Southside Trail

Southside Trail follows a mostly level old rail grade beside the New River, from Cunard River Access toward Southside Junction. The complete safe out-and-back is about 14 miles, around five and a half hours of walking before long stops. The mapped corridor is 6.8 miles each way and ends before the active railroad. This is a long-day walk for people who want river miles and coal-town history; distance, rather than climbing, is the main commitment.

The first mile from Cunard is shared with motor vehicles, so stay alert on that approach. Beyond Brooklyn, the trail follows the abandoned C&O line along the river. The grade is easy and mostly level, but it still feels like an old working corridor: exposed ties and uneven patches roughen parts of the tread. The terrain is gentle; the repeated miles make this a much bigger outing than a short riverside stroll.

The route stays close to the New River, with river views between the trees and tall cliffs beside some stretches. Surprise Rapids is visible from the trail about six-tenths of a mile beyond Brooklyn. Small paths drop toward the water in places, but those can be steep; you do not need to leave the main grade to get the river experience.

Southside passes through the former coal communities of Rush Run, Red Ash and Brooklyn. Rush Run was established in 1889 and had its own post office and saloon before the mine closed in the 1940s. Foundations and stone walls still line parts of the final mile. A 1905 disaster at the joined Rush Run and Red Ash mines killed 24 miners. Leave the ruins and any artifacts in place.

Rows of coke ovens beside the route make the coal history tangible, while the old railroad alignment explains why the grade stays so gentle. The ovens, surviving rails and river bends are the details worth slowing down for; this is a place to look closely from the path, not to climb on the remains.

Follow Route 16 south from Fayetteville to Gateway Road, continue on Gatewood Road, then take the signed Cunard River Access Road to the parking area. A vault toilet is listed at the access, but there is no drinking water or food service on the trail. Dogs are allowed on a physical leash no longer than six feet. If 14 miles is too much, Brooklyn parking gives a shorter out-and-back toward Southside Junction, still roughly 12 miles.

Stop at the Southside Junction end of the mapped path. The active railroad and adjacent private property are not a continuation of the hike; walking on or crossing the tracks is prohibited. There is no safe through-route to Thurmond from here.