Experience one of the easiest waterfall hikes in New River Gorge National Park, where rich mining history, forest scenery, and a hidden waterfall await.
Kaymoor Trail to Kaymoor Mine Falls Trail Basics
Under 1 Hour
Under 1 Mile
Out-and-Back Trail
50 Feet
Duration: Under 1 Hour
Plan for about 15–30 minutes round trip, depending on how long you spend enjoying the waterfall and exploring the surrounding area. While the hike itself is short, many visitors linger to take photos and appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty and historic coal mining sites.
Distance: 0.2 Miles Roundtrip
The hike to Kaymoor Mine Falls is approximately 0.2 miles round trip. Although it covers only a fraction of the miles of the trail that make up the larger Kaymoor Trail and Kaymoor Miners Trail system, it offers a rewarding destination with very little effort.
Type: Out-and-Back Trail
This is an out-and-back trail that follows the same route to and from the waterfall. The straightforward route makes it easy to navigate while still providing a taste of the rugged terrain found throughout New River Gorge National Park.
Elevation Change: 50 Feet
The trail gains approximately 50 feet in elevation from the parking area to the waterfall. While there is a short steep section near the beginning, most hikers will find the climb manageable compared to the much steeper portions of the nearby Kaymoor Miner’s Trail that descend toward Kaymoor Bottom.
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Spring, summer, and fall are all excellent times to visit. Spring typically brings the strongest waterfall flow, while fall transforms the surrounding forest into a colorful display overlooking the side of the gorge and the deep canyons that make this region of West Virginia so spectacular.
Time of Day: Any
Morning is often the best time to hike because the forest is quieter, temperatures are cooler, and sunlight filters gently through the trees. Early visits also provide better conditions for photographing the waterfall before direct sunlight reaches the side of the gorge.
Amount of Shade: Mostly Shaded
The trail is mostly shaded beneath a dense Appalachian hardwood forest. Even during the warmer summer months, the tree canopy helps keep temperatures comfortable.
Difficulty: Easy
This hike is generally rated easy to moderate. The short distance makes it accessible for most visitors, though roots, rocks, and uneven terrain require careful footing.
What Makes Kaymoor Trail to Kaymoor Falls a Great Hike?
One of the reasons this is such a great place to visit is that it combines natural beauty with rich mining history. Within just a few minutes, hikers can experience a scenic forest trail, hear the sounds of Wolf Creek, and reach a picturesque waterfall that flows from the old mine site associated with Kaymoor Coal. It’s also an excellent stop for visitors exploring Fayette Station Road who want a shorter hike between larger adventures such as Endless Wall Trail, Long Point Trail, or a rafting trip on the New River.
Scenery on the Kaymoor Trail
Start of the Trail
The hike begins alongside Wolf Creek, where flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere almost immediately. Ferns, moss-covered rocks, and mature hardwood trees surround the trail, giving visitors a sense of being deep in the forest despite being only minutes from the road.
Crossing the bridge over Wolf Creek
Ryan and Tyler next to Kaymoor Falls
On the Trail
As you continue hiking, you’ll travel through classic Appalachian woodland with glimpses of the steep slopes that form the side of the gorge. During spring and summer, wildflowers and lush vegetation line the trail, while autumn brings brilliant colors throughout the forest.
The area provides excellent opportunities for nature photography, and visitors often spot birds and other wildlife among the trees.
End of the Trail
The highlight of the hike is Kaymoor Mine Falls itself. Water cascades over layered rock formations before flowing into Wolf Creek below. The waterfall is especially interesting because it originates from drainage associated with the historic Kaymoor Coal operation.
Surrounded by forest and rock walls, the falls feel surprisingly secluded despite being so close to Fayette Station Road.
Notable Places on the Hike
Although the waterfall is the main attraction, the broader area contains some of the park’s most fascinating historical features. Continuing farther along the trail system leads toward the remains of the coal processing plant, remnants of the Kaymoor mining operation, old rail tracks, a former company store, mine entrance areas, powder house structures, and other remnants of the site.
The National Park Service maintains wayside exhibits throughout portions of the Kaymoor area that help tell the story of the coal miners who once worked here. Visitors interested in history should consider exploring both Kaymoor Top and Kaymoor Bottom to fully appreciate the area’s rich mining history.
Looking at the creek on the way to the fall
We were there in October, so the water flow was low. In the spring, the water probably flows right over the path rather than under it
Kaymoor Trail to Kaymoor Falls Trailhead Information
Park Name: New River Gorge National Park
Kaymoor Mine Falls is located within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia. The park is known for its breathtaking views of the gorge, historic coal mining sites, world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing opportunities, and some of the best hikes in the state.
Finding the Trailhead
To reach the Kaymoor Trailhead, start near Canyon Rim Visitor Center and follow Lansing-Edmond Road, sometimes written as Lansing Edmond Road, toward Fayette Station Road. The scenic drive descends from the top of the gorge toward the bottom of the gorge through a series of sharp curves and at least one memorable hairpin turn. After crossing the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, continue along the old road that follows the New River. The trailhead is located a short distance beyond the bridge on the side of the road. Google Maps generally provides accurate directions, although recent satellite imagery can make the small parking area easier to identify before your visit.
Markers Along the Trail
The trail is easy to follow despite having few formal markers. The route begins by crossing a small bridge over Wolf Creek before climbing slightly uphill through the forest. The waterfall quickly comes into view and serves as the primary destination for most visitors.
Nearest Restrooms
There are no restroom facilities at the Kaymoor Trailhead. The nearest restrooms can be found at Canyon Rim Visitor Center near the New River Gorge Bridge, making it a good idea to stop there before heading down Fayette Station Road.
Parking Area
The trail begins from a small parking area located along Fayette Station Road. The parking lot is relatively small and fills quickly during busy weekends, particularly during peak fall foliage season. Additional roadside parking may be available along the side of the road, but visitors should park carefully and avoid blocking traffic.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
The waterfall is only a small portion of the larger Kaymoor Trail system. Adventurous hikers can continue farther toward Kaymoor Top and eventually connect with the famous Kaymoor Miner's Trail, one of the park's most challenging routes. Nearby trails worth exploring include Endless Wall Trail, Long Point Trail, Craig Branch Trail, Glade Creek Trail, and the various Fayetteville Trail networks located throughout the park. Together, these routes showcase everything from panoramic views of the gorge to waterfalls, historic town sites, and scenic overlooks.
Tips for Kaymoor Trail to Kaymoor Falls
- Arrive early since the small parking area fills quickly.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction.
- Bring a camera for waterfall and forest photography.
- Visit after recent rainfall for the strongest waterfall flow.
- Combine this stop with Canyon Rim Visitor Center and the New River Gorge Bridge.
- Consider adding Endless Wall Trail or Long Point Trail to your itinerary.
- Watch for traffic along Fayette Station Road, especially near blind curves and sharp turns.
- Bring water even though the hike is short.
- Stay on established trails to help protect natural resources and historic features.
- Allow extra time to explore Fayette Station Road, one of the most scenic drives in New River Gorge National Park.
Accessibility Information for Kaymoor Trail
Dirt
Paved
Trail Type: Dirt
Strollers and other wheeled mobility devices may struggle with the trail conditions. Visitors should also be aware that the larger Kaymoor Miner’s Trail includes steep wooden staircase sections and some of the area’s wooden staircases that descend hundreds of feet toward the bottom of the gorge.
Parking: Paved
The parking lot consists of a small paved surface without designated accessible parking spaces. The trail itself is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain, roots, rocks, and natural trail surfaces.