Fayette County: Bridge, Gorge and Mining History

Fayette County offers striking engineering, gorge views, and insights into mining and railroad history. The county lies within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and is home to the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The bridge is 3,030 feet long and stands 876 feet above the New River. In 2013, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Bridge, Gorge and Visitor Information

The New River Gorge Bridge can be experienced from a variety of viewpoints: Long Point is a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of the gorge and bridge. The Endless Wall Trail passes through forest, crosses Fern Creek, and follows the cliff edge, with several overlooks along the way. For a different perspective, Bridge Walk offers three-hour guided tours on the catwalk beneath the bridge.

Bridge Day also puts the structure in the spotlight. It takes place on the third Saturday in October, when the bridge is opened to pedestrians. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the main point of contact for information and resources at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It features exhibits, an 11-minute orientation video, and views of the gorge and bridge.

Trails and Scenic Drives

Trails in Fayette County vary in length and character. Babcock State Park has 17 hiking and walking trails totaling more than 20 miles. The park is also home to Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully operational replica of Cooper’s Mill. Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre recreation area with a nature museum, jet boat rides, and hiking trails.

Those interested in mining history will find another trail at Kaymoor: The Kaymoor Trail is two miles long, rated moderate, and connects to the Kaymoor Miners Trail at the mine entrance. Kaymoor One is one of the best-preserved mining complexes in the New River Gorge. The route offers a way to combine a hike with this theme.

For a scenic drive, Fayette Station Road runs eight miles as a one-way road; the drive takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Vehicles taller than 12 feet are not permitted on the road. Access is also an important part of planning a visit to Nuttallburg: the road there is narrow, winding, and steep, and is mostly one lane; large vehicles and trailers are not recommended.

Mining, Railroad and Local History

Nuttallburg is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the best-preserved coal mining complexes in West Virginia. In Thurmond, the town’s history comes together with its historic depot, which has been restored as a park visitor center. Exhibits and historic furnishings illustrate the heyday of railroad traffic. Thurmond is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A 0.5-mile walking tour loops back to its starting point and takes about an hour.

Other historic sites showcase different facets of the region. The Fayetteville Historic District includes 75 historic homes and buildings, and visitors can take a walking tour of the district. Ansted is home to the Contentment Museum, also known as the Colonel George Imboden House. The historic home is located in the Contentment Historical Complex, which also houses the Fayette County Historical Society. The furnishings at Contentment include period antiques.

Camp Washington-Carver is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As a cultural center for West Virginia’s mountain region, it hosts seasonal programs dedicated to preserving arts and traditions. Another way to explore the region’s history is the self-guided African American Heritage Auto Tour. It visits 17 historic sites in Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, and Nicholas counties.

More Things to Do in the County

Water activities and land-based recreation are also among the options. The New River’s rapids range from Class III to Class V, and licensed outfitters offer guided trips. Fayette County Park has an 18-hole disc golf course and access to fishing at two ponds.

In the context of host city Oak Hill, the White Oak Rail-Trail runs for almost eight miles through Oak Hill, connecting the communities of Summerlee and Carlisle at either end. Most of the trail is paved; two miles are surfaced with compacted gravel. The White Oak Railroad Depot first opened there in 1903. Another local resource, the Fayette County Farmer’s Market, offers local vegetables, meat, baked goods, and pastries, as well as fresh produce from Fayette County and the New River Gorge region.

Explore more destinations: Mount Hope, Ansted, Fayetteville, Oak Hill, Berkeley County, Greenbrier, Wood, Pocahontas County.

For the main travel overview: West Virginia.