Overview & Suitability
Nuttallburg Parking is the primary trailhead facility for the historic Nuttallburg coal mining site within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This facility is designed specifically for standard passenger vehicles visiting the historic ruins, including the iconic coal tipple and coke ovens. Please note that this is not a campground or RV park; due to the extreme difficulty of the access road, large vehicles, trailers, and RVs are strongly discouraged and generally not advised.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
Access to the site is via Keeneys Creek Road (County Route 85/2), which presents significant challenges for motorists. The road is narrow, steep, and winding, with frequent one-lane sections that require drivers to pull off—or even reverse—to allow for oncoming traffic. A vehicle with moderate ground clearance is highly recommended. Visitors should exercise extreme caution, as there is no cell phone reception in the area to call for assistance.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
Parking at the Nuttallburg facility is free of charge. There is no pre-booking requirement or formal permit system; parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Security & Amenities
As a remote National Park Service site, the facility offers basic, rustic amenities:
- Vault toilets are available at the main parking area.
- Designated accessible parking spaces are located 0.1 miles beyond the main lot, closer to the tipple structure.
- There is no permanent security staff, electricity, or running water on-site.
Strategic Alternative
This location serves as the definitive point of access for visitors wishing to explore the Nuttallburg industrial ruins. For those who prefer to avoid the difficult drive down to the river-level parking, the Headhouse Trail acts as a strategic alternative, offering access to the site from the canyon rim via a strenuous hiking path that leads down into the historic mine complex.
