Nuttallburg Town Site and Mine - Image 1
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Nuttallburg Town and Mine Site

4.7
·196 reviews·Fayetteville, United States

Explore the historic remnants of a coal mining town with ties to Henry Ford, nestled in the scenic New River Gorge.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Secluded and peaceful experience

CrowdLow
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Nuttallburg Town Site and Mine - Image 1

Nuttallburg Town and Mine Site

Best Time

Early mornings

Secluded and peaceful experience

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the historic remnants of a coal mining town with ties to Henry Ford, nestled in the scenic New River Gorge.

4.7
(196 reviews)

"The 30 min drive... is worth your time. Great signage throughout as you walk through the area around the tipple."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive Carefully

The road is narrow with blind turns; use pull-offs and drive cautiously. :oncoming_car:

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Explore the historic site and trails comfortably with good walking shoes. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tipple Foundations

The Tipple Foundations

Main mining area

Explore the remaining foundations of the historic coal tipple, a key structure in the mining operation.

Reddit
New River Views

New River Views

Along hiking trails

Enjoy scenic views of the New River, including rapids and potential waterfalls, from the surrounding hiking trails.

Reddit+1
Henry Ford Connection

Henry Ford Connection

Interpretive signage

Discover the surprising historical connection between this coal mine and industrialist Henry Ford.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

The Scenic Drive In

Prepare for a 30-40 minute drive from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, featuring narrow, winding paved and gravel sections. 4x4 is recommended for a smoother ride, and be ready for pull-offs to let oncoming traffic pass. Reddit+1

Historical Immersion

Explore the remnants of a fascinating coal mining operation with historical ties to Henry Ford. Signage guides you through the foundations of former buildings, offering a tangible step back in time. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Secluded and peaceful experience
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors on the road
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Drive Carefully

The road is narrow with blind turns; use pull-offs and drive cautiously. Reddit+1 :oncoming_car:

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Explore the historic site and trails comfortably with good walking shoes. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Scenery

Enjoy the beautiful drive and historical remnants; bring your camera! Reddit :camerawithflash:

🚽 Facilities Available

There's a park toilet on-site for your convenience. Reddit :toilet:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive Carefully

The road is narrow with blind turns; use pull-offs and drive cautiously. Reddit+1 :oncoming_car:

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Explore the historic site and trails comfortably with good walking shoes. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Scenery

Enjoy the beautiful drive and historical remnants; bring your camera! Reddit :camerawithflash:

🚽 Facilities Available

There's a park toilet on-site for your convenience. Reddit :toilet:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(196 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the 30-40 minute drive to Nuttallburg, though narrow and winding, to be scenic and worth the effort for the historical insights it offers. The remnants of the coal mining operation, including the tipple foundations, and its connection to Henry Ford are highlights. Some note the road can be rugged, but the solitude and historical significance are highly praised.

"The 30 min drive from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to this historical landmark is worth your time. The only reason the drive is 30 mins is due to the curving roads that drop down from the top to the bottom of the gorge area where this former coal mining operation sits. The road, while narrow in places, is nicely paved the whole way. There is a park toilet at the site as well. Great signage throughout as you walk through the area around the tipple where the foundations of many buildings remain. The tie to Henry Ford was fascinating, as we had no idea he got involved with coal mining. Really enjoyed this step back in history."

Matt

"30 - 40 min rugged drive single paved and gravel road with pull offs for passing. Beautiful drive using 4x4 with anti sway disengaged on gravel. Passed two trucks on the way out. Hiking trails with views of the New River. Education about history and how early business economies."

Kristopher Whipker

"Great ride to the mining building from the 1800's It is one line with little pull offs to allow cars thru coming the opposite way, route had some blind turns. We went early in the morning very secluded, there was no one there. We saw the train go by."

Blanca Petrillo

What People Like

Fascinating history
Scenic drive
Historical remnants

What People Dislike

Narrow, winding road

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The site is about a 30-40 minute drive from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. The road is a mix of paved and gravel, narrow with blind turns and pull-offs for passing. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for a smoother experience. Reddit+2

The road can be challenging due to its narrowness and winding nature. Drive slowly, use pull-offs, and be aware of oncoming traffic. Some sections are not paved. Reddit+1

Expect the drive to take approximately 30 to 40 minutes from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Reddit+1

The drive itself offers beautiful scenery with pull-offs. Once at the site, there is a park toilet available. Reddit

Some visitors have reported seeing trains pass through the area, adding to the historical atmosphere. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Nuttallburg. It is an open historical site. Reddit

Nuttallburg is an outdoor historical site and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times. Reddit

No, there is no entrance fee to explore the Nuttallburg Town and Mine Site. Reddit

While the site is accessible year-round, road conditions can vary with weather, especially in winter. Check local conditions before visiting. Reddit

Limited parking is available at the site, especially during peak times. Arriving early can help secure a spot. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the foundations of former mining buildings, including the tipple, and learn about its history, including its connection to Henry Ford. Reddit+1

Yes, there are hiking trails around the site that offer views of the New River and its rapids. Reddit+1

Absolutely! Nuttallburg offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century coal mining and its industrial connections. Reddit+1

It was a significant coal mining operation with a notable connection to Henry Ford, who was involved in its development. Reddit+1

While you can see the creek and potential waterfalls from trails, direct access might be limited or challenging. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the atmospheric ruins of the mining structures, the scenic New River, and the winding approach road. Early morning light is often beautiful. Reddit+1

Yes, the New River views and the rugged terrain offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Reddit+1

Early mornings can offer a more secluded experience and beautiful light. Consider the time of day for the best lighting on the ruins. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to National Park Service regulations. Check current rules for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve before flying. Reddit

A versatile lens for both landscape and detail shots of the ruins would be ideal. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nuttallburg offers an engaging historical outing for families. The drive down into the gorge can be an exciting part of the adventure for children, though parents should ensure careful driving. Reddit+1 Exploring the foundations of the old mining town and tipple provides a hands-on history lesson, sparking imagination about life in the past. Reddit The hiking trails offer opportunities for kids to stretch their legs and enjoy nature, with views of the New River. Reddit+1 Pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited to a park toilet. Reddit It's a great way to combine outdoor activity with learning about industrial heritage.

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

For those who love a scenic and slightly adventurous drive, Nuttallburg is a must-visit. The 30-40 minute descent from the rim is a highlight, with its winding, narrow roads and pull-offs offering stunning gorge views. Reddit+2 Consider a 4x4 for the best experience on the gravel sections. Reddit The drive itself is part of the attraction, preparing you for the historical immersion at the destination. It's a perfect stop for those exploring the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve by car.

🏛️ History Buffs

Nuttallburg is a goldmine (pun intended!) for history enthusiasts. The well-preserved foundations of the coal town and tipple offer a direct look into early 20th-century industrial life. Reddit The connection to Henry Ford adds a significant layer of historical interest, linking local industry to national figures. Reddit+1 The interpretive signage is helpful, and the secluded nature of the site allows for a contemplative exploration of this important piece of American industrial heritage.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Journey to Nuttallburg

The drive to Nuttallburg is an adventure in itself. Travelers describe it as a 30-40 minute journey from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, featuring a mix of paved and gravel roads that wind down into the gorge. Reddit+1 The road is noted for being narrow in places, with blind turns, necessitating caution and the use of pull-offs to allow other vehicles to pass. Reddit While some recommend a 4x4 for a more comfortable ride, many visitors navigate it successfully in standard vehicles, especially if they disengage anti-sway features on gravel sections. Reddit The scenic nature of the drive, with its dramatic descent and glimpses of the New River, is often highlighted as a worthwhile part of the experience. Reddit

It's important to be prepared for this unique access. Arriving early in the morning is a popular strategy to enjoy the solitude and avoid encountering too many other vehicles on the single-lane sections. Reddit The road's condition can also be a factor, with some sections being less paved than others. Reddit Despite the driving challenges, the consensus is that the destination's historical richness and natural beauty make the journey well worth the effort. Reddit+1

Unearthing History at the Mine Site

Nuttallburg is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, offering a tangible connection to West Virginia's coal mining past. The site features the well-preserved foundations of numerous buildings, including the impressive tipple, which was central to the coal processing operation. Reddit Interpretive signage throughout the area provides context, explaining the site's development and its role in the region's economy. Reddit A particularly fascinating aspect for many visitors is the historical link to Henry Ford, the automotive magnate, who had an interest in and involvement with the mine. Reddit+1 This connection adds another layer of intrigue to the site, bridging industrial history with a prominent American figure.

Walking through Nuttallburg feels like stepping back in time. Visitors can imagine the bustling activity of the early 20th century as they explore the remnants of the town and mine. Reddit The surrounding natural beauty of the New River Gorge enhances the experience, with hiking trails offering views of the river's rapids and potential waterfalls. Reddit+1 The combination of industrial history and scenic landscapes makes Nuttallburg a unique and memorable destination for those interested in American heritage and the rugged beauty of Appalachia. Reddit

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