Conveyor Trail

Conveyor Trail is a steep, one-way 0.8-mile connector at Nuttallburg, climbing from Keeneys Creek Rail Trail to the Headhouse Trail on the mine's mid-bench. It is point to point, not a loop; returning the same way makes 1.6 miles. The climb is short on the map but strenuous underfoot: the park lists 655 feet of gain and 240 feet of loss. Allow roughly an hour to an hour and a half for the uphill walk.

The trail zigzags up the hillside. In many places the tread is loose, slaggy coal debris, so watch for shifting footing as you climb. The adjoining rail trail is wide and much gentler; do not mistake that easier corridor for the effort required here. The route is hiking only.

Views of the old conveyor and the gorge open intermittently through the trees rather than from one broad overlook. Near the view directly beneath the conveyor, frame its steel supports with the forested valley behind them to show both the structure and its setting. The route passes evidence of the mine; leave artifacts where they are, and do not climb or walk on historic walls and built features.

John Nuttall began buying land and building along Keeneys Creek in 1870. In the 1920s, Henry Ford's Fordson Coal Company leased the mines to supply coal for his steel business. The railway was beyond Ford's control and means, and he sold his interest in 1928. Mining ended in 1958; the surviving works make this a walk through a coal town and its transport system, not just a climb to a viewpoint.

Start at the junction with Keeneys Creek Rail Trail and climb toward the Headhouse Trail. The main Nuttallburg parking area and restroom are on Keeneys Creek Road; an additional accessible parking area is 0.1 mile farther along the road, closer to the tipple. The road is steep, winding, narrow, partly gravel and mostly one lane; large vehicles and trailers are not advised. There is no drinking water at trailheads, so bring water. Pets are allowed on park trails on a physical leash no longer than six feet.