An easy grade and wide, smooth trail make the Thurmond-Minden Trail one of the most popular trails in the park. It is great for hikers of all ages and levels of fitness, and a great start for beginning mountain bikers. Hiking the entire trail involves a 6.4 mile round-trip journey, though many will choose a shorter 2.5 mile round-trip to the main overlook and back. Along the way, there are good views of Dunloup Creek, the New River, and the historic community of Thurmond.

Though among the easiest trails to navigate in the park, a recent rockslide requires a minor detour up and around on a set of wooden stairs. This trail was originally constructed in 1906, as a railroad line to haul coal from the mines in Minden to the main line tracks in Thurmond. The rail line was abandoned in 1972, and now it is hikers and bikers that follow this historic route.

From the Main Overlook, visitors are presented with a great view of the New River. Trains can be seen travelling the gorge, still carrying coal -- though the coal is no longer coal mined within the gorge. In the summer months, it is also common to see fleets of whitewater rafts floating by.

Trailhead Directions
Trailheads for the Brooklyn to Southside Junction Trail are located on the Cunard River Access Road, or on State Route 25 near Thurmond.

To reach the Thurmond / Route 25 Trailhead:
From U.S. Route 19 north of Beckley, take the Glen JeanThurmond exit. Take an immediate left, and go 0.5 miles to Glen Jean. Take a right and follow the signs to Thurmond (WV Route 25). The trailhead is on the left, 5.1 miles down WV Route 25.

To reach the Minden Trailhead:
Take the Main Street Exit (Oak Hill) off U.S. Route 19. If going south on U.S. Route 19, turn left and go 0.2 miles; if going north on U.S. Route 19, turn right and go 0.1 miles. Turn left onto Minden Road, and follow this 2.1 miles. Take a right across a small bridge to the trailhead.