West Virginia has no shortage of ghost towns. Since the mining industry has declined, there are quite a few towns that have been abandoned and are returning to nature.
This road trip might be your best chance to see the remains of several of those towns in just a short drive. The former mining towns in the New River Gorge area have been remarkably well preserved, and a visit to these little towns will give you a peek into history.
The drive will take just under two hours.
Google Maps Of course, you’ll probably want to spend some time exploring the towns, as well. Click here for an interactive map.
- Kaymoor
Flickr/foto4lizzie
There plenty of remains left in this little town. It does require a short, but steep hike. Find out more about how to get there and what you’ll see here.
- Sewell
Flickr/Ryan Stavely Sewell can be accessed through Babcock State Park, another worthy attraction. You can see the remains of a railroad and some of the old coke ovens.
- Thurmond
Flickr/Mike Tewkesbury Thurmond had a population of just 5 people today, but much of the town is still intact. You can read more about it here.
- Prince
Flickr/Dennis Church Prince isn’t quite a ghost town, but its population has declined to about 100 people today. It’s still served by the Amtrack station seen here.
- Quinnimont
Flickr/jpmueller99
Quinnimont was once a major coal shipping town. If you visit today, you can still see the railroad switching and hold yards, two churches, remnants of an iron furnace and a monument in honor of Col. Joseph Beury, the first mining ship operator to ship coal from the New River fields.
While you’re in the New River Gorge area, check out the charming little town of Fayetteville for great restaurants and shopping.
Google Maps
Of course, you’ll probably want to spend some time exploring the towns, as well. Click here for an interactive map.
Flickr/foto4lizzie
There plenty of remains left in this little town. It does require a short, but steep hike. Find out more about how to get there and what you’ll see here.
Flickr/Ryan Stavely
Sewell can be accessed through Babcock State Park, another worthy attraction. You can see the remains of a railroad and some of the old coke ovens.
Flickr/Mike Tewkesbury
Thurmond had a population of just 5 people today, but much of the town is still intact. You can read more about it here.
Flickr/Dennis Church
Prince isn’t quite a ghost town, but its population has declined to about 100 people today. It’s still served by the Amtrack station seen here.
Flickr/jpmueller99
Quinnimont was once a major coal shipping town. If you visit today, you can still see the railroad switching and hold yards, two churches, remnants of an iron furnace and a monument in honor of Col. Joseph Beury, the first mining ship operator to ship coal from the New River fields.
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