Glen Jean, W.Va. - The NPS announces work to provide necessary improvements to steps on the Kaymoor Miners Trail that will begin on Tuesday, September 5 and last for approximately three weeks through Thursday, September 28. Because of the scale of the project, a full closure of the entire staircase from the bench level to Kaymoor Bottom is necessary to ensure visitor safety.
Work will include repair and replacement of the most degraded components of the steps including replacement of many stringers, joists, landings, and stair treads over the entire length of the steps. The 821-step staircase was built in 1994 and while improvements have been made as needed, a project of this scope and complexity has never been undertaken.
“We work diligently to try and maintain access to our more popular sites" said Superintendent Charles Sellars. “Some projects by nature, however, must be completed during warmer months, and visitor safety remains our number one priority."
Park visitation at New River typically peaks in June, July, and October with a slight lull in August and September.
Following completion of the project, the entire trail will reopen for the peak fall hiking month of October. Trail access along other portions of the Kaymoor Miners Trail and the Kaymoor Trail will not be impacted by this project.
For more information and to stay up to date on park closures and alerts, follow the park on Facebook and Instagram. Park updates and closures also can be found on the park website at nps.gov/neri.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service