Some trails invite discovery; others demand adventure. The Keeneys Creek Rail Trail in New River Gorge combines both in a ride that’s equal parts history lesson and thrill ride. Spanning 15 miles round trip, this gravel path takes you through wild West Virginia landscapes and remnants of a coal-mining past.

Starting in Winona, the trail’s steady incline feels approachable—at first. As you pedal higher, history begins to emerge: rusting coke ovens nestled in the greenery, ruins of bygone industries reclaimed by time. Bridges punctuate the journey, demanding your nerve with their lofty crossings and rewarding you with panoramic views of Keeneys Creek far below.

When you crest the ridge, the Gorge unveils its crown jewel: an overlook where jagged peaks meet the horizon, and the distant rush of the New River beckons. Here, the grandeur of the Gorge takes your breath away, not just from the climb but from its raw, unspoiled beauty.

And then comes the descent. The trail transforms into a gravity-fueled rush through green tunnels alive with sunlight. Tires crunch on gravel, and the air fills with the hum of wheels cutting through the wild. It’s exhilarating, it’s freeing, and it’s why you ride.

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or savoring the serenity of West Virginia’s outdoors, the Keeneys Creek Rail Trail promises a ride you’ll never forget.