Conveyor Trail

Overview

The Conveyor Trail is a short, very steep slice of coal country history in the Nuttallburg area. The trail’s claim to fame is exactly what it sounds like: you walk beneath the restored coal conveyor that once shuttled coal from the mine down to the railroad. It’s rugged, narrow in spots, and covered with loose coal “slag,” so expect more eyes-on-feet than big vistas. If you’re here for mining ruins and a tangible sense of the past, it delivers; if you want sweeping views, choose another trail.

The Conveyor segment itself is 0.8 miles one way, dropping (or climbing) through tight switchbacks between the upper Headhouse area and the river-level Keeneys Creek Rail Trail. Many hikers combine it into a more complete out-and-back—Headhouse → Conveyor → Keeneys Creek Rail Trail (and townsite)—for about 3.3 miles total and roughly 2 hours including photo and interpretive stops.

What You’ll See

This is one of the park’s most immersive industrial walks: the conveyor overhead, the mine entrance and headhouse, scattered cables and metal remnants, coke-oven and tipple ruins, and interpretive signs that paint a picture of life and work here. Views of the gorge pop in and out through the trees, but the draw is the mining landscape itself.

Trail Conditions and Difficulty

Make no mistake—this is strenuous despite the short mileage. The average grade is very steep, the tread is often loose with coal debris, and summer growth can encroach on the narrow switchbacks. After rain, the slope gets slick. Poles and real boots pay for themselves here. Dogs are allowed on leash, but watch paws on sharp slag and metal.</n

Geology, in Plain Sight

New River is one of the planet’s oldest river systems, and it carved this deep gorge through layered sandstone, shale, and coal over immense time. Those coal seams are why towns like Nuttallburg existed; the crumbly, black underfoot “slag” is a byproduct of that era, still telling the story along the trail.

How to Hike It

• Upper start: Park at the Headhouse area, walk past the mine entrance, then descend the Conveyor switchbacks to the rail grade. Turn left at the bottom for the tipple, coke ovens, and townsite, then retrace your steps.
• Lower start: Carefully drive down Keeneys Creek Road to the river-level lot, stroll the flat rail grade to the townsite, then climb the Conveyor to the Headhouse and return.

Either way, budget extra time to explore the town ruins and interpretive displays.

Best Time to Hike

March–October is the sweet spot. Spring and fall have cooler temps and fewer bugs. In midsummer the switchbacks can get brushy and buggy—long pants and repellent help. Avoid a wet-day descent; this trail is much friendlier dry and in daylight.

Know Before You Go

• Crowds are typically light; you may have the trail to yourself.
• The access road to the lower Nuttallburg area is narrow and partly gravel with pullouts—allow time and drive slowly.
• Signage at the upper approach can be confusing; pay attention at junctions.
• Facilities are limited; restrooms may be available at the upper Headhouse area and at the lower lot but can vary—plan accordingly.
• If you want big views instead of industrial history, head for Endless Wall or Long Point and save the Conveyor for a history-focused day.