Where to go Trail Running: Events and Paths in the New River Gorge

The New River Gorge is a trail runner’s paradise, with trails for all abilities and beyond amazing views.
Trail runners can choose steep, technical trails or rolling, wide trails along the New River Gorge. With more than 70,000 acres, the variety of terrain in the New River Gorge is endless. Whether you want to set a personal record at an event, work on trail running skills or enjoy fantastic views, there is a path for everyone.
Trail runs can take you through the Gorge, along the River, through pristine forests and abandoned coal towns.

Local Trails

Fayetteville Town Trails
From Fayetteville, you can access the Town Trail behind the Fayetteville Town Park. The Town Trail loops are fun for a quick trail run, but if you want more, these trails will take you to both the Arrowhead Trail System and to trails in the New River Gorge that go all the way to Thurmond.
Long Point
This 3-mile out-and-back trail takes you through a wildflower meadow, pristine forest and into the center of the gorge to Long Point overlook for amazing views of the gorge and the bridge.
Endless Wall Trail
This trail on the northern rim of the gorge is a twisting rollercoaster that travels through an old growth forest, crosses fern creek and parallels the rim of the Gorge. You’ll be able to see the falcons soaring in the air, climbers on the world-renowned Nutall sandstone cliffs and people rafting and kayaking on the river below.

Annual Trail Running Events

Babcock Gristmill Grinder
The Gristmill Grinder features a 5k fun walk and a ½ Marathon every April at Babcock State Park. The trail climbs mountains and crosses creeks as you run through mud and navigate technical rocky sections. This race has it all.
Sticks and Stones 15k
The sister to the gristmill Grinder, Sticks and Stones is a 15k trail race every October at Babcock State Park. With more than 1,000 feet of elevation, creek crossings and spectacular views of the gorge in the fall, this could easily be the most scenic trail race you’ll ever run.
Gritty Chix 5k Mud Run
Every July at ACE, this fun 5k mud course has courses for all abilities. You can choose to go around obstacles or navigate them and run around or through the mud.
Canary in the Cave 25k
In November, this fun yet challenging course has more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The race starts and ends in the Fayetteville Town Park as you run up, down and through the Gorge past old mine ruins and gushing waterfalls. The final stretch is a tough uphill to the finish line.
ACE New River Gorgeous Trail Run
Every August, ACE’s New River Gorgeous Trail Run offers runners 3 different courses. Runners can choose from a ½ marathon, 8.5-mile or 5k Fun Walk/Run. These trails take you through the wooded forests on beautiful trails with majestic views of the New River Gorge.
Where do you trail run in the New River Gorge?