West Virginia has taken the backseat in adventure tourism for too long. But with the formation of New River Gorge National Park in 2020, people all around the country are starting the recognize that West Virginia is more than just country roads. Hidden behind those winding (potholled) roads are some of the most majestic hikes available east of the Rockies. In no particular order, here are a list of a few of my favorite hikes in southern West Virginia–from a West Virginian herself.
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Sandstone Falls
While more of a stroll than a hike, these falls will always hold a special place in my heart. Hinton, West Virginia is not only where Tyler grew up, but where we met, and where I spent a large portion of my childhood playing on the New River. If you’ve never experienced the New River in West Virginia, you’ve got to see it to understand its majesty. Sandstone Falls is just the place to start, being that it is the southern entrance to New River Gorge National Park.
Visitor Center
The Sandstone Falls Visitor Center is located conveniently off of exit 139 on I-64. If this is your first time in the area, I highly suggest stopping here to learn about the rich history of the area and to better understand the ecology of the second oldest river in the world (only beaten by the Nile and they both run south to north).
Scenic Drive
After leaving the Visitor Center, make your way on the winding journey to the falls… making sure to stop at all the overviews and historical sites on your way! Specifically Sandstone Falls Overlook on Route 20 and Brooks Falls Overlooks on River Road. Enjoy the only scenic drive in the NRGNP before arriving at Sandstone Falls.
Exploring the Islands
Make sure you have your camera, you will want to takes some pictures of this! Sandstone Falls has a series of islands, each with a unique ecosystem, connected by footbridges. While there are “main falls” to awe at, multiple smaller falls can be found around the islands. Aftering parking, you will immediately cross a footbridge, which spans over a man made channel, to the boardwalk. I suggest following the boardwalk to the second, larger, footbridge which will connect you to another island and guide you straight to the falls.
Once you’ve had your fill of the view, you can explore the rest of the islands. My favorite path is the 0.5 mile Island Loop trail which can be found by crossing back over the second bridge and turning right. This will take you around the lower island through an ecosystem that is only found in 5 other places in West Virginia. Nearing the end of the hike, you will be walking parallel to the man made canal crossed in the first footbridge. Here you are almost guaranteed to see some sort of wildlife: beavers, otters, snakes, etc. You will end the path right where you started your journey: the first footbridge.
Fuel Up
Make sure to leave enough time to stop by the town of Hinton on your way out. There are a myriad of interesting little shops and delicious food options!
I’ll make a more detailed post later, but for now check out these places: Lucky Rivers Cafe and Catering, Chestnut Revival, Otter & Oak, Boho, River City Grill & Pub.
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Nuttallburg Abandoned Coal Mine
If hacking through the woods on a strenuous hike does not sound fun to you, this abandoned coal mine is still accessible through other entry points. Check here, for a more moderate approach.
Are you looking for a workout? Have you been needing a little adventure in your life? Do you want to feel like Indiana Jones, hacking his way through the jungle to his next discovery? Well, look no further. This West Virginia hiking trail has it all.
While I have accessed this site through the easier entry point linked above, in my opinion, the experience of entering Nuttallburg from the Headhouse is unmatched. Technically speaking, this is multiple trails in one. I will break them down for you section by section. Make sure to factor in plenty of time to explore, as these trail offers way more than just a walk in the woods.
HEADHOUSE TRAIL – 0.7 miles
Starting at the parking lot, you will find Headhouse Trail which leads you to your first set of abandoned mining facilities. This leg of the trail is about 0.7 miles long and is mostly on a gravel path with moderate elevation gains. Here you see inside of the coal conveyor which was used to transport coal from the mines to the processing factory below.
CONVEYOR TRAIL – 0.6 miles
After leaving the headhouse, you will begin your 0.6 mile descent down the conveyor trail. As you head down, you will feel like you are the first person discovering this trail. It is overgrown in places and washed out in others, but it is FUN! Take caution and be trail safe. It is not suggested to hike this trail during or after heavy rainfall, and I would be extremely cautious to hike this trail during winter. When in doubt, ask a ranger about trail conditions before heading out!
KEENEY CREEK TRAIL to TOWN LOOP CONNECTOR – 0.3 miles (both)
Once at the bottom, turn around and mentally prepare yourself for the fact that you will have to go back up. From the bottom, turn right on the Keeney Creek Trail and follow for about 0.3 miles until you hit the Town Loop Connector Trail (0.3 mi).
TOWN LOOP TRAIL – 0.5 miles
From here, the abandoned coal town of Nuttallburg will begin to come to life. Along the Town Loop Trail (0.5 mi) you will read about and see remnants of the coal town that once was. Schoolhouses, churches, and homes are sprinkled throughout this leg of the trail along with informational readings. The coal industry had a huge impact in this area of Appalachia, and you may be shocked to discover the troubled history.
TIPPLE TRAIL – 0.6 miles
Once you’ve completed the Town Loop Trail, head to the Tipple Trail (0.6 mi). Here you will see the bottom of the conveyor where coal was processed and further along the coke ovens designed by Henry Ford himself! Again, you will see multiple signs which will inform you about the troubled history of coal towns as you go deeper into the town of Nuttallburg. If you are unfamiliar with West Virginia’s long, complicated relationship with coal, this is a wonderful place to learn.
SELDOM SEEN TRAIL – 0.3 miles
You may wish to turn around after the coke ovens, depending on how long you have spent in the area. However, if you want to take it all in, continue to the Seldom Seen Trail (0.3 mi) to get a glimpse of residential foundations from the original workers.
When finished, head back the way you came, making sure to take caution of the conveyor trail!
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Long Point Trail
Visiting Fayetteville, West Virginia for the first time and looking for the quintessential New River Gorge Hike? Well this is it! This is the hike that I take my friends who are visiting southern West Virginia for the first time to absolutely awe them. It is also a hike that my family and I attempt to go on every few year, because even locals can appreciate the beauty seen here.
A word of warning: this hike is not for small children. While a responsible elementary age child in the care of adults will fair fine, I strongly suggest not taking a child under the age of 6 due to the “Long Point” at the end of the hike with extremely steep cliff face drop-offs.
Parking and Local Eats
Long Point hiking trail starts in a generously large parking lot across from Arrowhead Bike Barn and Handle Bar + Kitchen. Whether you need sustenance before or after your hike, I highly recommend you stopping in the Handle Bar to get delicious burritos, local brews, and play with goats!
Beginning the Hike
After you’re fueled and ready, you will begin your hike on a well manicured gravel path. This section is open to hikers and bikers, so be aware of your surroundings. A wooden deck with local West Virginia history and natural facts will greet you as you make your way deeper into the trail. Stop and enjoy the view and learn a bit before continuing! The majority of this 2.9 mile trail is evenly graded, though the last 0.2 miles–where bikers are not allowed–quickly slopes downward as you descend to the long point. Notice the nestled canopy of rhododendron (West Virginia’s state flower) through this downward climb. I always feel transported to a fairy tale when I am hiking through the belly of a rhododendron forest!
The View
The forest floor will quickly disappear and be replaced with bald rock as you approach the final viewpoint. Stop and enjoy some of the offshoot views to your left and right, maintaining awareness of your surroundings–these cliffs are shear! Finally, you will see the New River Gorge Bridge perfectly framed as the focus of this rock peninsula’s view. You may have to wait your turn to get your souvenir picture, though, I’ve always found hikers respectful in giving others their space to enjoy the view. Complete the hike by turning around and retracing the path you came through. This is an out-and-back trail. If you are interested in extending this hike, several trails intersect Long Point Trail and can be seen on New River Gorge National Park Trail Maps.
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Endless Wall Trail
Views, views, and more views are offered in one of New River Gorge’s most popular hikes. Additionally, a lesser known climbing access route offers a bit of challenge and adventure to those seeking!
To Shorten or Lengthen?
This 2.2 mile trail is “technically” a moderate point to point trail. Though it can be completed as a loop or out and back depending on the length and time you are seeking. From the first parking lot you have the option to hike 2.2 miles on the trail which ends at a second parking lot. At this point, you have the option of turning left and walking 0.5 miles on the road back to your car (which many people do, drivers are aware of this) or turning around and walking back the 2.2 miles to the starting parking lot.
Endless Views
Endless Wall gets its namesake from being blazed directly on top of a massive cliff face that spans the entire mountain side. While hiking, you will frequently be presented with opportunities to step out of the woods and onto the cliff to admire the gorge and river below you. There are a handful of extremely popular viewpoints where you will find other hikers congregating, but feel free to explore and find views of your own–while making sure to remain safe and respectful of the forest. The wall below is a popular spot for rock climbing, and you may see rock climbers ascending as you hike. During rafting season, you are likely to see rafters and kayakers tackling the rapids of the New! As you turn away from the cliff face and complete the last leg of the hike, a serene creek and small bridge present a wonderful opportunity to stop and appreciate the beauty of West Virginia’s lively forests.
Descending the Wall
If you are looking for an extra adventure, a lesser known offshoot of the trail, installed for rock climbing access, allows you to access the base of the wall using a nearly vertical ladder built into a rock crevice! If starting at the first trailhead, you will notice signs for climbing access about 2 miles into the trail, right as the path begins to veer away from the cliff and into the forest. Following the signs will lead you to a hidden opening in the rocks where you should see the top of a ladder protruding from the hole. Take care while descending: it is steep! Below, you will not find a blazed hiking trail but small paths walked by rock climbers. Take care in respecting any climbers you may encounter by giving them plenty of space to do their thing!
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Kaymoor Miner’s Trail
Complete this hike and you deserve a medal of success for one of West Virginia’s toughest hikes. Though only 0.8 miles to the bottom, the steep incline from the parking lot leads to 821 stairs–quite the workout and an experience not to forget.
Kaymoor Top
The trailhead for Kaymoor Miner’s Trail can be found at Kaymoor Top parking area. This area is a hub for multiple trails including the Fayetteville Trail and Arrowhead bike trails. Additionally, many of the trails loop together and can be connected to form longer routes. Kaymoor Trail (not to be confused with Kaymoor Miner’s Trail) is a 4.2 mile trail which runs perpendicular to Kaymoor Miner’s Trail and offers a more moderate hiking experience including multiple waterfalls.
Old Coal
This trail takes you down a steep hillside complete with a sheer waterfall (often times climbers can be seen or heard summiting this face) before reaching the intersection of Kaymoor Trail. Here, you will come out onto an old road used by the mining company. Stop to take in the relics of former mining days and read about the machines and caves around you. You will even find multiple signs reminder former coal miners to stay safe for their families!
The Stairs
Count them if you will, but 821 stairs will be descending and promptly ascended to complete this hike. This is where the challenge begins! Personally, I always find the downhill to be more challenging… something about the depth perception and continual knee bracing throws my body off way more than the sheer grit needed to climb back up. Take breaks as needed, and notice the coal conveyor which follows your path down the mountain. This giant contraption was once used to transport coal from the mines to the bottom of the mountain for processing.
At the bottom of the stairs, you will find relics of the old coal processing facility. The buildings here are less preserved than the ones of Nuttallburg, but still offer a wonderful opportunity to explore and learn. Make sure to prepare yourself for the grueling return trip! But remember, it’s only 0.8 miles to the top!
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Castle Rock Trail / Tunnel Trail
Grandview: the name of this former State Park is not misplaced… though now park of the New River Gorge conglomerate. Also known as the Horseshoe Bend of the East, these views do not disappoint. This trail can be found right off of I-64 just south of Beckley, West Virginia. While there are many ways to enjoy the spectacular views offered at this park, Castle Rock/Tunnel Trail is one of my favorites. Technical two short trails combined into one, this route takes you from breathtaking views at the rim to hunching through rock formations and past sheer cliffs.
Both Castle Rock and Tunnel Trail branch off from the main vista at Grandview. While neither trails are difficult, I would be wary of taking small children due to the narrowness in some areas. Starting at the main viewpoint, turn left to begin Castle Rock trail; stroll along the rim as you enjoy the rhododendrons and views. Turn right when you reach a split in the trail to head down the mountain slightly. This will take you under the rock face where you have the ability to hike next to and under sheer rock walls. Keep an eye out for snakes in this area!
When you return to the main viewpoint, continue walking instead of heading to the parking lot. You should see signs for the tunnel trail, which is a one way trail that takes you under rock faces and through a rock tunnel then spits you out near the playground seen from the parking lot. Be ready to crouch and crawl, this is a short section of trail, but highly enjoyable!
Depending on the time of year, you may be able to catch a Theater West Virginia show performed at the Cliffside Amphitheater, which can be found at the entrance of Grandview.
BONUS HIKE (just outside of New River Gorge National Park)
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
Located within the beautiful Monroe County, West Virginia–easily one of the most serene places in the world–is this gem of a hike. At the top sits a fire tower turned raptor observatory. Fall migration is the peak season to observe birds, but this hike has a lot to offer all year long with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.
The hike to the tower is only about a mile from the parking lot, though, if you have an off-road capable vehicle, you may want to skip the parking lot and head to the fire road roughly 1/4 miles away! Going this way, you can access the observatory by scaling the backside of the mountain. Do be aware that this route will be MUCH more intense as you will literally be scaling up the mountain side.
Once at the top, be sure to have a windbreaker. The exposed mountain face gets windy and you will want to stay for a while to take it all in. Head into the observatory to read about local wildlife and sign the visitor book. After your hike, make sure to stop by Cheese n’ More in Gap Mills to enjoy their delicious deli sandwiches. If you enjoy cooking like me, you’ll be happy to explore their stockpile of spices, too!