National Park Service · WV

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.

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Endless Wall Trail

Hiking · County
61/100

Clifftop trail along the Endless Wall, zig-zagging the gorge rim with expansive views of the New River nearly 1,000 ft below. Crosses Fern Creek to Diamond Point Overlook; passes vantage points over the park's climbing routes.

2.4 mi 427 ft gain moderate dirt

Grandview Rim Trail

Hiking · County
61/100

Mostly level rim trail atop the gorge at Grandview, linking the Main Overlook to Turkey Spur Overlook roughly 1,400 ft above the New River. Turns rockier near the end; among the park's premier long-range viewpoints.

1.6 mi 425 ft gain easy dirt

Long Point Trail

Hiking · County
61/100

Wooded out-and-back to Long Point, a bare rock promontory about 800 ft above the river giving the park's most famous head-on view of the New River Gorge Bridge. The final 0.2 mi drops steeply over roots and rock.

1.6 mi 359 ft gain moderate dirt

Butcher Branch Trail

Hiking · County
61/100

Wooded trail connecting the Kaymoor Top area to the Long Point Trail, with steep sections and a small stream crossing. A climbing-access spur descends to Butcher Branch Falls, a tiered sandstone cascade.

0.6 mi 103 ft gain moderate

Island Loop Trail

Hiking · County
61/100

Unpaved loop branching from the Sandstone Falls boardwalk, circling a river island beside the falls through the Appalachian flatrock community with close riverside views of the New River's whitewater.

0.5 mi 16 ft gain easy boardwalk

Castle Rock Trail

Hiking · County
61/100

Short but strenuous loop beneath towering, fortress-like sandstone cliffs at Grandview, passing exposed coal seams and narrow, rocky ledges. Connects the Main Overlook area with the Grandview Rim Trail.

0.6 mi 162 ft gain hard dirt

Kaymoor Miners Trail

Hiking · County
61/100

Steep descent to the historic Kaymoor coal mine, dropping via rocky switchbacks then 821 wooden steps to the coke ovens and processing plant near river level. The climb back out is strenuous; hiking poles advised.

0.8 mi 542 ft gain hard

Sandstone Falls Boardwalk

Hiking · County
61/100

Accessible boardwalk crossing two bridges to islands and observation decks at Sandstone Falls, the New River's largest waterfall, spanning roughly 1,500 ft and dropping 10-25 ft. Threads a rare Appalachian flatrock plant community.

0.25 mi 5 ft gain easy boardwalk
Church Loop Trail Closure

The Church Loop Trail in the Thurmond area of the park is temporarily closed due to downed trees.

Kaymoor Miners Trail Closure

From June 15 through November 19 the upper part of the Kaymoor Miners Trail (from Kaymoor Top down to the mine site at the junction with the Kaymoor Trail) will be closed Monday through Thursday due to a trail rehab project. The trail is expected to be fully open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Agency

National Park Service.

Coordinates

37.8688, -80.9996

Trails covered

8 curated routes at this park.

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