Guest River Gorge Trailhead — Attraction in Coeburn

The Guest River Gorge was named for perhaps the first explorer in this part of SW Virginia, Christopher Gist...a distant cousin. As my grandfather lived near here I was surprised that my father had never taken us here. However, the gorge held a working railroad line until the 1990s which explains why we did not visit the gorge on our yearly visits to the area. This is a very easy rail to trail path but holds such a majestic wilderness with high gorge walls, caves, side streams that must have showy waterfalls in high rain seasons and even a swimming hole at the base of a huge diversion wall. At the end you will see where the Guest River empties into the Clinch. Perfect for biking or hiking and oddly uncrowned! I understand the gorge contains rare plants and salamanders and we were told there are bear sightings. We will daydream of this wild gorge until we...

A beautiful getaway for hiking or biking. We have ridden the trail several times, always finding it in good condition with some really beautiful views of the gorge. The rock faces, rushing river, and small waterfalls along the way are scenic and plentiful. The 5.6 mile downhill to the bridge is a easy ride down, but can be a challenge for new rider on the way up. I would suggest a geared mountain bike as single-speed bikes can be tough to use on the climb out. One thing that would be nice is to see the memorial benches (placed along the route) cleaned up. The bridges can also be quite slick with moss when damp, be careful! Highly...

Just WOW! This trail is now my all time fave for trail running! It literally poured the first half, we only got to mile marker 4 and turned around but I fell in love with this trail....there are plenty of benches to rest or have a snack & it's a lightly graveled but wide path to walk on along the river. It was humbling even in the downpour!!!! This place is gorgeous and super clean! THANK YOU to ALL WHO KEEP THIS AREA CLEAN & MAINTAINED we are blessed to have people...