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Fayette County West Virginia
Bike Trails
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Brooklyn
to Southside Junction Trail
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New
River Gorge National River
The Brooklyn to Southside Junction Trail is probably the most popular
mountain bike trail within the park, and also a favorite with hikers and
fishermen. Never more than 100 yards from the river, this six mile trail
follows an abandoned railroad line along the left bank of the New River
below the town of Thurmond. The overall gradient of the trail is very
mild; but the rocks, roots, and railroad ties require that the beginning
biker pay close attention!
Bikers (and hikers) along this trail are rewarded by
views of the New River and the gorge that the river has cut. You also pass
by a number of pieces of New River history; including now-abandoned mining
towns, foundations, railroad trestles, and coke ovens left from the days
of "King Coal."
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Directions:
Trailheads for the Brooklyn to Southside Junction Trail are located on
the Cunard River Access Road, or on State Route 25 near Thurmond.
To reach the Cunard and Brooklyn Trailheads:
From U.S. Route 19 at Fayetteville: Take WV Route 16 South through the
town of Fayetteville. Take a left on Gatewood Road, and go 4.6 miles to
the Cunard turn-off. Turn left and go 1.8 miles. Follow signs indicating
Cunard River Access. You can park at the bottom of the steep hill at the
river access area, or continue another mile up the gravel road to the
parking area at Brooklyn.
To reach the Southside Junction Trailhead:
From U.S. Route 19 north of Beckley, take the Glen Jean–Thurmond exit.
Take an immediate left, and go 0.5 miles to Glen Jean. Take a right and
follow the signs to Thurmond (WV Route 25). Continue on this road for 6.0
miles to a three-way intersection. The parking area is located straight
ahead from this intersection. |
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