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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Trails ranked today
Endless Wall Trail
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.
Grandview Rim Trail
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.
Long Point Trail
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.
Butcher Branch Trail
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.
Island Loop Trail
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.
Castle Rock Trail
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.
Kaymoor Miners Trail
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.
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
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.
Park advisories
The Church Loop Trail in the Thurmond area of the park is temporarily closed due to downed trees.
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.
About this park
Agency
National Park Service.
Official site
Coordinates
37.8688, -80.9996
Trails covered
8 curated routes at this park.