What are the Best Hikes in New River Gorge?
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, New River Gorge in West Virginia is a great place to explore. With its stunning views and diverse terrain, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this area for outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are plenty of hikes to choose from in the New River Gorge. Here are some of the best hikes in New River Gorge. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on these trails!
Best Hikes in New River Gorge: The Endless Wall Trail
The Endless Wall Trail is one of the most popular trails in the New River Gorge and for good reason. This 2.4 mile trail takes you along some of the most spectacular views in the area. You’ll be able to take in stunning vistas of both sides of the gorge as well as some of its most impressive rock formations. The trail is a moderate hike that takes you through rich forest, across rambling Fern Creek, then follows along the cliff edge, showcasing beautiful views of the New River below.
Please Note: This trail is very popular! The Fern Creek parking lot fills up quickly. Do Not park on the road, make sure your car is parked on the gravel edge alongside the road, or in Fern Creek or Nuttall Trailhead parking area.
Kaymoor Trail
The Kaymoor Trail is another popular hike for those looking to explore the New River Gorge. This 8.6-mile hiking trail takes you along a former coal mining road and offers some incredible views, including waterfalls, and remnants of the old Kaymoor mine operation. It’s also a great option for those who want a more leisurely hike with plenty of opportunities to take pictures along the way.
If you’re feeling adventurous include “The Stairs.” From the mine site, descend a set of 821 wooden steps to the old mining community, near river level. At the bottom, you can explore the remnants of the coal processing plant, coke ovens, and remains of the town near river level (this trail does not access the river.)
Grandview Rim Trail
The Grandview Rim Trail is another one of the best hikes in New River Gorge. This 4-mile out-and-back trail takes you along a ridge line that offers some incredible views of both sides of the gorge (including a spectacular view of the horseshoe bend of the New River), as well as some amazing rock formations and cliffsides. From the Grandview Rim Trail, you will have visited the highest point in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve! The trail is a moderate 1.6 mile hiking trail (one-way) that rambles along the ridge at Grandview, and connects the Main Overlook to two other overlooks, North Overlook and Turkey Spur Overlook. If you are visiting New River Gorge in the springtime (around May) definitely add this hike to your list to enjoy the blooming Rhododendron.
It’s definitely worth checking out if you want an unforgettable experience while exploring this area!
Long Point Trail
Long Point Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in New River Gorge National River. It’s a moderately difficult hike with a distance of just over 3 miles (out and back, 1.6 one-way). It is well-maintained and perfect for anyone looking to get outside and enjoy nature. Please note: It does have one steep section right before you arrive at the end of the trail. You will need to walk it to reach the amazing views of the gorge, and the New River Gorge Bridge.
Best Hikes in New River Gorge: Glade Creek Trail
Glade Creek Trail is one of my favorite hikes in New River Gorge. It is a 5.6 mile trail that begins at the Glade Creek Campground. The trail is a moderate hiking trail that runs along the banks of Glade Creek. It offers beautiful, rambling views of the creek, as well as many small cascades, and swimming holes.
The trail is easy to follow with only one small section where you have to climb over some rocks in order to keep on the path.
Bridge Walk
Last but not least, don’t forget about taking a bridge walk across one of West Virginia’s most iconic landmarks -the New River Gorge Bridge! This 3,030 foot long bridge is one of the longest single arch bridges in the world and offers some incredible views from its 876 foot high archway above the river below. While this is not technically a trail, taking a bridge walk across it will give you an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever!
No matter what type of hiker or explorer you are, there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from when visiting New River Gorge! From leisurely hikes with stunning views to more challenging routes with plenty to explore, there is something for everyone here! So don’t miss out on these best hikes when visiting this beautiful part of West Virginia!
