thurmond ghost town

If you've every wanted to see a ghost town stop here. There is a working rail road station still in use. Right down the road within walking distance is the old coal town once used to haul coal form the mines. Some of the old stores are still standing as well as some of the small houses built into the hill side that once house the miners. There is a very helpful guy in the train station who will answer your questions and give you lots of history of the area as well as tell you lots of stories. The Station also houses a museum.

This was my last stop in my WV vacation. After seeing the New River Bridge, doing the bridgewalk, and visiting Hawks Nest, Beckley, Grandview, The Highland Scenic Highway, Babcock, Twin Falls, Tamarack, Mystery Hole, Cranberry Glades, Catherdral Falls,Kanawha Falls and Bearstown State Park. Firstly it's a long and windy drive to get to Thurmond. The train station is basic and the displays are simple and very limited, there were NO tours given when I was there in 8/14. The "ghost town" consists of 3 buildings a bank (which was nice to look at) and 2 warehouse looking brick buildings. All of the buildings were closed, but I do understand at certain times you are allowed inside, but when was very unclear. The bridge into "town" is somewhat interesting, but save yourself a few hours and drive somewhere else. Personally I found Bearstown State Park to be wonderful for an off the path trip.

I've lived in West Virginia for about 10 years now and Thurmond is one of those places I keep coming back to. The town has a ton of history and it's a railfan's dream with many trains passing through on "Main Street" each day.Be sure to visit the NPS visitor center in the Thurmond Depot to learn about the town. If you're interested in a hike, you can get great aerial views of the town from along the Rend Trail accessible off CR 25 before you get into town.

It takes a trip over hill and dale on a winding backroad to visit Thurmond, but for a history enthusiast the trip is worth it. The visitor center is maintained by the NPS in the old Thurmond Depot which has been restored to the appearance of it's heyday. The ranger on duty the day of our visit was warm and outgoing.It's interesting to take a stroll down the street in the old town and picture what it was like here in the 1920's and 1930's. What makes a visit even more interesting is the fact that the railroad tracks here are still active. CSX trains and Amtrak still service the area. It's fun to stand on the second floor of the depot when a train arrives or passes the station.

We had an excellent time meandering around at our own pace exploring the old "train town" ! Seems like most of the natives and residents of Beckley and surrounding communities have no idea of the exisitance of this historical area. Wonderful drive in along the creeks & waterfalls > National Park service has an exhibition there and has quite a bit of manpower to maintain the natural beauty! A must do if you are looking for something off the beaten path! Of course, don't miss the popular NEW RIVER GORGE Bridge & area upstream !!! Most people do get to see this site !

Only a few buildings standing, but a neat little town due to the history. When you approach the town you have to go across a one lane train bridge (pretty cool) then just park at the train station. Walk over to the left along the train tracks to see the town. The day we went there were several train workers so it was a little crowded and we were confused on where to go exactly, but just follow what I said and you'll be good. Several trains still use these tracks so be careful. Also we took our dog which wasn't the best idea. She is normally not skittish at all, but the trains are so close and loud is scared her. I have never seen her afraid of anything so probably not a good idea to bring dogs.

Do not go after dark. We were a little lost on the way and ended up there at dusk to find ourselves in a scary movie scene well over a year ago. While that episode is memorable, it is not over, I will return without hesitation for clips with plenty of daylight to spare and at least two passengers. I recommend two hours for the trip due to the drive there, you will probably need an hour or so once you arrive.

Thurmond, a virtual ghost town with only three year round residents, was once a booming coal mining, railroading and banking town; if fact, in 1910 Thurmond had the greatest revenue along the mainline of the C&O railroad, producing more freight tonnage than both Cincinnati and Richmond combined. It is amazing to see how remote and isolated this one time center of commerce is now. This was our favorite destination in the New River Gorge area starting with a very scenic ~6 mi (10.5K) drive on Co Rt 25, starting near Glen Jean, down into the New River Gorge, much of it through forest and along a stream. At the end of the road, one crosses a bridge over the New River, which services vehicles (one lane), trains and pedestrians, with parking on the other side at the old train depot that has been converted into an NPS visitor center with exhibits, a small bookstore and restrooms. Interestingly, Amtrak still offers limited service to the station but all ticking must be done online as there are no ticketing facilities. However, the tracks are still heavily used for freight and one is likely to see a freight train if they spend any time in Thurmond, traveling right in front of the buildings through the main street. It is easy to imagine how loud, dirty and busy Thurmond must have been at its height in the days of steam locomotives. The rangers at the visitor center were very friendly and helpful and after seeing the exhibits and restored depot, we took some time to it explore what is left of the town including an old coaling station, commissary and three adjoining commercial buildings, one of which is a bank. The day we visited, the mayor (while there are 3 year round residents, there were 5 votes, all eligible, cast in the last election according to the mayor), happened to be in town and was happy to show us around, including taking us inside the old bank, and talk about the history and life in Thurmond. Thurmond was also used in the filming of the movie Matewan which depicts the early days leading up to the violent WV coal wars when miners began to unionize. It is also worth a few minutes to walkout onto the bridge over the New River and watch the water and rafters float by as their sounds fill the canyon. We highly recommend a trip to Thurmond if one has the time.

The drive to the Thurmond Depot is spectacular. It winds along a creek that has many photo ops. The town and depot itself is amazing and really gives one the feel of the town in its heyday. The visitors center is great. This place is a photographers dream especially if one is lucky enough to have a coal train or the Amtrak come through while visiting. This is highly recommended for a visit.

Thurmond is a almost deserted town. The National Park Service has displays on both the first and second floors of the former train station which now serves as the visitor center. There are displays in the windows of the former businesses in town. The road into town is narrow in places but it is paved and I didn't have any trouble with it.

I go through here quite a bit in warmer weather. The river is right there, whats left of the town is interesting to look at, and Beury Mtn. is up above it with many awesome views.

If you've watched John Sayle's "Matewan" movie, then you have a good idea what to expect. In that movie you'll also find many of our local friends with speaking roles. What a treat to watch and recognize them!Thurmond has several historic markers that regale an exciting and even dangerous past. Read about the Dunglen Hotel with the longest running poker game in history, the number of people who passed through Thurmond--a town without a main street, just the railroad tracks. Of course, it's all over now, but just walking around in front of the old buildings you'll swear you hear an approaching train, the music coming from one of the hotel bars, and coal miners laughing and talking as they pick up their pay on a Friday night.

Beutiful drive and a great place to visit in the fall. Nice area for photography. Several coal trains past during our visit but other wise all you could hear was the sound of the river.

LOVED the Thurmond Visitor Center. Had a GREAT tour of the town of Thurmond with the Park Ranger. So interesting to learn about the people and their lives during the coal mining days and the early days of the C&O Railroad. In this little town, there is no main street - the rail road is the main street! This railroad is very active, we saw several trains during our tour. The train station/visitor center has been restored complete with bathrooms, gift shop and interactive displays. It also serves as an Amtrak stop. Hope someday more buildings are restored and open for tours. There are some pretty narrow roads to get you there, but it is a beautiful drive. If you go - do the ranger tour for sure! Well worth the trip for history buffs!

My husband and I love Thurmond! We always go into the ghost town after we finish biking the Rend Trail. The place fascinates me! It's so relaxing to just walk around the town and listen to the New River as it flows by. Be sure to visit the museum in the Thurmond Depot to learn more about the town.