Hikes and walks (5)
| Hike | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Run Grandview Rim Trail | Trail run that is 3.1 miles. This is an out and back route that is on different compositions. It is mostly a dirt path with varying degrees of hardness. In fall, when leaves are falling, be aware that the leaves can block view of any dips in the trail terrain. | Pets OK |
| Trail run at Endless Wall | Endless Wall Trail is and excellent place for a trail run but due to the volume of other hikers, this trail runner would recommend that this be an early morning location. The trail is easy to moderate for elevation change and if you make a loop and run on the road to connect the two parking areas, the loop will be appr | 60 to 120 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail | The 4.0 mile roundtrip trail run or hike is strenuous. The terrain is crushed rock for most of the trail, but there are a few areas that the terrain can be a bit uneven. If you start at the trailhead in the Grandview location, it will be downhill for 2.0 miles and then uphill for 2.0 miles. There will be just over 1000 | 30 to 120 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| Castle Rock Hike | Amazing hike that brings you right next to the layers of rocks that make-up the gorge. The trail is uneven and requires some scrambling over some of the rock obstacles. The steps are made up of rocks and can be super slippery when wet. This trail is not recommended if there is ice or snow due to potential slipping haza | 30 to 120 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| Hike the Grandview Rim Trail | Hike the Grandview Rim Trail | 0 to 2 Hours · All year · Pets with limits |
Other things to do (11)
| Activity | What it is | Time, season, pets |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting in the Park | Hunting is permitted in any areas designated as National Preserve. Knowing your location and rules for that area are the hunter's responsibility. There are areas where hunting is prohibited in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including safety zones near public areas and the 800 acre section of the park at Gr | Winter, Fall · Pets with limits |
| Bicycling at New River Gorge | New River Gorge National River offers over fifty miles of mountain bike trails, varying from easy to difficult in terrain and distance. | All year · Pets OK |
| Stroll on the Sandstone Boardwalk | Stroll along the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk. | 30 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| Sandstone Falls Overlook | Wildlife Observation Nature Observation | 10 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| Brooks Overlook | Brooks Overlook is a favorite viewing spot for visitors and locals. There is a pair of Bald eagles that reside, year round, on Brooks Island and catching a glimpse of them is sure to spark delight. | 5 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| Grandview Main Overlook | The Grandview Main Overlook is located about two football fields in distance from the parking area near the Grandview Visitor Center. There is a kiosk that is a triangular shaped structure with maps and information and the walking path to the Overlook begins at this location. | 15 Minutes · All year · Pets OK |
| View the Overlooks at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center | Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlooks for the New River Gorge Bridge and the New River Gorge | 0 to 30 Minutes · All year · Pets with limits |
| Climbing at New River Gorge | With over 1,400 established climbing routes, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has become one of the most popular climbing locations in the country. | Pets OK |
| Fishing at New River Gorge | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers many outstanding opportunities for fishing in teh New River and its tributaries. | Pets OK |
| Whitewater Boating | Whitewater rafting and kayaking is one of the more popular activities at New River Gorge. Boaters can go with an outfitter or on your own if you have the proper experience. The New River is characterised by big, powerful rapids and a boulder strewn river gorge. | Spring, Summer, Fall · No pets |
| Scenic Drive on Fayette Station Road | The scenic Fayette Station Road provides outstanding views of the gorge and the river while passing under the New River Gorge Bridge three times as it winds up and down the steep sides of the gorge. | 45 Minutes · Spring, Summer, Fall · Pets with limits |
Before you set out
Trail conditions change with snow, fire and storms. Check the park’s current alerts, carry the ten essentials and read know before you go.
Sources
- National Park Service: things to do in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (Data API, public domain)
Last checked 1 November 2026.