Burnwood Trail

The Burnwood Loop Trail provides an easy stroll through mixed hardwood forest.

NPS

Quick Facts

Significance:

Old-Growth Forest Network

Amenities

3 listed

Parking - Auto, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead

Labeled (1) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Trails map

(Formerly the Laing Loop Trail)

Length

1.2 miles/1.93 km (Round-trip)

Difficulty

Easy

Trail type

Hiking only

Trail Description

This 1.2 mile loop trail leads through a 12-acre section of old-growth forest that escaped logging at the turn of the 20^th century. In August 2023, the Old-Growth Forest Network, a nationwide non-profit, added Burnwood to its network of protected old-growth forests. Some trees found along the trail date back to the 17th century. Large trees found along the trail have unique bark and branching patterns. Downed, decaying woody debris litters the forest floor. These old-growth characteristics give a unique charm not found in most of the park.

The trail first goes through a previously logged forest before coming to an intersection of a once open field with young trees, then loops through the old-growth section. After completing the loop, return to the intersection with the open field and trace your footsteps back to the trail entrance. This area was the former home site of the Laing family. Hikers may glimpse at clues of the land-use history and different forest ages along the trail.

A self-guided hike of the old-growth forest is available on the NPS Mobile App or on the park website. More information about old-growth forest is also available on the website.

• Old Growth Forest Hike
• Old-Growth Forests

Directions

From Canyon Rim Visitor Center: Take a left out of the parking lot and return to US-19. Carefully cross US-19 into the Burnwood area. Continue up the hill into the Day Use area. The trailhead sign is just before the picnic pavilion. Parking is available in the gravel lot.

From Beckley, WV: Take US-19 north from Beckley towards Summersville and Oak Hill. After passing the Glen Jean exit, continue for 12.7 miles past the towns of Oak Hill and Fayetteville. Cross the New River Gorge Bridge and take the first left crossing the southbound lane of US-19. Continue up the hill into the Day Use area. The trailhead sign is just before the picnic pavilion. Parking is available in the gravel lot.