Hiking to Red Ash was one of the most rewarding hikes I have been on. All along the Brooklyn-Southside Junction trail remnants of lost coal towns litter the forest floor. Park at the Brooklyn-Southside Junction trailhead located at the end of Cunard River Access Road. The Brooklyn Trail follows an old coal rail line through the woods passing by three abandoned coal towns from the 1900s. The trail itself has no incline and follows parallel to the New River. Around the three mile mark parts of Red Ash begin to appear. On both sides of the trail look for piles of river rocks and bricks that once used to be homes and buildings of Red Ash. Another mile and parts of the old rail road start to appear from under the leaves and dirt of the forest floor. The trail soon turns to railroad ties and rail line. Not long after keep an eye to the right hand side of the trail for a stone work wall. Behind this wall holds another part of Red Ash history. A line of coke ovens form a wall on the back of the woodland floor. Over 80 Welsh coke ovens once produced tons of coke during the days of the coal industry boom. Be careful of where you step when exploring here due to a lot of the ovens being buried here and reclaimed by nature.
Directions: From Fayetteville WV take Rt 16 through the small town. Turn left onto Gatewood Road. Follow the signs to Cunard. Look for Cunard River Access Road on the left hand side. There will also be a large sign here. Follow this road till you reach the boat ramp and take the gravel road that leads past the boat parking area. Follow this gravel road one mile till you reach the parking area for the Brooklyn-Southside Trail. There is also primitive camping available here. Take the hiking trail to access Red Ash.