Brooklyn Mine Trail

Brooklyn Mine Trail is a moderate 2.7-mile one-way walk from the Cunard-area trailhead to the old Brooklyn coal mine site. Walk back the same way for a 5.4-mile outing; allow about 3¼ hours. The route follows a wooded old roadbed with rolling grades and occasional glimpses of the New River through the trees. I’d choose it for the mining history, not for a string of wide-open gorge views.

The old road has softened into a rolling trail in places. Expect about 421 feet of ascent and 168 feet of descent on the one-way route; the return repeats the same grades in reverse. This is a multi-use trail for hikers, bikes and horses, so give equestrians room when they pass.

Brooklyn grew as a coal-company town in the 1890s, with homes, a company store and a post office. The mine closed in the 1950s, and the coal tipple ruins are the site's most visible remains. More foundations continue along Southside Trail beyond this route's mapped endpoint; that extra walk is not included in the 5.4-mile return. Leave the old structures and artifacts where they are.

Follow both signs for Cunard River Access Road after turning off Gatewood Road; the parking area is just past the signed trailhead, about half a mile farther along. There is no drinking water at park trailheads, so carry enough for the return. Pets are allowed on this trail but must stay on a physical leash no longer than six feet.