🏚️🐾 Exploring Thurmond, West Virginia — A Ghost Town Adventure with Simba the Adventure Pup - New River Gorge NP 🚂🌲

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I took a break from the usual forest hikes and waterfalls to explore something a little different… and a little eerie. 👻

We visited the abandoned railroad town of Thurmond, West Virginia, tucked away deep inside New River Gorge National Park. Once a thriving coal town and rail hub in the early 1900s, Thurmond is now a quiet, hauntingly beautiful ghost town frozen in time. And yes — Simba was right by my side, curious snout sniffing through history.

📍 Where is Thurmond?

Location: New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
Access: Drive in via a narrow, winding road and a single-lane bridge over the river — worth it for the views alone!
Type of Visit: Self-guided walking tour
Dog-Friendly: Yes! Leashed pups can explore right alongside you 🐾
Vibe: Abandoned Americana + Appalachian nostalgia + stunning riverside views

🗺️ Walking Through Time

As soon as we stepped out of the van, I was hit with that unmistakable feeling — like we were walking through a snapshot of history. Old brick buildings, rusted signage, and the original C&O railway tracks lined the quiet road.

We wandered slowly through:

• The historic depot, once the town’s bustling hub
• Boarded-up storefronts still wearing their faded names
• A coal tower, silent but still towering above the rails
• And the ever-present New River, flowing steady past it all

Simba was on high sniff alert, tail wagging low — curious but calm, like even he sensed the stories in the wind. 🐶🌀

📸 What to Expect

You won’t find crowds here — just the echoes of a town that once thrived. It’s quiet, surreal, and photographer heaven. You’ll capture:

• Weathered textures
• Moody Appalachian skies
• Dramatic river & rail lines
• Simba posing like a pro among the past 🐾📷

🚐 RV Tips for Visiting Thurmond

• No RV parking right in town — I recommend parking at a larger lot nearby and driving in with a smaller vehicle
• There are no shops, gas, or restrooms in Thurmond, so come prepared
• Combine this with a hike in New River Gorge for a full day of history + nature

🐶 Simba’s Historic Report

✔️ Loved: Open space, new scents, riverside breeze
✔️ Stayed leashed and respectful near old structures
✔️ Trail rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 “Would ghost town again!”

🎥 Watch the Full Adventure

In this week’s video:

🎬 A full walking tour of Thurmond’s preserved remains
📸 Hauntingly beautiful footage of buildings, trains & river views
🐶 Simba sniffing his way through Appalachian history
💭 Reflections on what this place used to be

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📲 Follow along: @lifeonpawsandwheels

✨ Final Thoughts

Thurmond isn’t just a ghost town — it’s a story left standing. And walking through it with Simba by my side added a soft kind of magic. There’s something humbling about seeing what was, imagining who walked these streets, and letting it all wash over you in the quiet of a sunny afternoon.

If you’re road-tripping through West Virginia or exploring New River Gorge, add this stop to your list. It’s calm, curious, and unforgettable.

Until next time — happy trails, ghost towns, and golden moments from the past,
– Ash & Simba 🐾🏚️🚂