The Coal Heritage Trail winds past company stores, miners' houses, massive railroad yards, coal tipples, and company towns.
Intrepid visitors can experience coal society and gain remarkable insight into American history.
The Coal Heritage Trail links Beckley and Bluefield along Routes 16 and 52, through four southern West Virginia counties - Mercer, McDowell, Wyoming, and Raleigh. Mile Markers along the highway indicate sites of interest. Trail heads are located in Bluefield, at the Eastern Regional Coal Archives, and in Beckley, at the Exhibition Coal Mine. Guidebooks are available at both locations to begin your journey along the Coal Heritage Trail.