Rend Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

The Rend Trail is yet another wonderful historic route through the New River Gorge, taking visitors past one of many historic coal mining towns in the area. On this trail, expect to see visitors of all ages and abilities hiking along this broad and well graded trail. Upon reaching the trail's well marked viewpoints, gaze over the river to view the coal town of Thurmond. At its height in the 1920s, Thurmond served primarily as a rail town, passing more coal through its streets than Cincinnati, OH. As the era of coal in the New River Gorge tapered to an end, sadly so did the town. At a current population of 5 residents according to the 2010 census, Thurmond doesn't have many residents to tell its story. But just one glance at its historic buildings and rusting rail lines and its history will come alive.