The Great Eastern Trail - TuNuGu section covers approximately 77 miles through the rugged coal country and mountain wilderness of southern West Virginia, crossing Wyoming, Raleigh, and Mercer Counties. It is maintained by the TuGuNu Hiking Club (named for the Tug, Guyandotte, and New Rivers) and is one of the most remote and challenging segments of the developing Great Eastern Trail network. The route links existing trails and social paths across steep ridges, forested valleys, and historic coal mining areas, passing through Twin Falls State Park, Camp Creek State Forest, Pipestem Resort State Park, and Bluestone State Park.
This is backpacking for people who don't mind less-established trails and self-sufficient travel through remote terrain. The TuNuGu section has big elevation changes, river crossings, and West Virginia backcountry far from the crowds of better-known trails. Unlike the Appalachian Trail, there is no well-maintained tread, consistent blazing, or easy hitching into town. Hikers who plan carefully and bring solid backcountry skills get solitude and the experience of hiking a long-distance route while it is still taking shape.
No permits are required to hike the TuNuGu section, but camping regulations vary by land management area. West Virginia State Parks, including Twin Falls, Camp Creek, Pipestem, and Bluestone, have both developed campgrounds and backcountry camping. Day use and hiking access are free, though overnight fees may apply at developed campgrounds.
For dispersed camping on national forest or state forest land (particularly Camp Creek State Forest), follow Leave No Trace principles and standard backcountry regulations: camp at least 100-200 feet from water sources, trails, and roads; stay no more than 14 days in one location; store food properly in bear-resistant containers or hung at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from tree trunks; pack out all waste; and collect only dead and downed wood for fires. Groups over 75 people need special use permits from the managing agency.
Bear canisters are not required but are recommended for food storage. Campfires are generally permitted except during fire restrictions or in designated no-fire zones. Check current fire danger levels before your trip; West Virginia can see significant wildfire activity, particularly in late winter and spring during dry, windy conditions.
Late April through early June and September through October are the most comfortable windows for backpacking the TuNuGu section. Spring (late April-May) brings mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and reliable water sources, along with muddy trail conditions and occasional rain. This is the prime hiking season before summer heat and humidity arrive.
Fall (September-October) is arguably the best time to hike: the oak and hickory forests turn color, temperatures are comfortable for climbing steep ridges, and humidity drops considerably. Water sources stay generally reliable through early fall, though by late October some springs and smaller creeks run low.
Summer (June-August) is hard going because of the heat and humidity, especially in the lower valleys. Southern West Virginia summers regularly reach the 80s and 90s with high humidity, which makes the climbs exhausting and raises water needs significantly. This is also peak season for ticks, mosquitoes, and poison ivy.
Winter hiking is possible for experienced cold-weather backpackers with proper gear. January-March brings solitude, far fewer insects, and lower humidity, but expect freezing temperatures, occasional snow and ice, and unreliable water if springs freeze. Winter also carries the region's highest wildfire risk during dry, windy periods.
Water planning takes real attention on the TuNuGu section. The trail crosses numerous small streams and creeks, particularly in the state parks and forested areas, but reliability drops sharply in mid-to-late summer during drought conditions. West Virginia's greatest drought risk runs July through September, when streamflow can decline quickly and smaller sources may dry up completely. Always treat water; giardia and other contaminants are present, and cattle graze in some areas.
Spring through early summer has the most reliable water. Camp Creek State Forest has seven miles of seasonally stocked trout streams, a sign of year-round water in some drainages, and R.D. Bailey Lake and the Guyandotte River are permanent sources in the western section. Even so, do not assume water everywhere: sources may sit several miles apart in drier stretches, and late summer and fall call for extra carrying capacity and possibly dry camping.
Resupply options are limited but reachable in Mullens and Pineville, which the trail routes directly through. In Mullens, the trail passes a RiteAid, a Dollar General, several restaurants, and other small stores, a convenient mid-hike resupply. Pineville has a grocery store less than a mile off-trail, though it sits on a busy road and the trail isn't particularly hitch-friendly. Unlike in Appalachian Trail culture, don't count on easy rides; plan to walk into town. Twin Falls State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park have small camp stores with limited supplies, useful for emergency items but not a full resupply.
Mail drops are not practical for this section given the limited post office access and short overall distance. Carry food for the full section or resupply in Mullens/Pineville.
Navigation is the primary challenge on the TuNuGu section. This is a developing trail built from existing social trails, connector paths, and sections that may not be consistently blazed or maintained. GPS navigation and detailed maps are essential; don't rely on trail markers alone. Thru-hikers describe the GET network as needing more advanced planning than established trails, and the West Virginia sections are noted as "logistically the most difficult." Download offline maps and waypoints before starting.
The terrain is rugged and strenuous, with steep climbs over narrow ridges and descents into deep valleys. The Traildino grading system rates the GET as "SW" (Strenuous walk, mountain trail), and the West Virginia sections through coal country involve significant elevation changes on tread that can be rough, rocky, or overgrown. Expect slower mileage than on maintained trails.
Timber rattlesnakes are common in West Virginia's forested, hilly areas, particularly near water and rocky outcrops. They are most active in warmer months and rattle vigorously when threatened, but generally avoid confrontation. Wear tall boots, watch where you place hands and feet on rocks, and stay alert in brush and rocky areas. Northern copperheads are also present.
Black bears number 8,000-10,000 across West Virginia, and encounters are increasingly common as their range expands. No confirmed bear attacks have occurred in the state, but bears defending cubs or startled at close range can be dangerous. Make noise while hiking, store food properly (bear canister or hung), and never approach bears. If you meet one, stay calm, avoid eye contact, and back away slowly. Never run.
Ticks are abundant from spring through fall and carry Lyme disease. Do daily tick checks, wear long pants tucked into socks, and consider treating clothing with permethrin. Mosquitoes peak in summer, and poison ivy is widespread.
River and creek crossings can be hazardous during spring runoff or after heavy rain, and some sections may require fording streams without bridges. Scout crossings carefully, use trekking poles for stability, and don't attempt a dangerous crossing at high water.
West Virginia's wildfire history shows the southwest quadrant of the state, where this trail passes, gets the most large fires. Major wildfires are not an annual event, but late winter and early spring bring elevated fire danger during dry, windy periods. Check current fire restrictions and be prepared for possible trail closures, particularly on national forest land.
The TuNuGu section begins near Matewan in Mingo County at the Kentucky border and travels east approximately 110 miles toward the New River near Hinton (the specific 77-mile TuNuGu segment is a portion of this larger route). Access points exist at Twin Falls State Park (8 miles northwest of Mullens), Pipestem Resort State Park, and Bluestone State Park.
Yeager International Airport (CRW) in Charleston is the nearest major airport, approximately 60-70 miles north of the trail corridor. Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) near Beckley is smaller but closer (approximately 30 miles), with limited flight options. You will need a rental car from either airport; no public transportation serves this remote region.
By car from Charleston, drive south on I-77 toward Beckley, then use US-52 or local roads to reach Mullens and Pineville. Roads in Wyoming County are generally paved and fine for standard vehicles, though some forest roads may require high clearance. Winter driving can be difficult with ice and snow.
There are no established shuttle services specifically for the GET in this area. The New River Gorge has shuttle services (Hills to Hills, New River Transit Authority), but these serve recreation areas 20+ miles east of the TuNuGu section. Plan to self-shuttle with two vehicles or arrange private transportation. The trail isn't hitch-friendly, and locals are less used to hikers than in Appalachian Trail towns.
Parking at the state parks (Twin Falls, Camp Creek, Pipestem, Bluestone) is generally safe and may carry small fees. Matewan has public parking, but confirm current options with the Matewan Convention & Visitors Bureau before leaving a vehicle long-term.
Download detailed GPS tracks and offline maps before starting, since cell service is spotty to nonexistent in much of the backcountry. The official Great Eastern Trail website provides mapping resources, though waypoints may be less precise than on established trails. USGS topo maps make a good supplement.
Resupply strategically in Mullens. The Dollar General and RiteAid cover basic needs (packaged foods, snacks, first aid), but selection is limited compared to outfitter towns. Stock up on any specialty items (electrolytes, repair gear, specific dietary needs) before starting the section.
Camp selection takes more creativity than on established trails with designated sites. Look for established flat spots, but be prepared to clear small areas or camp on slopes. The 25+ miles of trails in Twin Falls State Park and Camp Creek State Forest's extensive trail network hold plenty of camping options, but you may need to hike off the main GET route to reach good sites.
Carry 4-6 liters of water capacity during summer or dry conditions, since sources may be 5-10 miles apart. In spring and early fall, 2-3 liters is usually enough, but always confirm current conditions with the TuGuNu Hiking Club or land managers before starting.
Contact the TuGuNu Hiking Club (tugunu@gmail.com or president Tim McGraw at 304-732-8412) for current trail conditions, recent maintenance updates, and local knowledge. This is a volunteer-maintained trail section, so conditions change with recent work parties, storm damage, and seasonal growth.
Go in expecting an adventure rather than a manicured trail. There will be overgrown sections, vague routing, and the occasional detour around obstacles or unmaintained segments. In exchange you get genuine solitude on a trail that few people have hiked.
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