Abandoned coal mines in West Virginia are hiding all throughout our state’s mountains. Many of them date back to the days when coal was king in the Mountain State and are linked with a rollercoaster history of prosperity and strength intertwined with danger, illness, and poverty. Such is Kaymoor, WV, one of the eeriest abandoned towns in West Virginia that is now accessible only by hiking trail. Indeed, this mine trail might well be one of the creepiest hikes in the state.

Kaymoor, WV. What tales have you heard of this infamous West Virginia coal mining town?
AkronTravelBug / Tripadvisor
Kaymoor, WV was once the largest, most productive coal mine in West Virginia's famous New River Gorge. Over 800 men, women, and children (mostly men), including immigrants from around the world, worked here at the mine's peak.
These hard workers pulled almost 17 million tons of coal out of the Kaymoor One mine between the years of 1900 to 1962.
SeniorTravelerTF / Tripadvisor
Working conditions in any mine were fraught with danger along this gold mine trail, however it is now a big part of West Virginia history.
Kaymoor Mine was spared one common mining misfortune: explosions.
Robyn G / Tripadvisor
But still, Kaymoor experienced tragedy - roof falls, fires, and electrocutions all killed miners deep in the Kaymoor mining shafts.

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Today, the Kaymoor Mine and mining operations stand abandoned in the forest.
SeniorTravelerTF / Tripadvisor
Accessible only by trail, the hike down to the Kaymoor Mine is perhaps the creepiest hike in West Virginia! Both West Virginians and visitors from out of state love to hike here.
Old safety signs dot the path, reminding hikers of the dangers - and the tragic deaths - experienced by miners and miners' families here in the gorge.
Mfclingan / Tripadvisor
The steep, 821-step staircase down the gorge between the mine and the town site will have your heart racing from exertion even before you reach the spooky skeletons of old, abandoned coal processing structures.
The Kaymoor Miners Trail Trailhead is located several miles from the town of Fayetteville, West Virginia.
Robyn G / Tripadvisor
Its total length is just under a mile, one way, but the trail is considered very strenuous because it is so steep and features so many stair steps. The Kaymoor Miners Trail intersects the Kaymoor Trail, which is a longer, flatter trail that runs parallel to the middle of the gorge.
In addition to the ruins of Kaymoor and Kaymoor Mine, hikers along the Kaymoor Miners Trail will also be treated to a beautiful waterfall plunging down the gorge toward the New River below.
Madi Ball / Tripadvisor
A visit here is really a wonderful way to spend a day.

To learn more about the Kaymoor Miners Trail, visit the National Park Service website. You can also use AllTrails as your guide for exploring the trail. Sign up for AllTrails+ for perks such as offline map access and more!

Have you ever hiked to abandoned coal mines in West Virginia on this mine trail? Do you agree that it’s the creepiest hike in West Virginia? Or at least one of them? What are some other spooky abandoned places you’ve explored in the Mountain State? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

If you’re looking for other great hiking trails in West Virginia, check out this video:

 

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Outdoor Adventures in West Virginia

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | January 26, 2023

Where can we find West Virginia mining towns?

There are West Virginia mining towns dotted all over the state. That’s because West Virginia has always possessed a long and rich mining history. And that still continues today. On your next mining town excursion, you might consider one of the following:

 

What are some of the best hiking trails in West Virginia?

We get asked a lot about the best hiking trails in West Virginia, and it’s hard to single out a few over all of the others. Some are short and sweet, while others are a little more strenuous and get your heart rate elevated. And there are loads in between. But rest assured that they are all wonderful, like, for example, the following:

 

Where can I enjoy a vacation in West Virginia?

There are scores of fantastic places to enjoy a vacation in West Virginia. Whether you prefer a big city with lots of historic sites, quaint towns with lots of character, or spots that offer outdoor adventures, you’re sure to find a vacation place that suits your needs and desires. Check out a few of the following:

 

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Kaymoor Miners Trail, West Virginia 25840, USA