Thurmond - Minden Trail:
West Virginia
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Description:
With breathtaking scenery, numerous bridges, and several impressive overlooks, it is no wonder that the wide, well-maintained Thurmond-Minden Trail is one of the most popular trails in New River Gorge National River.
The trail traces the Arbuckle Branch railroad corridor along the banks of three rushing waterways from the old mining community of Minden to the historic railroad town of Thurmond. Though the Arbuckle Branch, built in 1906, was abandoned long ago, you can still see evidence of coal mining along this route.
The trail begins along scenic Arbuckle Creek and follows the raging water of this tributary to its confluence with the New River. Near the banks of the New River, be sure to stop at the overlook for an incredible view of the New River and an active railroad line. After a brief journey along the New River, the trail heads south along the quiet banks of Dunloup Creek. The trail ends at a parking lot near a popular fishing hole.
While the Thurmond-Minden Trail provides an excellent path for bicycling and hiking, bikers beware: A set of stairs built around the remains of a rockslide can hinder your journey if you are unable to carry your bike up and down the wooden steps.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To access the Thurmond trailhead, head north from Beckley on US Hwy. 19. Take the Glen Jean-Thurmond exit and turn left onto WV Route 25. Go a half mile to Glen Jean, following the signs for the Thurmond-Minden Trail, located 5 miles outside of Glen Jean off Route 25.
To reach the Minden trailhead from Beckley, head north on US Route 19. Take the Oak Hill/Main Street exit and turn right onto East Main Street at the end of the ramp. Turn left at Minden Road and follow it for 2 miles. Take a right across a small bridge to the Minden trailhead.
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Reviews: [0 trail ratings]
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"Beautiful views, little muddy ride, :-)"
By Dewey in August, 2005
"It's a nice ride, a little bit of a small windey road there, but the trail is nice, a constant uphill grade from the Thurmond side, 1 set of stairs that you have to carry the bikes over (big rock), and some small trickling waterways making a little bit of mud on your way. You hardly have to peddle the whole trip home though...very nice. Beautiful views as well."
Fall Hike
By David Roe in October, 2003
"On October 7, 2003, I took a gentle, quiet walk in the woods overlooking the New River with fall colors springing forth from the trees. It was very relaxing and comforting."
Great blend of beauty and history
By Patricia Kelly in July, 2002
"This trail is a sentimental one for me, since it is the one my dad used as a kid to get from his home in Rock Lick (Minden) to his grandparents' house in Thurmond. Of course, back then it wasn't a hiking trail, but that didn't stop anyone. Although Thurmond is now a ""ghost town"", my great-grandparents' house is still up on that hill, with all of my great-grandpa's sheds (he farmed and raised livestock up there) and all of the religious sayings he painted on the steps. Down in town, there is a post office, a depot which has been nicely restored, and a great place to admire the New River. The hike itself is rewarding as every few minutes you catch glimpses of Glen Jean and Thurmond through the trees. Lizards and millipedes abound, and the creek keeps you company for about a third of the walk.

It is an easy walk, but when you factor in the round-trip distance, it's a nice workout. Besides, if you hike for the beauty and serenity of the surroundings, the difficulty doesn't matter too much anyway. Be warned, though, if you go from Minden to Thurmond or vice versa, there is a connector trail that you need to take which is very steep and pretty ankle-endangering. It isn't well marked, but if you have a map or just a good eye, you shouldn't have a problem. Although I grew up in Michigan and now live in Georgia, this trail is one of my favorite places in the world. "
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