Coal Heritage Trail is in southern West Virginia. It begins in Beckley and travels south to Bluefield. The byway is nearly 100 miles long and follows WV 16 and US 52, which are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Coal Heritage Trail generally remains open all year.
Coal Heritage Trail travels across the mountains and valleys of southern West Virginia, an area rich in coal mining history. In Beckley, byway travelers can visit the Exhibition Coal Mine, located in the New River City Park. Working equipment and displays demonstrate mining techniques in an old mine. Guided tours of the underground mine are given daily April through September. The byway winds past numerous historical structures of the coal camp life including coal mines, railroad yards, and miners’ homes.
Because this byway does not travel through public land, camping opportunities are limited. Twin Falls Resort State Park is north of Mullens off WV 97. It has a 50-site campground; 25 sites have electric hookups. The campground is generally open April through October. A 20-room lodge and 13 secluded cottages are also in the park. Nine hiking and mountain biking trails are within the park, one that leads to two scenic waterfalls: Marsh Fork Falls and Black Fork Falls. Visitors can also see a restored 1800s-style pioneer home.