Kanawha County High Point Trip Report

spot elevation on Kayford Mountain (2,898 ft)
and one area 700 ft WSW thereof (2,880+ ft)

Date: May 24, 2001
Author: Michael Schwartz

Not yet climbed. This was strictly a scouting trip for the future.

Kayford Mountain is the scene of an ongoing controversy over mining activities between the Paragon Coal Company and several groups who want to preserve the mountain, or at least its top. I checked out the northern approaches from the hamlets of Republic and United. Both roads are gated and heavily posted by Paragon, one at Carbon, and the other just south of Decota. It looks as if active mining is on that side of the mountain, and it is definitely off-limits at this time. I then investigated the southern approaches, between Artie and Ameagle on CR 1, and may have found a feasible approach. Due to potential access problems, contact me directly for details.

Note: CR 1-3/Kayford Mountain Road, which crosses the mountain from north to south, and provides a short cut of sorts from the north, was washed out and closed.