Nuttallburg Mine: An Eye-Opening Journey Into West Virginia’s Coal-Mining Past, WV

On October 4, 2021, we hiked the HeadHouse Trail near Fayetteville, West Virginia, to explore the remnants of the historic Nuttallburg mine. The hike is only about 1.3 miles round trip, but it descends approximately 493 feet on a gravel trail, making the return climb more challenging than the distance suggests. We had to stop several times on the way back to catch our breath. Fall colors were just beginning to appear, adding a beautiful touch to the forest, while enormous rock formations along the trail attracted several climbers attempting to conquer them.

According to the exhibits at the site, the Nuttallburg mine operated for 85 years, from 1873 to 1958. The mine’s history was fascinating, but also made me think about how difficult life must have been for the men who worked underground. The mine stays around 52°F year-round, and the cold air coming from inside was noticeable. It was hard to imagine miners spending their working days tunneling through a dark mine to earn a living. Their pay was based on the weight of the coal they mined, adding even more pressure to an already dangerous and physically demanding job. Standing there, I couldn’t help but feel spoiled thinking about my own experience of working in a heated and air-conditioned office.

The main structure at the site is the headhouse, where coal from the mine was weighed before being transported down into the gorge by a conveyor system. The remains of the conveyor can still be seen today. Another trail leads down to the lower portion of the mining complex, but it sounded considerably more strenuous, so we decided to leave that adventure for another time.

I was glad we took the time to visit Nuttallburg. I had never explored a historic mine site before, and the interpretive exhibits made the experience particularly educational. The combination of fascinating mining history, emerging fall colors, and impressive rock formations made this short hike much more memorable than I expected.

If You Go

Location: Near Fayetteville, West Virginia, within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Trail: HeadHouse Trail
Distance: Approximately 1.3 miles round trip.
Elevation change: About 493 feet of descent on the way to the mine, followed by the same climb back.
Difficulty: The short distance can be deceptive because of the steep return climb.
Highlights: Historic headhouse, coal conveyor remnants, mining exhibits, massive rock formations, and forest scenery.
History: Nuttallburg operated from 1873 to 1958.
What to bring: Water, sturdy hiking shoes, and hiking poles if you find them helpful on steep terrain.
Fall visit: Early October can provide emerging autumn colors, with foliage typically becoming more vibrant later in the season.
Plan ahead: Check current National Park Service conditions and trail information before visiting, as historic sites and trails can occasionally close.
Allow: At least a couple of hours if you want time to explore the historic structures and read the exhibits.