West Virginia · National Park & Preserve trail

Burnwood Trail Stop 8: Decomposition

in West Virginia

Old-Growth Forest Hike Stop 8 - Decomposition There are many different components other than just big, old trees that make up an old-growth forest. Large fallen trees on the forest floor, also called coarse woody debris, are a key feature researchers use to determine if a forest truly is old-growth. When a large tree falls it can take decades if not over a century for the wood to fully decompose.

Finding this decomposing debris highlights that humans haven’t altered the forest by taking fallen wood for use. This rotting wood does not go to waste. The decomposition of wood recycles nutrients and carbon back into the forest soils, which act as long-term carbon sinks for greenhouse gases.

Coarse woody debris provides habitat for many species that grow and feed on moist, decomposing wood such as moss, lichen, mushrooms, and insects. Many species of wildlife rely on the large decomposing wood found in old-growth forests for their habitat. The moisture retained in the shaded forest floor and in the coarse woody debris create the perfect conditions for salamanders to flourish.

States: West Virginia
Trail type: National Park & Preserve trail
Centroid nearest city: Greensboro, NC · 156 mi · ~4 hr drive
Centroid coords: 38.0784°, -81.0770°

About New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

National Park & Preserve

This trail is inside New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, a national park & preserve managed by the U.S. National Park Service. Conditions, road status, trail closures, and reservation requirements are published on the park's NPS page — check it before driving in, especially in winter or during major weather events.

Official NPS trail page: https://www.nps.gov/places/burnwood-trail-stop-8-decomposition.htm

Park homepage: https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm

Plan your hike

Practical notes

Maps + permits: long-distance trails like this often require permits for through-hiking, backcountry camping, or specific sections (especially in National Parks). Check with the maintaining organisation listed above and the relevant land manager before booking travel.

Water + supplies: water sources vary seasonally on most U.S. trails. Carry a filter and consult current trail-condition reports — through-hiker journals (PCT-L, AT Reddit, etc.) and the maintaining organisation publish regular updates.

When to go: hiking seasons vary widely with elevation, latitude, and snowpack. Through-hikers traditionally start the AT in March-April (Springer northbound) and the PCT in late April (Campo northbound). High-elevation western trails (CDT, JMT, Wonderland) generally aren't passable until July.

If you've hiked Burnwood Trail Stop 8: Decomposition and have current notes (water sources, trail closures, permit changes), tell us at /contact — we update pages as we learn.