Butcher Branch Trail

Butcher Branch Trail is a moderate, 0.8-mile one-way connector from Kaymoor Top to the Long Point Trail. It runs through woods, with steep sections and one small stream crossing. Allow about 30 minutes one way. The mapped main trail is shorter than the published 0.8 miles, so treat the distance as approximate; it is not clear whether the listed figure includes the separate climbing-access spur. Continue onto Long Point or another route, or return the way you came for roughly 1.6 miles using the published distance.

At the Climbing Access sign, a separate path follows the sandstone cliff to Butcher Branch Falls. The sign is about 0.3 mile from Kaymoor Top, then the falls are another 0.15 mile along the cliff: about 0.45 mile one way, or 0.9 mile out and back. The switchbacks are steep and rocky and can be slick when wet. The small creek steps over tiered sandstone in several cascades, but the falls depend on rainfall and can dry up. When water is flowing, this is the trail’s signature photo stop. Rhododendron flowers brighten sections of the wooded tread when they are in bloom.

Use the Kaymoor Top Trailhead on Kaymoor No. 1 Road. From WV 16 in Fayetteville, follow Gatewood Road and the signs for Kaymoor; at the T intersection, turn left, and the parking area is about 50 yards on the right. Dogs are allowed on park trails on a physical leash no longer than six feet. Bring drinking water: there is none at the trailhead, and park streams may contain Giardia or other parasites.