Trails in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

Adena

3.1 mi one way · about 200 ft of climbing · 1,926 ft–2,028 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Arbuckle Connector

0.3 mi one way · about 200 ft of climbing · 1,068 ft–1,277 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Big Branch Trail

1.8 mi loop · about 500 ft of climbing · 1,360 ft–1,875 ft · native surface · hiking

Trailhead Big Branch Trailhead 1,356 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Big Buck Trail

0.8 mi loop · about 100 ft of climbing · 2,330 ft–2,435 ft · native surface · hiking

Picnic areas

Along the way Grandview Picnic Shelter 2

Trailhead Big Buck Trailhead 2,433 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Bridge Buttress Extention Trail

0.3 mi one way · about 20 ft of climbing · 50 ft of descent · 1,486 ft–1,532 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Bridge Buttress Trail

0.1 mi one way · about 40 ft of climbing · 1,500 ft–1,550 ft · native surface · hiking

Trailhead Bridge Butress Trailhead 1,496 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Bridge Trail

0.8 mi one way · about 200 ft of climbing · 1,497 ft–1,714 ft · native surface · hiking

Trailhead Bridge Trailhead 1,565 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Brooklyn Mine Trail

2.8 mi one way · about 350 ft of climbing · 1,586 ft–1,837 ft · gravel surface · bike, hiking, horse

Trailhead Upper Coal Run Trailhead 1,581 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Burnwood Trail

0.8 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 1,673 ft–1,737 ft · native surface · hiking

Trailhead Burnwood Trailhead 1,725 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Butchers Branch Trail

0.6 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 200 ft of descent · 1,779 ft–1,959 ft · native surface · hiking

Trailhead Kaymoor Top Trailhead 1,965 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Canyon Rim Boardwalk

0.2 mi one way · 100 ft of descent · 1,632 ft–1,743 ft · concrete, wood surface · hiking

Views

Along the way Canyon Rim Lower Bridge Overlook Canyon Rim Middle Bridge Overlook Canyon Rim Upper Bridge Overlook

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Castle Rock Trail

0.5 mi one way · about 80 ft of climbing · 150 ft of descent · 2,363 ft–2,487 ft · native surface · hiking

Views

Along the way Grandview Main Overlook Grandview North Overlook

Castle Rock Hike the Park Service's write-up

30-120 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Castle Rock

This is the most unique and fun trail. However, this trail is not for the faint hearted. The Castle Rock Trail is listed as strenuous and is .6 mile in length. After the .6 mile mark, the trail merges into the Grandview Rim Trail. From this intersection, if you turn right you will be going out to Turkey Spur for another scenic view and then retrace your steps and follow the upper trail called the Grandview Rim Trail back to the parking area (this is approximately 3.2 miles all together). The other option is to turn left and this will bring you back to the main parking area (this is approximately 1.1 miles in total).

This trail is listed as strenuous. The steps that are made out of rocks are uneven. The trail is about 3 feet in width and the gorge is just off to one side as you are walking along.

This trail is not recommended in rainy weather or when there is ice or snow on the ground because the rock surface can make this very slippery.

If you are interested in geology, this trail is for you. You will be within and arms length of the rock striations that make-up the gorge. Along this .6 mile trail you will see a coal seam at approximately the .4 mile mark and also a variety of conglomerate, shale, sandstone and limestone along this trail. If you are afraid of heights, this trail might give you the butterflies.

Accessibility The Castle Rock Trail has many uneven terrain feautures and once you are on the trail, the only way to get off is to either continue to the end or to retrace your steps and go back to where you started. The Castle Rock Trail may require some scrambling over large rocks. The Castle Rock Trail is very slippery when wet. There is a restroom located in the Main Parking area.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Church Loop Trail

0.2 mi one way · about 60 ft of climbing · 1,125 ft–1,188 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Climbers Access

0.2 mi one way · about 40 ft of climbing · 90 ft of descent · 1,682 ft–1,775 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Clovis

1.1 mi one way · about 40 ft of climbing · 100 ft of descent · 1,956 ft–2,016 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

Trailhead Arrowhead Trailhead 1,999 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Connector

0.6 mi one way · about 30 ft of climbing · 80 ft of descent · 1,874 ft–1,994 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Conveyor Trail

0.6 mi one way · about 400 ft of climbing · 1,184 ft–1,574 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Craig Branch Trail

2.2 mi one way · about 80 ft of climbing · 500 ft of descent · 1,561 ft–1,996 ft · gravel surface · bike, hiking

Trailhead Arrowhead Trailhead 1,999 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Dalton

6.4 mi one way · about 400 ft of climbing · 1,901 ft–2,021 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Endless Wall Trail

2.2 mi one way · about 200 ft of climbing · 300 ft of descent · 1,766 ft–1,949 ft · native surface · hiking

Trailheads Fern Creek Trailhead 1,773 ft Drive there · Nuttall Trailhead 1,882 ft Drive there

Trail run at Endless Wall the Park Service's write-up

60-120 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Endless Wall, Nuttall Trailhead

Endless Wall is a delightful trail. Hikers are drawn to this amazing location for the views that look down in the gorge from the cliff edge and for the rich forest. The trail is listed as easy to moderate due to the elevation change. The trail is listed as 2.4 miles but in order to make it back to your vehicle, you would have to either cautiously walk along the road or choose the safer option of hiking out to the Diamond Point Overlook and then return to your parking location by retracing the same path.

Trail Running

This a much loved trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve so it may not be the best fit for a trail run due to the volume of others on the trail and the narrow trail width to get around other hikers. If you go early in the morning, you may be able to avoid the crowds.

The Endless Wall Trail is an uneven terrain with only a slight change in elevation. There are many tree roots and rocks scattered along the trail, so stay alert if out for a run. The views into the gorge are spectacular and will inspire all outdoor enthusiasts.

Accessibility The terrain is rugged and has a few uneven steps. There can be obstacles in the trail such as tree roots and or rocks. The elevation change on this trail is noted as easy to moderate. The Endless Wall Trail is heavily trafficked and there are several narrow widths along the trail so this would not be recommended on a busy visitation day for a trail run. There are compost toilets at both trailheads.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

Fayetteville Trail

3.8 mi one way · about 800 ft of climbing · 1,184 ft–1,963 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

Trailheads Fayetteville Trailhead 1,820 ft Drive there · Kaymoor Top Trailhead 1,965 ft Drive there · Kaymoor Trail (Wolf Creek) Trailhead 1,158 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Glade Creek Trail

5.5 mi one way · about 70 ft of climbing · 750 ft of descent · 1,248 ft–1,955 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

Trailheads Lower Glade Creek Trailhead 1,247 ft Drive there · Upper Glade Creek Trailhead 1,943 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Grandview Rim Trail

1.5 mi one way · about 20 ft of climbing · 250 ft of descent · 2,336 ft–2,509 ft · native surface · hiking

ViewsPicnic areas

Along the way Grandview Picnic Shelter 1 Grandview North Overlook

Trailheads Grandview Shelter 1 Trailhead 2,458 ft Drive there · Main Overlook Trailhead 2,504 ft Drive there · Turkey Spur Trailhead 2,337 ft Drive there

Hike the Grandview Rim Trail the Park Service's write-up

0-2 Hours · dogs allowed

Start Grandview Rim Trail

Visit the highest point in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve!

The main overlook at Grandview give spectacular views of a horseshoe bend of the New River.

The Grandview Rim Trail connects the Main Overlook to two other overlooks, North Overlook and Turkey Spur Overlook. This moderate 1.6 mile (one-way) trail takes you along the ridge at Grandview, through the forest overlooking the gorge. Look for wildlife along the trail and enjoy the blooming rhododendren in the spring time (typically around May).

Accessibility The Grandview Rim Trail is a moderate trail along the ridge at Grandview. The Turkey Spur and Main Overlooks are accessible by car. To reach the Turkey Spur Overlook, you must climb a series of wooden steps. The steps can become slippery in wet or snowy weather, please take caution. The Main Overlook has a paved sidewalk and is generally accessible from the parking lot. The main overlook viewing area is a large, mostly flat rock overlooking the gorge. It can be slippery in wet or snowy conditions.

This hike on nps.gov

Trail Run Grandview Rim Trail the Park Service's write-up

dogs allowed

Start Grandview Rim Trail Starting Point

Trail Run: Grandview Rim Trail: 3.1 miles out and back.

Are you looking for a great place to run and have great views down into the Gorge of the New River? The Grandview Rim Trail at the Grandview location is super easy to find and to follow. Park in the area near the Grandview Visitor Center and start your warm-up by walking the short distance to the Main Overlook. This is about a football field distance from the car parking area. As you walk to the Main Overlook from the parking area, notice the benches to your left that are bordering a wide trail. This is your starting point. The Grandview Rim Trail follows along the perimeter of the Gorge so keep the Gorge to your right shoulder and you will come to a sign for the North Overlook. This is where you will split away from the Gorge and start in a more forested area. When you reach the road , stay on the trail to the right and it is a windy trail that will have a change in elevation of about 460 feet. The trail will end in a parking lot for Turkey Spur. If you want to stop running for a few minutes and go up the 150 steps in this rock outcropping next to the parking lot you can. There are three additional vantage points to see down into the Gorge from the top of Turkey Spur. Most runners simply turn around in the parking lot and retrace their steps back to the main parking area next to the Main Overlook.

Accessibility This trail is a mixture of hard packed soil, rocks, and smaller dirt compositions. It is not entirely accessible. There are segments that are accessible at the start of the trail, but there are divots and dips within .2 of a mile from the starting point. .

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

Grandview Walkways

0.4 mi one way · about 70 ft of climbing · 2,459 ft–2,507 ft · asphalt surface · hiking

ViewsVisitor centers

Along the way Grandview Main Overlook Grandview Visitor Center

Trailheads Grandview Shelter 1 Trailhead 2,458 ft Drive there · Main Overlook Trailhead 2,504 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Gwinn Ridge Trail

3.2 mi loop · about 500 ft of climbing · 2,260 ft–2,486 ft · native surface · hiking

Trailhead Gwinn Ridge Trailhead 2,446 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Hawks Nest Connector Trail

3.2 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 300 ft of descent · 998 ft–1,218 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Headhouse Trail

0.7 mi one way · 400 ft of descent · 1,589 ft–1,993 ft · gravel surface · bike, hiking

Trailhead Short Creek Trailhead 1,992 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Island Loop Trail

0.6 mi loop · 10 ft of descent · 1,280 ft–1,294 ft · native surface · hiking

Trailhead Sandstone Falls Trailhead 1,298 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Kates Falls Trail

0.1 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 1,840 ft–1,959 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Kaymoor Miners Trail

0.7 mi one way · about 400 ft of climbing · 1,060 ft–1,971 ft · native, wood surface · hiking

Trailhead Kaymoor Miners Trailhead 1,979 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Kaymoor Trail closed

8.6 mi one way · about 500 ft of climbing · 850 ft of descent · 1,155 ft–1,690 ft · gravel, native surface · bike, hiking · temporarily closed

Trailheads Kaymoor Trail (Cunard) Trailhead 1,574 ft Drive there · Kaymoor Trail (Wolf Creek) Trailhead 1,158 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Keeneys Creek Rail Trail

3.4 mi one way · about 550 ft of climbing · 1,046 ft–1,599 ft · gravel surface · bike, hiking

Trailhead Nuttallburg Keeneys Creek Trailhead 1,049 ft Drive there

On the parks map

LeCroy

1.8 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 1,892 ft–1,957 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Little Laurel Trail

2.6 mi one way · 1,200 ft of descent · 1,221 ft–2,425 ft · gravel surface · bike, hiking

Picnic areas

Along the way Grandview Picnic Shelter 4

Trailhead Little Laurel Trailhead 2,428 ft Drive there

Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail the Park Service's write-up

30-120 Minutes · dogs allowed

Start Little Laurel Trailhead

Have you ever wanted to go on a trail run or a hike on a trail where you won't run into a lot of people?

If you are seeking an outdoor hike or trail run away from the crowds, the Little Laurel Trail may be just the place for you!

The trail can be accessed from the top at Grandview Area or from the bottom at Glade Creek. The Little Laurel Trail is 2.0 miles in each direction and one of those directions will be uphill. If you begin at the trailhead located at Grandview, you will begin your journey downhill on a crushed rock path. This was an old maintenance road and the rocks are still maintained. Once you get to the bottom, you will come to a gate which is just steps away from the Glade Creek Rd. Diagonally across from this intersection is the location of the abandoned coal town called Royal. If you turn around and retrace your steps, you will have a 2.0 mile hike (or run) back up to the plateau at the Grandview location.

Accessibility The Little Laurel Trail has steep inclines on a rocky path that descends approximately 1000 feet down into the gorge. The trail starts at the top of the plateau at the Grandview location (near picnic shelter 4) and will stop at the Glade Creek Rd. The outdoor enthusiast will have to return back up the trail to get back to where the journey started.

This hike on nps.gov

On the parks map

Long Point Trail

1.5 mi one way · about 200 ft of climbing · 1,676 ft–1,960 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

Trailheads Long Point Trailhead 1,961 ft Drive there · Timber Ridge Trailhead 1,962 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Park Loop

0.9 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 1,749 ft–1,852 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

Trailhead Fayetteville Trailhead 1,820 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Polls Plateau Trail

4.8 mi one way · about 400 ft of climbing · 2,513 ft–2,759 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Rend Trail

3.2 mi one way · about 450 ft of climbing · 1,129 ft–1,561 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

Trailheads Rend Trail - Minden Trailhead 1,559 ft Drive there · Rend Trail - Thurmond Trailhead 1,161 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Route 20 Overlook Sandstone Falls

0.1 mi one way · 20 ft of descent · 1,876 ft–1,898 ft · gravel surface · hiking

Views

Along the way Sandstone Falls Overlook

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Sandstone Falls Boardwalk

0.2 mi one way · 10 ft of descent · 1,282 ft–1,294 ft · wood surface · hiking

Views

Along the way Sandstone Falls Boardwalk Overlook

Trailhead Sandstone Falls Trailhead 1,298 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Seldom Seen Trail

0.3 mi one way · 20 ft of descent · 982 ft–1,016 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Southside Trail

5.9 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 200 ft of descent · 1,012 ft–1,081 ft · gravel, native surface · bike, hiking

Boat launches

Along the way Brooklyn River Access

Trailhead Brooklyn Trailhead 1,017 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Stone Cliff Trail

2.9 mi one way · about 250 ft of climbing · 1,067 ft–1,271 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

Trailhead Stone Cliff Trailhead 1,076 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Terry Top Trail

1.8 mi one way · about 100 ft of climbing · 350 ft of descent · 2,111 ft–2,424 ft · gravel surface · bike, hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Timber Ridge

0.9 mi one way · about 10 ft of climbing · 150 ft of descent · 1,814 ft–1,961 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

Trailheads Long Point Trailhead 1,961 ft Drive there · Timber Ridge Trailhead 1,962 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Tipple Trail

0.6 mi one way · about 10 ft of climbing · 969 ft–987 ft · gravel surface · bike, hiking

Trailhead Nuttallburg Trailhead 968 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Town Loop Connector Trail

0.3 mi one way · about 150 ft of climbing · 982 ft–1,126 ft · native surface · bike, hiking

Trailhead Nuttallburg Trailhead 968 ft Drive there

On the parks map

Town Loop Trail

0.5 mi one way · about 50 ft of climbing · 100 ft of descent · 969 ft–1,090 ft · native surface · hiking

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Tunnel Trail

0.4 mi one way · about 80 ft of climbing · 2,424 ft–2,495 ft · native surface · hiking

Views

Along the way Grandview Main Overlook

On the parks map · Drive to the trail's end

Woodland Loop Trail

0.6 mi loop · about 50 ft of climbing · 2,391 ft–2,452 ft · native surface · hiking

Picnic areas

Along the way Grandview Picnic Shelter 2

Trailheads Big Buck Trailhead 2,433 ft Drive there · Woodland Loop Trailhead 2,443 ft Drive there

On the parks map