Brooklyn Mine Trail

Brooklyn Mine Trail drops you into the industrial ghost story hiding beneath New River Gorge's forest canopy. The path winds roughly 2.7 miles one-way through dense Appalachian hardwoods, gradually descending toward the remnants of a coal mining operation that once carved its living out of these hillsides. Expect a mix of packed dirt and rocky stretches — nothing technical, but enough roots and uneven footing to keep your eyes on the trail. The payoff is the crumbling mine ruins themselves: stone foundations, old coke ovens, and the eerie quiet of a place that used to thunder with industry. The return trip climbs back everything you lost on the way in, so save some gas in the tank. This one rewards history buffs and hikers who prefer their trails quiet — you're unlikely to see crowds out here.