Kaymoor WV, also called Kay Moor, was a coal camp that operated from 1899 to 1962. The town was actually built in two sections, Kaymoor Top and Kaymoor Bottom. Most of the remains of the Kaymoor WV ghost town that can be seen today are from Kaymoor Bottom, and it’s come to be regarded as one of the most beautiful abandoned towns in West Virginia.
In 1960, most of Kaymoor Bottom was destroyed in a fire, and the mine was closed a couple years later. The abandoned remains of the town are now owned by the National Park Service.
After a short but intense one-mile hike, you’ll find the remains of Kaymoor down a long staircase.
Flickr/foto4lizzi There are 821 steps in all!
Several of the buildings from the coal camp still remain.
Flickr/foto4lizzi
This is the Kaymoor Powder House.
Flickr/foto4lizzi This well-preserved building was used to store explosives.
This building was the old coal tipple.
NPS/Public Domain It has since been torn down for safety reasons, but this picture gives a glimpse of the past mining operations.
Old mining equipment can still be seen.
Flickr/foto4lizzi
Flickr/Rana Xavier These are the remains of old coal carts.
Perhaps the most chilling remains of this town are the reminders of how dangerous the job was for the workers.
Flickr/foto4lizzi The signs are eerie when you know how difficult it was to work safely, and how many miners lost their lives. In the United States, more than 100,000 coal miners were killed in accidents in the 20th century.
This safety board tracked incidents and provided warnings, but accidents were still frequent in Kaymoor.
Flickr/Alex Ford Unlike other nearby mines, there were no explosions in Kaymoor, but miners died from roof falls, fires, and electrocutions.
For all the hard work and dangerous conditions, miners weren’t even paid entirely in cash.
NPS/Public Domain More than a third of the payment received was in scrip, redeemable only in the company store. Isolated conditions and inflated prices often meant corrupt mining companies could use scrip as another form of control over their workers.
If you visit this old mining town, be aware of your own safety.
Flickr/Alex Ford
Keeping off of the buildings and equipment will not only keep you safe, but also help preserve this part of history for others to see.
Here’s a video about Kaymoor WV from West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Flickr/foto4lizzi
There are 821 steps in all!
This well-preserved building was used to store explosives.
NPS/Public Domain
It has since been torn down for safety reasons, but this picture gives a glimpse of the past mining operations.
Flickr/Rana Xavier
These are the remains of old coal carts.
The signs are eerie when you know how difficult it was to work safely, and how many miners lost their lives. In the United States, more than 100,000 coal miners were killed in accidents in the 20th century.
Flickr/Alex Ford
Unlike other nearby mines, there were no explosions in Kaymoor, but miners died from roof falls, fires, and electrocutions.
More than a third of the payment received was in scrip, redeemable only in the company store. Isolated conditions and inflated prices often meant corrupt mining companies could use scrip as another form of control over their workers.
Flickr/Alex Ford
Keeping off of the buildings and equipment will not only keep you safe, but also help preserve this part of history for others to see.
To get to the trailhead: From US 19, follow WV 16 south through Fayetteville. Turn left on Gatewood Road (park signs indicates Kaymoor and Cunard). Follow Gatewood Road 2.0 miles, and turn left at the Kaymoor sign (Kaymoor No. 1 Road). Follow this road about one mile to the “T” intersection; turn left. Parking is 50 yards on the right. You’ll find the Kaymoor site about a mile down the trail, and the remains of this abandoned town in West Virginia can be reached after descending 821 steps.
Have you ever been to Kaymoor West Virginia? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments! Are there any other abandoned towns in West Virginia worth visiting? Be sure to nominate them for a chance to see them featured in an upcoming article. If you’d like to see another amazing ghost town in West Virginia, check out the mostly abandoned town of Thurmond.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Kaymoor Bottom Rd, Fayetteville, WV 25840, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Abandoned Town In West Virginia January 12, 2020 Nikki Rhoades What are the most haunted places in West Virginia? While the history of Kaymoor West Virginia is haunting, it’s not quite one of the most haunted places in the Mountain State. However, many local coal mines and similar landmarks have a haunted history interconnected with a past of tragedy. Some of the most haunted places in West Virginia include:
Shepherdstown
Many of the buildings in this small town have ghost stories surrounding them. Visitors can even take a “Mystery Walk” to explore some of the most haunted spots!
West Virginia Penitentiary
This eerie attraction is said to be one of the most haunted landmarks anywhere in the state. Where can I go ghost hunting in West Virginia? There are many incredible places to go ghost hunting in West Virginia! Some of the best spots include:
Local landmarks like Spring Hill Cemetery
This hauntingly beautiful cemetery is the largest in the state, with over 15,000 graves on-site.
A haunted hotel such as the Blennerhassett Hotel
Dating to 1889, this historic hotel is rumored to be a hotbed for paranormal activity.
There’s also ample opportunity to embark on a road trip to spooky places
What are the best small towns in West Virginia? Despite our undeniably spooky destinations, West Virginia has just as much charm to offer to locals and visitors alike. The state is overflowing with beautiful landscapes, charming histories, and plain-as-day surprises around every corner. Some of the best small towns in West Virginia include:
Mountain towns like Lewisburg
Close to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Lewisburg is a charming town where everyone knows everyone.
Scenic destinations such as Beverly
Beverly is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy the outdoors.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Abandoned Town In West Virginia
January 12, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What are the most haunted places in West Virginia? While the history of Kaymoor West Virginia is haunting, it’s not quite one of the most haunted places in the Mountain State. However, many local coal mines and similar landmarks have a haunted history interconnected with a past of tragedy. Some of the most haunted places in West Virginia include:
Shepherdstown
Many of the buildings in this small town have ghost stories surrounding them. Visitors can even take a “Mystery Walk” to explore some of the most haunted spots!
West Virginia Penitentiary
This eerie attraction is said to be one of the most haunted landmarks anywhere in the state. Where can I go ghost hunting in West Virginia? There are many incredible places to go ghost hunting in West Virginia! Some of the best spots include:
Local landmarks like Spring Hill Cemetery
This hauntingly beautiful cemetery is the largest in the state, with over 15,000 graves on-site.
A haunted hotel such as the Blennerhassett Hotel
Dating to 1889, this historic hotel is rumored to be a hotbed for paranormal activity.
There’s also ample opportunity to embark on a road trip to spooky places
What are the best small towns in West Virginia? Despite our undeniably spooky destinations, West Virginia has just as much charm to offer to locals and visitors alike. The state is overflowing with beautiful landscapes, charming histories, and plain-as-day surprises around every corner. Some of the best small towns in West Virginia include:
Mountain towns like Lewisburg
Close to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Lewisburg is a charming town where everyone knows everyone.
Scenic destinations such as Beverly
Beverly is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy the outdoors.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While the history of Kaymoor West Virginia is haunting, it’s not quite one of the most haunted places in the Mountain State. However, many local coal mines and similar landmarks have a haunted history interconnected with a past of tragedy. Some of the most haunted places in West Virginia include:
- Shepherdstown
Many of the buildings in this small town have ghost stories surrounding them. Visitors can even take a “Mystery Walk” to explore some of the most haunted spots!
- West Virginia Penitentiary
This eerie attraction is said to be one of the most haunted landmarks anywhere in the state.
Where can I go ghost hunting in West Virginia? There are many incredible places to go ghost hunting in West Virginia! Some of the best spots include:
- Local landmarks like Spring Hill Cemetery
This hauntingly beautiful cemetery is the largest in the state, with over 15,000 graves on-site.
- A haunted hotel such as the Blennerhassett Hotel
Dating to 1889, this historic hotel is rumored to be a hotbed for paranormal activity.
- There’s also ample opportunity to embark on a road trip to spooky places
What are the best small towns in West Virginia?
Despite our undeniably spooky destinations, West Virginia has just as much charm to offer to locals and visitors alike. The state is overflowing with beautiful landscapes, charming histories, and plain-as-day surprises around every corner. Some of the best small towns in West Virginia include:
- Mountain towns like Lewisburg
Close to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Lewisburg is a charming town where everyone knows everyone.
- Scenic destinations such as Beverly
Beverly is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy the outdoors.
