Headhouse Trail

This short out-and-back drops you into the industrial ghosts of Appalachian coal country. The trail winds through second-growth hardwood forest that has slowly reclaimed what was once a bustling mining operation, and the canopy keeps things shaded even on warm days. The path is narrow and uneven in spots — expect roots, loose rock, and a few sections where the hillside drops away enough to demand your attention. The payoff is the headhouse itself, a weathered stone and timber structure where coal was once sorted and loaded, now standing in eerie silence among the trees. It's a genuinely atmospheric destination that feels less like a hike and more like stumbling onto a forgotten chapter of West Virginia history. This one is perfect for history buffs and anyone who finds beauty in industrial ruins.