Butcher Branch Trail

Overview

A short, wooded connector from Kaymoor Top to the Long Point Trail, Butcher Branch is best if you want a quick taste of New River Gorge’s sandstone-and-rhododendron scenery without committing to a long day. Officially about 0.8 miles one way, it’s generally easy with a few steep and rocky bits and a small stream crossing. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Route Options

If you’re just hiking Butcher Branch as an out-and-back, plan on roughly 1.2 miles total in common use, around 36 minutes for most hikers. The official one-way length is 0.8 miles; out-and-back to the Long Point junction is closer to 1.6 miles. Want bigger views? Continue onto the Long Point Trail for a 3.0-mile out-and-back with significant elevation gain and sweeping looks at the New River and its iconic bridge.

Butcher Branch Falls

For a quick waterfall fix, hike about 0.3 miles from the trailhead and turn onto the signed Climbing Access spur. Follow it roughly 0.15 miles along the base of the sandstone cliff to reach the creek and the multi-tiered, rainfall-dependent cascades. Expect steep, rocky switchbacks that get slick when wet. The falls can be a trickle or dry in low-water periods; they shine after recent rain.

Difficulty and Footing

This is mostly easy walking through pine and hardwood forest with rhododendron, but there are short, steeper pitches, roots, rocks, mud after rain, and one small stream crossing. The climber access spur to the falls is steeper and can be slick—grippy shoes (and optional trekking poles) help.

Best Times to Hike

Go after a recent storm if the waterfall is your goal; you’ll trade better flow for muddier footing. Mornings are quieter—this area sees more traffic from spring through fall. Soft light in early morning or late afternoon plays nicely off the sandstone walls and forest.

Getting There and Parking

Start from the Kaymoor Top Trailhead. From US-19, drive south on WV-16 through Fayetteville, turn left on Gatewood Road for about 2 miles, then left onto Kaymoor No. 1 Road. At the T-intersection, turn left; parking is about 50 yards on the right.

Tips

• Wear sturdy, grippy footwear; trekking poles are handy on the falls spur.
• Bring bug spray in warm months.
• Carry a map—some junctions can feel subtle. Be courteous around the popular climbing area along the spur.

Worth It?

As a standalone, it’s a pleasant, short forest walk with a fun side trip to a seasonal waterfall. Pair it with Long Point if you want the signature views; otherwise, this is a solid, low-commitment sampler of the Gorge.