4 Trails That Take You Deep Into New River Gorge National Park
West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a rugged, wild landscape deep in the heart of Appalachia. While its world-renowned for its whitewater rafting and Bridge Day BASE jumping, the park also offers nearly 100 miles of incredible hiking throughout its boundaries. Come with us as we take you through 4 incredible trails that allow you to explore this stunning wilderness.
The iconic New River Gorge Bridge at New River Gorge National Park
Long Point Trail
The 3.2 mile (round trip) Long Point Trail provides one of the best views of the New River Gorge Bridge, as well as the namesake River and Gorge of the Park. This trail is absolutely incredible for early morning views of the Park.
New River Gorge Bridge from Long Point at New River Gorge National Park
The trailhead is located off of Newton Road in Fayetteville and has a large parking area. From the parking area, the trail meanders through the forest for approximately 1 mile with minimal elevation gain before dropping into a thick Rhododendron grove.
The dense rhododendrons of the Long Point Trail at New River Gorge National Park
Just as suddenly as the Rhododendrons appear, they abruptly come to an end as you reach the rocky outcropping of Long Point. This is the only section of the trail with significant fall exposure, so care should be taken as you venture out onto the rocks for unspoiled views of the Bridge, Gorge, and River.
The morning fog lifts over the Bridge at New River Gorge National Park
After soaking in the view, simply retrace your steps back to the parking lot at the trailhead.
2. Kaymoor Miners Trail
The Kaymoor Miner’s Trail is one of the more unique trails found within the National Park System. This short 2 mile (round trip) hike is anything but easy. With over 900 feet of elevation over its short distance, combined with an incredible waterfall, rock climbing routes, and a chance to explore the abandoned Kaymoor Mine, this trail provides excellent sites from start to finish.
The cascading waterfall near the start of the Kaymoor Miner’s Trail at New River Gorge National Park
The trailhead can be found off of Gatewood Road on Kaymoor No.1 Road, where a large parking lot is available. From the parking lot, the trail immediately drops into the Gorge along a series of switchbacks snaking through the forest.
Welcome to the Kaymoor Mine at New River Gorge National Park
After just over 0.5 miles down the trail, you will reach a series of wooden steps as you enter the historic Kaymoor Mine. At this point, the Kaymoor trail bisects the Kaymoor Miner’s Trail, but many of the historic structures provide an excellent peek into the rich mining history of this region.
The wooden stairs of the Kaymoor Miner’s Trail at New River Gorge National Park
From the Kaymoor Mine, hikers can continue down the 821 wooden stairs to reach the coal processing plant remains near the New River.
Seemingly endless stairs on the Kaymoor Miner’s Trail at New River Gorge
To return to the parking lot, simply retrace your steps up the stairs and switchbacks.
3. Endless Wall Trail
The Endless Wall Trail is truly one of the hallmark trails of New River Gorge National Park. This out-and-back trail features one of the most scenic overlooks in the Park, offering a 180 degree view of one of the deepest sections of the Gorge.
The Endless Wall at New River Gorge National Park
The Endless Wall trail can begin at the Fern Creek or Nuttall trailheads. Both parking areas are located just off of Lansing Edmond Road, just north of the Canyon Rim Visitors Center. The Fern Creek trailhead parking lot is quite small, and can fill up quickly, so plan accordingly and be sure to not park on the street.
The lush forest running along Fern Creek as you approach the Endless Wall at New River Gorge National Park
Taking the trail from one trailhead to the other results in a 2.4 mile (one way) hike. More common is to take the trail from the Fern Creek trailhead to the Diamond Point overlook, and return back to the Fern Creek Trailhead. This results in a 2.4 mile (round trip) out-and-back hike through an incredible hardwood forest.
The rushing waters of Fern Creek can be heard along the Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge National Park
The trail winds its way through the forest and gains over 400 feet of elevation before reaching the incredible overlook at Diamond Point. This section of the park is also popular for rock climbing, and climbers are commonly spotted scaling the vertical cliffs of the Gorge in this area.
The Endless Wall high above the mighty New River at New River Gorge National Park
While the vast majority of the trail travels safely through the forest, care should be taken around Diamond Point due to the exposure of the 1000+ ft drop from all sides of the overlook.
Once the Endless Wall is viewed from Diamond Point, you can either continue your hike to complete the trail, or retrace your steps from which you came for the out-and-back hike.
4. Sandstone Falls
Located in the southernmost corner of the Park, Sandstone Falls boardwalk trail takes you right to the banks of the New River and puts you face to face with its largest waterfall.
Sandstone Falls at New River Gorge National Park
Sandstone Falls is located in the relatively remote Sandstone-Brooks region of the park, and the trailhead is found approximately 9 miles down River Road in Hinton, WV. Taking River Road along the New River will lead you to a large parking area on the right for the Sandstone Falls boardwalk.
The Sandstone Falls boardwalk at New River Gorge National Park
This 0.4 mile (round trip) hike takes you across the New River by way of 2 bridges, and offers incredible views of the 1500 ft wide Sandstone Falls. The boardwalk trail accesses a unique flatrock community which contains a variety of plant life that is not found anywhere else in the Park!
Sandstone Falls at New River Gorge
This easy hike is one of the best ways to feel the raw power of the New River without the need for a strenuous rim-to-river hike. Simply retrace your steps along the boardwalk to return to the parking area once you are done viewing the roaring Sandstone Falls.
