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 old-growth forest and rhododendron thickets. In August 2023, the Old-Growth Forest Network added Burnwood to its network forests. Some trees found along the trail date back to the 17th century. Old course woody debris litters the forest floor. These old-growth characteristics give a unique charm not found in most of the park.

The trail then follows the edge of an open field, loops back through the forest, and returns to the field. This area was a former home site of the Laing family. It's their farm that helped protect the old-growth forest from logging and industry. Hikers may glimpse clues of this history can 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.