Thurmond to Minden Trail

New River Gorge National River

Length: 2.5  miles

An easy grade and wide, smooth trail make the Thurmond-Minden 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. Hiking the entire trail involves a 6.4 mile round-trip journey, though many will choose a shorter 2.5 mile round-trip to the main overlook and back. Along the way, there are good views of Dunloup Creek, the New River, and the historic community of Thurmond.

Though among the easiest trails to navigate in the park, a recent rockslide requires a minor detour up and around on a set of wooden stairs. This trail was originally constructed in 1906, as a railroad line to haul coal from the mines in Minden to the main line tracks in Thurmond. The rail line was abandoned in 1972, and now it is hikers and bikers that follow this historic route.

From the Main Overlook, visitors are presented with a great view of the New River. Trains can be seen travelling the gorge, still carrying coal -- though the coal is no longer coal mined within the gorge. In the summer months, it is also common to see fleets of whitewater rafts floating by.