The National Coal Heritage Area is a federally designated region in southern West Virginia that was the source of bituminous coal through much of the 20th century. The area promotes tourism, historic preservation, and economic development in the region.
The Coal Heritage Trail is located within the National Coal Heritage Area and wanders over more than 180 miles of scenic mountain landscape where thousands miners once labored to mine coal that fueled the nation's industrial expansion.
According to the heritage area website: "The story of the southern West Virginia 'smokeless' coalfields is a remarkable legacy of working-class culture, industrial might, racial and ethnic diversity, and the creation of a unique and distinctive culture of national significance."
In alphabetical order, the designated area includes Boone, Cabell, Fayette, Logan, Lincoln, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, and Wayne counties in the south-central and southwestern state.
