KAYMOOR, WV (SWVO) – Deep within the rugged beauty of the New River Gorge in Fayette County lies a hike unlike any other—the Kaymoor Miners Trail, a steep, one-mile path that winds through history and into the remnants of a once-bustling coal town.
Founded in 1899 by the Low Moor Iron Company, Kaymoor was among the many mining communities that lined the Gorge. It would become notable not only for its extensive operations but also for being the last working mine in the Gorge, closing its doors in 1961.
Kaymoor was actually two communities in one: Kaymoor Top, perched on the rim of the Gorge, and Kaymoor Bottom, located two miles below near the Chesapeake & Ohio mainline.
The name “Kaymoor” itself comes from a blend of the first mine superintendent’s name, James Kay, and the company that built the town—Low Moor Iron Company of Virginia.
At its peak, Kaymoor was a thriving town, complete with homes, schools, churches, a company store, and even a movie theater. Today, only ghostly traces of that life remain—weathered structures, rusty machinery, and fading signs that whisper stories of the past.
The Kaymoor Miners Trail, which begins near Gatewood Road, descends sharply through the forest via switchbacks before reaching the first mine portal.
There, visitors can still spot relics of the mining operation and a hauntingly familiar sign that reads, “Your family wants you to work safely.” It’s a poignant reminder of the daily risks miners once faced.
But the real test comes next—821 steps that seem to drop endlessly into the Gorge. Those who tackle the stairs are rewarded with a rare glimpse of Kaymoor Bottom, where time appears to have stopped.
Among the ruins, nature has begun reclaiming what industry once built, wrapping vines around foundations and swallowing up coal chutes and conveyors.
For those looking to explore, winter offers the best opportunity. With the trees bare and undergrowth sparse, the old town reveals more of its secrets, making for an eerie yet fascinating trek into the past.
To reach the trailhead from U.S. 19, follow WV 16 south through Fayetteville, turn left onto Gatewood Road, and follow the signs for Kaymoor. After about three miles, parking is available just beyond the Kaymoor No. 1 Road intersection.
The hike may be demanding, but for those willing to climb down—and back up—Kaymoor’s steep path, it’s a journey that offers far more than just scenic views. It’s a step back into West Virginia’s coal heritage, where echoes of the miners’ world still linger among the hills.
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