Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Location
Fayette County
Endpoints
Brooklyn to Southside Junction
Mileage
5.8
Roughness Index
2
Surface
Gravel, dirt, ballast
As it weaves past long-abandoned mining towns such as Red Ash and Rush Run, the
Brooklyn to Southside Junction Trail tells the unique story of “King Coal” and Ap-
palachia. Once an important transportation corridor used to haul coal from the remote
New River Gorge, this recycled railroad corridor now brings new life into the area as
a tourist attraction.
Never more than 100 yards from the New River, this trail provides users with an
up-close look at the natural beauty found within and along the New River Gorge Na-
tional River. A forest of large oak trees, rhododendron, and evergreens envelope you
as the trail meanders along the bank of the river. One of the most popular among the
area's many trails, this trail is particularly attractive to mountain bikers who enjoy the
rough riding provided by exposed railroad ties along its route.
Beginning at the Brooklyn trailhead, head south along the New River. Listen for
the exuberant screams of whitewater rafters on the water, one of the finest whitewa-
ter rivers in the eastern US. Active railroad tracks at Southside Junction signal the
temporary end of the trail. While the trail extends past these tracks to a trailhead at
