News Release

Kaymoor Miners Trail Stairs Reopening Rescheduled For Early November

Under reconstruction—the 821-step Kaymoor Miners Trail staircase.

NPS

News Release Date: September 28, 2023

Contact: Eve West, 304-719-6364

Glen Jean, W.Va. — The reopening of the stairs on the Kaymoor Miners Trail has been rescheduled for November 9. Tentatively planned to reopen the beginning of October, work has been delayed due to issues related to the structural integrity of the stairwell and difficulty in the movement and placement of construction materials in the steep, uneven terrain above the river. 

Because of the scale of the project, a full closure of the entire staircase from the bench level to Kaymoor Bottom has been necessary to ensure visitor safety. Work includes repair and replacement of the most degraded components of the steps including replacement of many stringers, joists, landings, and stair treads over the entire length of the steps.  

The 821-step staircase was built in 1994 and while improvements have been made as needed, a project of this scope and complexity has never been undertaken.   

Trail access along other portions of the Kaymoor Miners Trail and the Kaymoor Trail is not impacted by this project.   

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