New River Gorge Trail Running

New River Gorge Trail Running

This is a trail running town and we are serious about it here at Water Stone.  We stock a selection of what we believe are the best, most up-to-date styles and brands of shoes, including Altra, La Sportiva, Salomon , Montrail, The North Face and Merrell. We also offer a complete selection of running apparel by Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, the North Face and Arcteryx. You will also find a selection of running hats and hydration systems.

Your trail running options here at the New River Gorge are extensive and varied. Choose between twisty, technical, and steep or relatively flat cruiser terrain–we have it all. Our trail networks allow you to put together marathon distance or a quick and dirty 20 minute loop.  Suit yourself!

First of all, equip yourself with Bryan Simon’s guidebook: Hiking and Biking in the New River Gorge: A Trail User’s Guide. Available from our store!

The Fayetteville Town Trails network is easily accessed via the trailhead behind the Fayetteville Town Park. Put together various loops here or link up to the Arrowhead Trail System–the relatively new stacked loop trail system that the Boys Scouts and the National Park Service joined forces to build.   Longer runners may opt to run along the river from Cunard to Fayette Station, or start farther upriver at Thurmond for a 20 mile jaunt to Fayette Station.

Babcock State Park offers gorgeous trails.  Don’t miss the Gristmill Grinder, a popular and challenging half-marathon in April.  Register early–it always fills up! Ace Adventure Center offers the New River Gorgeous Half Marathon, another technical course that will have you begging for mercy!