In 2020, New River Gorge became America’s newest national park, but this rugged West Virginia wilderness has been captivating adventurers for generations. From thundering waterfalls to dramatic canyon overlooks, here’s your guide to exploring this Appalachian gem.
The Paradox of the “New” River
Despite its name, the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in North America—and possibly the world. Over millions of years, it has carved a spectacular gorge through the Appalachian Mountains, creating a landscape of towering cliffs, dense forests, and hidden waterfalls that rivals anything in the Southeast.
The park’s recent designation as a national park and preserve (upgraded from national river status) has brought increased attention, but the gorge remains remarkably uncrowded compared to more famous parks. For hikers seeking solitude and adventure, this is a gift.
Must-Hike Trails in New River Gorge
Long Point Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Iconic view of the New River Gorge Bridge
This is the quintessential New River Gorge hike. The trail winds through mixed hardwood forest before emerging at a rocky outcrop with a jaw-dropping view of the famous New River Gorge Bridge—one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world. The 876-foot-high bridge spanning the gorge is particularly stunning during fall foliage or when morning mist rises from the river below.
Endless Wall Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Diamond Point overlook, Fern Creek waterfall, world-class rock climbing views
Following the rim of the gorge, the Endless Wall Trail offers continuous spectacular views. The sandstone cliffs here are legendary among rock climbers, and you’ll likely see climbers scaling the vertical faces. Diamond Point, about midway along the trail, provides one of the best overlooks in the park. A short spur trail leads to the delicate Fern Creek waterfall.
Kaymoor Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous (821 steps!)
Highlights: Historic mining ruins, Craig Branch waterfall
This trail descends over 800 steps through the ruins of a historic coal mining operation. The industrial remnants—headhouse, conveyor structures, and mining equipment—are slowly being reclaimed by the forest, creating an eerie and beautiful scene. At the bottom, Craig Branch waterfall tumbles over mossy rocks near the river’s edge.
Glade Creek Trail
Distance: 5.6 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Glade Creek, swimming holes, remote wilderness
Following an old railroad grade along beautiful Glade Creek, this trail offers a gentler alternative to the steep gorge trails. The creek features numerous swimming holes and small cascades, making it perfect for hot summer days.
Grandview Rim Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highlights: Multiple canyon overlooks, rhododendron tunnels
On the southern end of the park, Grandview lives up to its name with sweeping views of the horseshoe bend in the New River, 1,400 feet below. The rim trail connects several overlooks through tunnels of rhododendron that bloom spectacularly in late May and early June.
Hidden Waterfalls of the Gorge
While New River Gorge isn’t primarily known as a waterfall destination, several beautiful cascades reward those willing to seek them out:
Sandstone Falls
Located just south of the main gorge area, Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. This broad cascade spans nearly 1,500 feet across the river and drops about 25 feet—impressive for its sheer scale rather than height. A boardwalk trail provides easy access to multiple viewing platforms.
Brooks Falls
A hidden gem requiring a bushwhack to reach, Brooks Falls plunges 30 feet into a narrow sandstone amphitheater. The falls run best after heavy rain and can be completely dry in summer. Only attempt this if you have strong navigation skills.
Fern Creek Falls
Accessible via a short spur from the Endless Wall Trail, this delicate 15-foot waterfall cascades over a fern-covered cliff face. It’s particularly photogenic in spring when the surrounding vegetation is lush and green.
Craig Branch Falls
At the bottom of the Kaymoor Trail, this seasonal waterfall flows over moss-covered rocks near the river. Combined with the historic mining ruins, it makes for a uniquely atmospheric destination.
Wildlife and Natural History
The New River Gorge ecosystem supports remarkable biodiversity:
Flora
- Over 1,400 plant species documented
- Rare Appalachian endemics in moist coves
- Spectacular rhododendron and mountain laurel blooms (May-June)
- Outstanding fall foliage (mid-October peak)
Fauna
- Black bears (increasingly common)
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkeys
- Timber rattlesnakes and copperheads (watch your step!)
- Peregrine falcons nesting on cliff faces
- Numerous songbird species in forest habitats
Best Times to Visit
Spring (April-May)
- Wildflowers carpeting the forest floor
- Waterfalls running at full force
- Rhododendron bloom in late May
- Moderate temperatures for hiking
- River running high from snowmelt
Summer (June-August)
- Warm temperatures—hot in the gorge bottom
- Perfect for river activities
- Lush green canopy provides shade
- Afternoon thunderstorms common
- Swimming holes at their best
Fall (September-November)
- Spectacular foliage mid-October
- Cooler hiking temperatures
- Bridge Day festival in October
- Fewer crowds after leaf season
- Excellent visibility on clear days
Winter (December-February)
- Solitude on the trails
- Potential ice on steep trails (use caution)
- Dramatic frozen scenes after cold snaps
- Shorter days require planning
- Some facilities closed
Bridge Day: A Unique Experience
On the third Saturday of October, the New River Gorge Bridge closes to traffic and opens to pedestrians—and BASE jumpers. This is the largest extreme sports event in the world, with hundreds of BASE jumpers leaping from the bridge while thousands watch from the deck. It’s a uniquely West Virginia experience, though hikers seeking solitude should avoid the area that weekend.
Practical Information
Getting There
The park stretches along 53 miles of the New River in southern West Virginia. Primary access points:
- Canyon Rim Visitor Center: Main visitor center near Fayetteville
- Grandview: Southern section with rim overlooks
- Sandstone Visitor Center: Southern entrance near Sandstone Falls
Camping
- Army Camp: Walk-in primitive camping near Endless Wall
- Grandview: Developed camping in the southern section
- Numerous backcountry sites throughout the park (free permit required)
- Commercial campgrounds in Fayetteville and surrounding areas
Nearby Amenities
Fayetteville serves as the gateway community with restaurants, outfitters, and accommodations. The town has embraced its adventure tourism identity with breweries, gear shops, and locally-owned restaurants.
Safety Considerations
- Cliff edges are unprotected—stay back from drop-offs
- Venomous snakes are present—watch where you step
- River currents are deceptively strong
- Cell service is limited in the gorge
- Weather can change rapidly in the mountains
Combining Activities
New River Gorge is an adventure hub with activities beyond hiking:
- Whitewater rafting: Class III-V rapids on the New and Gauley Rivers
- Rock climbing: World-class routes on the Nuttall Sandstone
- Mountain biking: Arrowhead Trails and Burnwood area
- Fishing: Smallmouth bass and other species in the New River
- Zip-lining: Multiple commercial operations in the area
Final Thoughts
New River Gorge represents something increasingly rare: a national park that still feels like a well-kept secret. While visitor numbers are growing since the 2020 designation, you can still find solitude on most trails, especially midweek and in shoulder seasons.
The combination of ancient river, dramatic gorge, rich history, and diverse recreation options makes this one of the most rewarding destinations in the Southeast. Whether you’re seeking challenging hikes, hidden waterfalls, or simply a place to disconnect and reconnect with nature, New River Gorge delivers.
The mountains of West Virginia are calling. Answer them.