: Note: Tour stop is at Thurmond Physical Address: Hwy 25/2, Thurmond, WV 25936 GPS Coordinates: N37.957095 -W81.078851 From Beckley, WV: Take Highway 19 north to the exit for Glen Jean. Turn right then left on to Highway 16/61 (there is an Exxon Station at this exit). Travel to first crossroads and turn right in to Glen Jean. Cross small bridge and turn left following brown signs to Thurmond (Highway 25). Travel 7 miles and cross the bridge over the New River. Tour Stop is at the Thurmond Depot. From Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 south to the exit for Greentown. Turn left at exit on to Highway 16/61 Travel 2 miles to crossroads and turn left in to Glen Jean. Cross small bridge and turn left following brown signs to Thurmond (Highway 25). Travel 7 miles and cross the bridge over the New River. Tour Stop is at the Thurmond Depot. Directions to next Tour Stop: DuBois School Physical Address: 110 High School Drive, Mount Hope, WV 25880 GPS Coordinates: N37.898051 -W81.157067 From Thurmond, return to Glen Jean and turn left on Hwy 16 South. Travel 2.2 miles to Mount Hope and turn right on Virginia Street. Travel .1 of a mile and turn right on High School Drive. Tour Stop and parking is at gate entrance to Mount Hope High School.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 6: Church and the African American Community Coal mining and railroading jobs brought workers into this part of West Virginia from other parts of the country an the world including many African American laborers. The first African American industrial workers were employed in the region in the early 1870s with the construction of a branch of the C&O Railway and the opening of the Gauley-Kanawha Coal Company in Hawk’s Nest. In 1889, entrepreneurs and investors dissolved that company and created the Gauley Mountain Coal Company (GMCC), shifting coal mining from Hawk’s Nest to nearby Ansted. Consistent with the traditional establishment of African American communities, Ansted residents soon began to address their religious and spiritual needs by congregating in homes for prayer meetings. In October of 1891, a revival took place and approximately twenty candidates were received for baptism. State Missionary Reverend Coleman agreed to administer baptism and organize a church. The community soon petitioned the Gauley Mountain Coal Company to construct a church building. As in many African American communities, the Ansted African American church became the center of the community’s existence. For the full story go to: Church and the African American Community: Mt. Chapel Missionary Baptist Church; Ansted, WV. Other Nearby Places of Interest: African American Heritage Family Tree Museum Tyree House Driving Directions: Physical Address: 100 Skaggs Street, Ansted, WV 25812 GPS Coordinates: N38.144374 -W81.194798 From Beckley and Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 north to Highway 60. Follow the exit up the ramp and turn right onto Highway 60 West. Travel 6.4 miles to the town of Ansted, WV. As you drive through Ansted, look for a large historic house sitting off the road on the right and immediately turn right onto Page Street. Follow Page Street 3/10 of a mile to Log Town Road and turn left onto Log Town Road. Tour Stop (Mt. Chapel Missionary Baptist Church) is 4/10 of a mile on the left. Directions to next Tour Stop: Gauley Bridge Depot Physical Address: 278 Railroad Street, Gauley Bridge, WV 25085 GPS Coordinates: N38.164584 -W81.196953 From the church return to Hwy 60 West and turn right. Travel Hwy 60 West to the town of Gauley Bridge, WV and turn right on the first road after crossing the river (Hwy 39 East). Drive under the old railroad bridge and immediately turn left up the hill toward the library. Tour Stop and parking is behind the Depot.

The National Bank of Thurmond Building

The 5300 square mile National Coal Heritage Area lies in southern West Virginia, a region shaped by the history of coal deposits found in its ancient mountains. Today, the area’s communities retain much of their original character as “company towns,” reflecting local traditions, immigrant laborers and the dominance of the coal industry.

When the New River Gorge Bridge was completed on October 22, 1977, a travel challenge was solved. The bridge reduced a 40-minute drive down narrow mountain roads and across one of North America's oldest rivers to less than a minute. When it comes to road construction, mountains do pose a challenge. In the case of the New River Gorge Bridge, challenge was transformed into a work of structural art - the longest steel span in the western hemisphere.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 4: African American Life in a Coal Camp In the late 1800s, coal became King in West Virginia. Over a sixty-year period, hundreds of coal mines were opened throughout southern West Virginia. To dig the coal, thousands of native Appalachians, African Americans, and immigrants from Europe migrated to the coal fields to work in the mines. To support the mining operations and their workers, “coal camps” became as numerous as the coal mines. Company towns, or “coal camps” as they were commonly known, were built and owned by the coal companies themselves. They provided miners and their families a place to live, a place to buy goods and services, as well as opportunities for personal and recreational activities. In 1930, there were nearly 500 coal company towns in West Virginia. John Nuttall purchased a large tract of land in 1870 on the New River along Short Creek. With the completion of the C&O Railroad in 1873, he opened the Nuttallburg mine and began building his company town which came to be called Nuttallburg. After John Nuttall died in 1897 his heirs ran Nuttallburg until Henry Ford leased the town’s mines to provide coal for his company steel mills in the 1920s. Nuttallburg passed through three more owners after Henry Ford, then ceased production in 1958. For the full story go to: African American Life in a Coal Camp: Nuttallburg Driving Directions: Use caution when driving to Nuttallburg. The road to Nuttallburg (Keeneys Creek Road) is narrow, winding, and steep. Some places are paved while some places are gravel. Much of the road is one lane, meaning that drivers will need to pull off the side of the road to allow for passing vehicles. Large vehicles and trailers are not advisable. Physical Address: Keeneys Creek Road GPS Coordinates: N38.050158 -W81.039922 From Beckley, WV: Take Highway 41 north (Stanaford Road) and travel 29 miles to Highway 60. Turn left on Highway 60 west and travel 5.3 miles to Lansing Edmond Road (Route 82). Turn left on Lansing Edmond Road and travel to junction of Lansing Edmond Road and Keeneys Creek Road. Continue straight on Keeneys Creek Road (Route 85/2) and travel 4.1 miles to the parking area at the Nuttallburg Historic Site. From Fayetteville, WV: Take Highway 19 north to the exit for Highway 60. Turn left on Highway 60 east and travel four miles to Lansing Edmond Road (Route 82) Turn right on Lansing Edmond Road and travel to junction of Lansing Edmond Road and Keeneys Creek Road. Continue straight on Keeneys Creek Road (Route 85/2) and travel 4.1 miles to the parking area at the Nuttallburg Historic Site. Directions to next Tour Stop: Hawk's Nest Workers Memorial and Grave Site Physical Address: 98 Hilltop Drive, Lookout, WV 26679 GPS Coordinates: N38.234467 -W80.852690 From Nuttallburg Historic Site, return 6 miles up Keeneys Creek Road (Route 85/2) and Lansing Edmond Road (Route 82) to Highway 60. Turn left on Highway 60 west and travel 4 miles to Highway 19. Turn right on Highway 19 north and travel 12.5 miles to Whippoorwill Road (if you cross Summersville Lake you have gone ½ mile to far) Turn left on Whippoorwill Road and an immediate right onto Hilltop Drive. Tour Stop (cemetery site) is on the right at the end of the road.

Nuttallburg was one of almost fifty towns that sprang up along the New River in response to a growing nation's need for coal. In 1870, England-born entrepreneur John Nuttall saw opportunity in the coal rich New River gorge and began buying land and building infrastructure along the Keeneys Creek drainage. When the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway was completed through the gorge in 1873, the town was ready for its arrival. Nuttallburg became the second mining town in the New River gorge to ship the "smokeless" coal, processed from a mineral seam hundreds of feet above the river corridor and shipped to industrial cities hundreds of miles away. Nuttallburg was a bustling mining community by the turn of the century, continuing to thrive after Nuttall's death in 1897 under the direction of his heirs. The town became the focus of national attention in the 1920's when, in an effort known as "vertical integration" to gain control of all aspects of production, automobile industrialist Henry Ford leased the town's mines to provide coal for his company steel mills. The Fordson Coal Company made many improvements to the mine and town during the eight year tenure, but Ford's plan for "vertical integration" failed when it became evident he could neither control, nor afford to buy, the railroad that was responsible for transportation of the coal his mines produced. He sold interests in the Nuttallburg mines in 1928. The mines of Nuttallburg passed through three owners after Henry Ford, with production limited to primarily local use in later years as the market for New River coal declined. Production ceased in 1958 and Nuttallburg became like so many other riverside communities that rose and fell due to changes in the industry. A collection of empty buildings and structure-less foundations, concealed beneath trees and vines, is all that remains. Nuttallburg Today In 1998 the Nuttall family transferred ownership of Nuttallburg to the National Park Service. The site was inventoried, documented, and in 2005, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2011 the National Park Service completed a multi-year project that involved clearing vegetation and stabilizing structures. Today it is considered one of the most intact examples of a coal mining complex in West Virginia and one of the most complete coal related industrial sites in the United States. Visiting Nuttallburg Use caution when driving to Nuttallburg. The road to Nuttallburg (Kenneys Creek Road) is narrow, winding, and steep. Some places are paved while some places are gravel. Much of the road is one lane, meaning that drivers will need to pull off the side of the road to allow for passing vehicles. Large vehicles and trailers are not advisable. From Canyon Rim Visitor Center, go north on US 19 0.3 miles to the next intersection, and turn right onto Lansing-Edmond Road (County Route 5/82). Follow Lansing-Edmond Road (becomes CR 82) 6.0 miles to Winona. Turn right onto Keeneys Creek Road (CR 85/2), continue past the houses (do not cross the creek) and the road turns to gravel. Travel 4.1 miles to the main Nuttallburg parking area and restroom. Parking for disabled visitors is located an additional 0.1 miles beyond the main parking area, closer to the tipple.Winona can also be reached from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center by traveling north on US 19 to Hico 5.0 miles. Go east on US 60 (Midland Trail) 4.4 miles to Lookout, turn right onto Lansing-Edmond Road (CR 82) and go 2.1 miles to Winona, then follow the directions above for Keeneys Creek Road (CR 85/2).

Park Headquarters is located in Glen Jean and houses all park administrative offices. Headquarters is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed on weekends and holidays) for adminstrative services only.

Labeled (6) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map; LENGTH: 1.1 miles/1.7 km (Round-trip). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. The Park Loop is an enjoyable loop trail that begins at the Town Park in Fayetteville, with a connection to the Fayetteville Trail.

Labeled (4) on the Glade Creek Trails map; LENGTH: 4.9 miles/7.89 km (round trip). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. Cross several creeks on this 4.9 mile trail that passes through an upland forest and past an old farmstead. Some of the trail follows an old roadbed; the route may not always be obvious due to drainages and other old roadbeds.

African American Heritage Driving Tour Stop 1: Life in an African American Community Industry came to Quinnimont in 1870 with the Quinnimont Charter Oak and Iron Company’s building of an iron furnace on Laurel Creek, which operated for three years. The main line of the C&O Railway was completed through the gorge in the spring of 1873, and by fall the first shipment of coal was transported out of Quinnimont, making it the first mining town of New River Gorge. The town boasted a general store, post office, baseball field, hotel, jail, and railroad boarding houses. Due to segregation, there were separate churches and schools that served the black and white communities. Housing of residents was strategically segregated between racial and ethnic groups: black from white, Welsh and English from Irish, and Italians from Polish. As a direct result of the increasing numbers of African Americans in the New River Gorge vicinity, the New River Baptist Association was formed in 1884. A huge component of the African American community was organizing a church. Members were enthusiastic about attending Sunday services and other events. Black churches, like Quinnimont Missionary Baptist Church, served the spiritual needs of individuals within the community through regular Sunday meetings, by providing care and comfort for those in need, and supporting the significant cultural milestones of their members such as births, baptisms, marriages, and funerals. For the full story go to Life in an African American Community: Quinnimont Missionary Baptist Church Other Nearby Places of Interest: Buery Monument Prince Depot Driving Directions: From Beckley, WV Take Highway 41 north to Prince, WV. Cross the bridge over the New River and pass the railroad depot in Prince. Travel 7 tenths of a mile to the African American Heritage Auto Tour sign. Turn left onto gravel road. Tour Stop (Quinnimont Missionary Baptist Church) is the second building on the right. From Fayetteville, WV Take Highway 19 south to the Greentown Exit. Turn left at the Greentown Exit onto Highway 16/61. Travel on Hwy 16/61 to Mount Hope, WV. Turn left onto Highway 61 toward Prince and Beckley, WV. Travel on Highway 61 to the three way triangle. Turn left on Highway 41 north to Prince, WV. Cross the bridge over the New River and pass the railroad depot in Prince. Travel 7 tenths of a mile to the African American Heritage Auto Tour sign. Turn left onto gravel road. Tour Stop (Quinnimont Missionary Baptist Church) is the second building on the right. Directions to the Next Tour Stop: Camp Washington Carver Physical Address: Camp Washington Carver, Camp Carver Road, Clifftop, WV 25831 GPS Coordinates: N38.009119 -W80.970204 From Quinnimont Missionary Baptist Churchn take Hwy 41 North for 19 miles to Old Clifftop Road and turn left. Travel 1.5 miles to Camp Carver Road and turn left. Tour Stop and parking is at the end of the road.

The Red Ash coke ovens were built in a bread-loaf/vault style, differing from the more common beehive style ovens that were used at Brooklyn and Rush Run (or from the rest of the beehive style ovens in the park, for that matter).

Trail run that is 3.1 miles. This is an out and back route that is on different compositions. It is mostly a dirt path with varying degrees of hardness. In fall, when leaves are falling, be aware that the leaves can block view of any dips in the trail terrain.

Hunting is permitted in any areas designated as National Preserve. Knowing your location and rules for that area are the hunter's responsibility. There are areas where hunting is prohibited in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including safety zones near public areas and the 800 acre section of the park at Grandview (these are all the areas designated as New River Gorge National Park, Camp Brookside, the Arrowhead Trail Area, the Park Loop Trail Area, and Burnwood.

Endless Wall Trail is and excellent place for a trail run but due to the volume of other hikers, this trail runner would recommend that this be an early morning location. The trail is easy to moderate for elevation change and if you make a loop and run on the road to connect the two parking areas, the loop will be approximately 3.0 miles in all. There are a few must sees and that is a detour off the main trail and follow the sign for Diamond Point. The view is amazing.

The 4.0 mile roundtrip trail run or hike is strenuous. The terrain is crushed rock for most of the trail, but there are a few areas that the terrain can be a bit uneven. If you start at the trailhead in the Grandview location, it will be downhill for 2.0 miles and then uphill for 2.0 miles. There will be just over 1000 foot change in elevation for this trail.

Amazing hike that brings you right next to the layers of rocks that make-up the gorge. The trail is uneven and requires some scrambling over some of the rock obstacles. The steps are made up of rocks and can be super slippery when wet. This trail is not recommended if there is ice or snow due to potential slipping hazards.

New River Gorge National River offers over fifty miles of mountain bike trails, varying from easy to difficult in terrain and distance.

Stroll along the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk.

Wildlife Observation Nature Observation

Brooks Overlook is a favorite viewing spot for visitors and locals. There is a pair of Bald eagles that reside, year round, on Brooks Island and catching a glimpse of them is sure to spark delight.

The Grandview Main Overlook is located about two football fields in distance from the parking area near the Grandview Visitor Center. There is a kiosk that is a triangular shaped structure with maps and information and the walking path to the Overlook begins at this location.

Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlooks for the New River Gorge Bridge and the New River Gorge

Hike the Grandview Rim Trail

With over 1,400 established climbing routes, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has become one of the most popular climbing locations in the country.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers many outstanding opportunities for fishing in teh New River and its tributaries.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking is one of the more popular activities at New River Gorge. Boaters can go with an outfitter or on your own if you have the proper experience. The New River is characterised by big, powerful rapids and a boulder strewn river gorge.

The scenic Fayette Station Road provides outstanding views of the gorge and the river while passing under the New River Gorge Bridge three times as it winds up and down the steep sides of the gorge.