The Great Eastern Trail - TuNuGu section traverses approximately 77 miles through the rugged coal country and mountain wilderness of southern West Virginia, crossing through Wyoming, Raleigh, and Mercer Counties. Maintained by the TuGuNu Hiking Club (named for the Tug, Guyandotte, and New Rivers), this section represents one of the most remote and challenging segments of the emerging Great Eastern Trail network. The route connects existing trails and social paths through a landscape of 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 adventurous souls who don't mind navigating less-established trails and self-sufficient travel through remote terrain. The TuNuGu section offers a genuine wilderness experience with dramatic elevation changes, river crossings, and the opportunity to explore West Virginia's backcountry far from the crowds of more popular trails. Unlike the Appalachian Trail, don't expect well-maintained tread, consistent blazing, or easy hitches into town. This trail rewards careful planning and strong backcountry skills with solitude, wild beauty, and the satisfaction of hiking a developing long-distance route.
No permits are required for hiking the TuNuGu section, but camping regulations vary depending on which land management area you're traversing. West Virginia State Parks including Twin Falls, Camp Creek, Pipestem, and Bluestone offer both developed campgrounds and backcountry camping opportunities at no cost for day use or hiking access, though overnight fees may apply at developed campgrounds.
For dispersed camping in areas managed by national forest or state forest (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; maximum 14-day stay in one location; proper food storage in bear-resistant containers or hung at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from tree trunks; pack out all waste; collect only dead and downed wood for fires. Groups over 75 people require special use permits from the managing agency.
Bear canisters are not required but 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, as West Virginia can experience significant wildfire activity, particularly in late winter and spring during dry, windy conditions.
Late April through early June and September through October offer the most comfortable backpacking conditions on the TuNuGu section. Spring (late April-May) brings mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and reliable water sources, though expect muddy trail conditions and occasional rain. This is prime hiking season before summer heat and humidity arrive.
Fall (September-October) is arguably the best time to hike, with spectacular autumn foliage painting the oak and hickory forests in brilliant colors, comfortable temperatures for climbing steep ridges, and significantly reduced humidity. Water sources remain generally reliable through early fall, though late October can see some springs and smaller creeks running low.
Summer (June-August) is challenging due to oppressive heat and humidity, especially in the lower elevation valleys. Southern West Virginia's summer temperatures regularly reach the 80s and 90s with high humidity, making ascents exhausting and increasing 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 offers solitude, dramatically reduced insect activity, and lower humidity, but expect freezing temperatures, occasional snow and ice, and potentially unreliable water sources if springs freeze. Winter also brings the highest wildfire risk to the region during dry, windy periods.
Water planning requires careful attention on the TuNuGu section. The trail crosses numerous small streams and creeks, particularly in state parks and forested areas, but water reliability drops significantly in mid-to-late summer during drought conditions. West Virginia's greatest drought risk occurs July through September, when streamflow can decline sharply and smaller sources may dry up completely. Always treat water—giardia and other contaminants are present, and cattle grazing occurs in some areas.
Spring through early summer offers the most reliable water availability. Camp Creek State Forest features seven miles of seasonally stocked trout streams, indicating year-round water in some drainages. R.D. Bailey Lake and the Guyandotte River provide permanent water sources in the western section. However, don't assume water will be available everywhere—water sources may be several miles apart in drier sections, and late summer/fall requires carrying extra capacity and potentially dry camping.
Resupply options are limited but accessible in Mullens and Pineville, which the trail routes directly through. In Mullens, the trail passes a RiteAid, 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's on a busy road and the trail isn't particularly hitch-friendly. Unlike the 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 full resupply.
Mail drops are not practical for this section given the limited post office access and short overall distance. Plan to carry food for the full section or resupply in Mullens/Pineville.
Navigation presents the primary challenge on the TuNuGu section. This is a developing trail that uses existing social trails, connector paths, and sections that may not be consistently blazed or well-maintained. GPS navigation and detailed maps are essential—don't rely solely on trail markers. The GET network is described by thru-hikers as requiring more advanced planning than established trails, and West Virginia sections are noted as "logistically the most difficult." Download offline maps and waypoints before starting.
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 sometimes rough, rocky, or overgrown tread. 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're most active in warmer months and will rattle vigorously when threatened, but generally avoid confrontation. Wear tall boots, watch where you place hands and feet on rocks, and stay alert when hiking through brush or 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. While no confirmed bear attacks have occurred in the state, 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 encounter one, remain calm, avoid eye contact, and back away slowly—never run.
Ticks are abundant from spring through fall and carry Lyme disease. Perform 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. Some sections may require fording streams without bridges. Scout crossings carefully, use trekking poles for stability, and don't attempt dangerous crossings during high water.
Wildfire history in West Virginia shows the southwest quadrant of the state (where this trail passes) experiences the most large fires. While major wildfires are not annual occurrences, 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 in national forest areas.
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 (though 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), though with limited flight options. Rental cars are necessary 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 accessible to standard vehicles, though some forest roads may require high clearance. Winter driving can be challenging 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 for self-shuttling with two vehicles or arranging private transportation. The trail isn't hitch-friendly—locals are less accustomed to hikers than in Appalachian Trail towns.
Parking at state parks (Twin Falls, Camp Creek, Pipestem, Bluestone) is generally safe and may have small fees. Matewan has public parking, but confirm current options with the Matewan Convention & Visitors Bureau before leaving vehicles long-term.
Download detailed GPS tracks and offline maps before starting—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. Consider supplementing with USGS topo maps.
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 requires 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 offer numerous camping opportunities, but you may need to hike off the main GET route to reach good sites.
Water carrying capacity should be 4-6 liters during summer or dry conditions, as sources may be 5-10 miles apart. In spring and early fall, 2-3 liters is usually sufficient, 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. As a volunteer-maintained trail section, conditions can change based on recent work parties, storm damage, or seasonal growth.
Embrace the adventure mindset—this isn't a manicured trail experience. Expect overgrown sections, vague routing, and the occasional need to navigate around obstacles or unmaintained segments. The reward is genuine solitude and the satisfaction of exploring a trail that few have hiked.
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