Army Camp

• All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted.

Brooklyn Campground

• All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted.

Burnwood Group Campsite

• To reserve the group campsite at Burnwood call (304) 465-6517. This site is only available for groups of 8 or more.

Glade Creek Campground

• All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted

Grandview Sandbar

• All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted.

Meadow Creek Campground

• Reservations are not required except for the group site (for groups of 8 or more). Group site can be reserved by calling 304-465-6517. Sites are first come-first serve.

Stone Cliff

• All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted.

Thayer Campground

• All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted.

War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground

• All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted.

Adena Trail

Labeled (2) on the Arrowhead Bike Trails map; LENGTH: 3.1 miles/4.99km (One-Way). DIFFICULTY: Easy to Intermediate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and Biking. DESCRIPTION: This trail loops through the forest on low-grade swooping dips along light uphill and downhill sections. This trail is 30" to 36" wide with a few rock-surfaced sections, wide turns and switchbacks, offering safe and exciting learning opportunities for beginning mountain bikers.

Arbuckle Connector Trail

Labeled (4) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map LENGTH: 0.3 miles/0.48 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This steep and rocky trail connects the Rend and Southside Trails. Located 1.2 miles from the Thurmond end of the Rend Trail, just past the third trestle, this 0.3 mile connector trail drops off to the right. This trail also provides glimpses of the stonework and coke ovens of the former mining town of Wee Win.

Big Branch Falls

• A narrow creek fed waterfall only a few feet wide cascades through the forest down multiple sandstone rocks. The clear water drops about 30 feet in multiple cascades at Big Branch Falls splashing into small pools and rocks below. Green moss, dead leaves, and other wildflowers and green plants litter the ground around the creek and waterfall.

Big Branch Trail

Labeled (5) on the Sandstone Brooks Area Trails map; LENGTH: 2.0 miles/2.74 km (Round-trip). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE Hiking only. On the west side of the river at Brooks Falls is the Big Branch Trail. This strenuous trail creates a 2 mile loop that is especially scenic in the early spring when wildflowers are in bloom. It can be a great place to see the early bloomers like trout lilies, spring beauties, toothwort, and bloodroot.

Big Buck Trail

Labeled (2) on the Grandview Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.9 miles/1.45 km (round trip). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This easy 0.9 mile trail loops through a rolling section of forest. Tree identification signs along the way celebrate the great diversity of flora found in the Appalachian forest.

Bridge Trail

Labeled (4) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map LENGTH: 0.86 miles/1.38 km (one way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This occasionally steep and rocky trail offers views of the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. The trail passes under the bridge and connects to the Fayetteville Trail.

Bright Hope Lodge

Brooklyn Coke Ovens

The beehive-style coke ovens of the Brooklyn Coal Company stand on the opposite side of the Southside trail, closer to the bank of the river.

Brooklyn Mine Trail

Labeled (1) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map LENGTH: 2.7 miles/4.35 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking, biking and equestrian. This 2.7 mile hiking and equestrian Trail follows an old road through the forest to the Brooklyn coal mine site. Scenic views of the river through the trees can be found along the trail.

Brooklyn Mining Complex & Community Ruins

Brooklyn was a mining community and complex established in the 1890’s as one of the last coal camps in the area.

Brooks Falls Roadside Park

Brooks Island Overlook

Burnwood Trail

Labeled (1) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Trails map LENGTH: 1.2 miles/1.93 km (Round-trip). DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This enjoyable 1.2 mile loop trail leads through old-growth forest and rhododendron thickets. The trail then follows the edge of an open field, loops back through the forest, and returns to the field. This area was a former home site of the Laing family.

• An open grassy field is next to a gravel parking lot. In the trees bordering the grassy field, there is a sign next to a dirt path. The sign says Burnwood Trail. The trail enters an old forest with tall trees and thick vegetation. Leaves, wood, and other debris litter the forest floor. Mushrooms grow out of decomposing logs and branches. Grey rocks are covered in moss. Birds and wildlife skitter around. Some old evidence of the former farmers is visible at times including a large open meadow field.

Burnwood Trail Stop 10: Old-Growth Forest Network

Burnwood Trail Stop 1: Logging in Appalachia

Burnwood Trail Stop 2: Defining Old-Growth

Burnwood Trail Stop 3: Forest Succession

Burnwood Trail Stop 4: Decoding the Old-Growth

Burnwood Trail Stop 5: Characteristics of Old Trees

Burnwood Trail Stop 6: How Tree Age is Determined

Burnwood Trail Stop 7: A Forest Giant

Burnwood Trail Stop 8: Decomposition

Burnwood Trail Stop 9: Old-Growth Habitat

Butcher Branch Falls

• A narrow dirt trail passes by rock cliffs and close trees. The path opens up to a creek flowing between rhododendron trees, a variety of green bushes, and tall trees. The creek flows down tiered sandstone rocks about 30 feet creating several small waterfalls. The sandstone is covered in brown, grey, and green lichens and mosses. Small and large tree branches have fallen across the falls with water flowing under and over them. The water ends in a small pool next to a large rock before flowing out of sight through dense forest down the side of the gorge. A large fallen tree crosses the pool with brownish red mushrooms growing on it. Beyond the fallen tree crossing the path continues to large rock cliffs used by rock climbers.

Butcher Branch Trail

Labeled (11) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map LENGTH: 0.8 miles/1.29 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This wooded trail connects the Kaymoor Top area to the Long Point Trail, with a spur to the popular Butcher Branch climbing area. There are steep sections and a small stream crossing on this trail.

Camp Washington Carver

Canyon Rim Boardwalk

Labeled (2) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Trails map LENGTH: 0.1 miles/0.16 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Easy/strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and accessible to the top overlook This boardwalk offers scenic views of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge. An easy walk on a fully accessible ramp leads to the first viewing point, while 178 steps descend to the lower overlook.

Castle Rock Trail

Labeled (4) on the Grandview Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.6 miles/0.97 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This strenuous 0.6 mile trail begins near Main Overlook and ends where it intersects the Grandview Rim Trail, approximately ½ mile from Main Overlook. Hikers will find close-up views of towering fortress-like rock walls and exposed coal seams. The Castle Rock Trail and Grandview Rim Trail can make a great one mile loop.

Cathedral Falls

• Next to a two-lane divided highway, a small gravel and dirt parking area sits next to a flowing creek. Cane creek flows down a rock shelf and cliff side 60 feet and splashes into shallow rock and sediment filled pool. Trees and green plants are on both sides of the falls up the side of the cliff. The rocks of the falls are covered in green mosses. A small bridge cross the creek at the bottom of the falls connecting the parking lot to a dirt and rock trail that leads closer to the falls base.

Chapter 1: Canyon Rim Visitor Center

Church Loop Trail

Labeled (5) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map LENGTH: 0.1 miles/0.16 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This 0.1 mile trail loops past the First Baptist Church of Thurmond.

Clovis Trail

Labeled (1) on the Arrowhead Bike Trails map. LENGTH: 1.1 miles/1.77 km (Loop Trail). DIFFICULTY: Easy to Intermediate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. DESCRIPTION: This compact loop trail offers lightly rolling, forested terrain on a tread that is 30" to 36" wide. There are a couple of short, even rocky sections that are simple to navigate on bike or foot. For runners and bikers, this trail offers a nice sense of flow. 

Coaling Tower

The tall coaling tower used to load rail cars.

• Between the banks of the New River and the railroad tracks that goes through town sits a large cement structure. The square tall tower about four-stories tall has a slanted roof with metal ladders coming out of it. Wheels on the side are all that’s left of the elevator system used to fill the tower with coal. The top two thirds are solid cement. Near the bottom of the solid por-tion are square slanted openings where chutes used to pour coal into the tenders of steam locomotives. Eight cement legs hold the structure up with four on the east side and four on the west side. The center is hollow allow-ing a north to south path underneath the tower. The legs have bits of metal rebar exposed as the building deteriorates. A small carving on the south side of the building says C&O 1922. Vegetation grows all around the base of the coaling tower. To the north of the tower is a ruined cement building without a roof and collapsing walls. The former sanding house is only about ten feet high and is covered in graffiti. CSX sometimes has some railroad equipment nearby.

Commissary Building

The old Commissary building that was most recently a U.S. Post Office.

• Along a brick path between the side of a hill and railroad tracks sits a grey single-story building with a gray roof. The building says United States Post Office Thurmond WV. A few plants grow in front of the building and an American flag flies on the flagpole in front. The building and post office is permanently closed, but signs still remind people to not trespass.

Conveyor Trail

Labeled (2) on the Nuttallburg Area Trails map; LENGTH: 0.8 miles/1.29 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This steep, rugged trail zigzags from the mid-bench level, not far from the mine entrance, to the old Keeneys Creek railroad line (trail). Views of the conveyor and gorge is visible from time to time, but be sure to watch your footing, for the trail surface is loose and slaggy (old coal debris from the conveyor) in many places.

Craig Branch Trail

Labeled (10) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map LENGTH: 2.4 miles/3.86 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This forest trail offers views of the river and gorge, plus it connects to the Kaymoor Trail, offering access to the historic Kaymoor coal mine site. There are several steep sections on this gravel trail (administrative road).

Dalton Trail

Labeled (3) on the Arrowhead Bike Trails map; LENGTH: 6.4 miles/10.3 (One-Way); DIFFICULTY: Intermediate: TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking; DESCRIPTION: This trail is more narrow than the easy (green) loops in the Arrowhead Trail system. Trail tread width is 20" to 24" with tight turns and mildly steep hills. From Point N, ride towards Point M along a ridge line, then drop down through a cool rhododendron tunnel.

DuBois High School

Dunloup Falls

• A paved pull-off on a narrow, paved road sits next to a large rock jutting out towards a creek several yards wide. The creek flows between a short rock cliff and the road with trees and green plants around it. The water reaches a drop off over the rocks and plunges 20 feet down in a wide, large cascade. A large pool forms at the bottom with a small path leading from the pull-off down to it. On the top of the opposite bank sits a single set of railroad tracks. A diesel locomotive with coal cars sometimes drives by and looks as if it's driving across the top of the waterfall.

Endless Wall Trail

Labeled (3) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map; LENGTH: 2.4 miles/3.86 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. The Endless Wall Trail is a 2.4 mile moderate walk that passes through rich forest, crosses Fern Creek, then zig-zags along the cliff edge. Many vistas can be seen along the trail.

Engine House

The Engine House was where the railroad crew worked on railcars and engines.

• A grassy and rocky field between railroad tracks and the trees of the New River's bank. Some cars may be parked in the empty area. There is no evidence that a large wooden engine house once sat in this place.

Fayetteville Trail

Labeled (5) on the Fayetteville - Lansing Area Trails map; LENGTH: 3.96 miles/6.37 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This trail connects Fayette Station Road, the town of Fayetteville, and Kaymoor Top with hiking access to Long Point. Be prepared for a creek crossing and up and down terrain. Connections can be made to the following trails: Kaymoor, Bridge, Park Loop, Timber Ridge, Long Point, Butcher Branch, Kaymoor Miners, and Craig Branch

Gauley Bridge Depot

Glade Creek Falls

• A dirt and rock trail walks uphill to a view of a several yards wide creek below. The creek flows over large brown sandstone rocks and plunges over 20 feet into a very deep blue green pool below. The riverbanks are covered in trees, bushes, and other vegetation. A small steep narrow path leads down to a closer look while the trail leads up further along the creek.

Glade Creek Trail

Labeled (1) on the Glade Creek Trails map; LENGTH: 5.6 miles/9.01 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking and biking. This 5.6 mile trail follows an abandoned narrow-gauge railroad along Glade Creek. The trail offers an enjoyable stroll at a very moderate grade, and is popular with hikers of all ages and abilities, as well as being a favorite destination for those in search of swimming holes.

Goodman-Kincaid Building

One of the original buildings of Thurmond that housed Mrs. McClure's diner.

• A tall wide three-story stone building sits between two other brick buildings in a row next to railroad tracks. A narrow gravel path a few yards wide sepa-ratees the tracks from the building. Between the center building and the other two are narrow allies only a few feet wide. The building itself is very wide with nine narrow well-spaced windows across the upper two floors. The windows are boarded up with green painted wood. On the first floor is a line of large shopping windows and entry doors spanning the entire width of the building. Columns and trim around the doors and windows are dark green painted wood. The larger of the two doors sits in a recess with a cement landing. No steps lead up to the recess anymore and a giant step is required to step up onto it.

Grandview

Grandview Rim Trail

Labeled (5) on the Grandview Area Trails map; LENGTH: 1.6 miles/2.57 km (One-way). DIFFICULTY: Moderate. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. This is the longest trail at Grandview, connecting Main Overlook with Turkey Spur. From Main Overlook to Turkey Spur is a moderate 1.6 mile hike (3.2 miles round trip). Along the way hikers will enjoy many breathtaking views of the gorge and river far below.

Gwinn Ridge Trail

Labeled (2) on the Sandstone Brooks Area Trails map; LENGTH: 3.0 miles/4.83 km (Round-trip). DIFFICULTY: Strenuous. TRAIL TYPE: Hiking only. South of Sandstone Visitor Center on the east side of the New River off Brooks Mountain Road is the Gwinn Ridge Trail, a three mile loop through a ridge top forest. The south branch of the moderately strenuous trail follows the edge of the ridge where hikers can sometimes (in winter) get views through the trees.

Harlem Heights

Canyon Rim Visitor Center

• Canyon Rim Visitor Center
• Canyon Rim Visitor Center is one of the park's primary, year round visitor centers. It is located at the New River Gorge Bridge, just north of Fayetteville. A wooden boardwalk provides scenic views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the gorge. There are no hiking trails that start at the visitor center. The center features exhibits, information, park film, and a book store.

Grandview Visitor Center

• Grandview Visitor Center
• The Grandview Visitor Center is one of our seasonal visitor centers, typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Here there are overlooks of the New River, five hiking trails, ranger-led walks and talks, summer outdoor dramas, and picnic areas with playgrounds.

Sandstone Visitor Center

• Sandstone Visitor Center
• Sandstone Visitor Center is one of the primary visitor centers for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It is a green design building where visitors can learn about the park and the watershed through exhibits and a park film. The center also features a native plant garden, picnic areas, and book store.

Thurmond Depot Visitor Center

• Thurmond Depot Visitor Center
• Thurmond Depot is a restored railroad depot located in the historic railroad town of Thurmond. Open seasonally (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day), the Depot is an information center and a park store.

• 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.

• 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 Grandview (these are all the areas designated as New River Gorge National Park, Camp Brookside, the Arrowhead Trail Area, the Park Loop Trail Area, and Burnwood.

• 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 approximately 3.0 miles in all. There are a few must sees and that is a detour off the main trail and follow the sign for Diamond Point. The view is amazing.

• 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 foot change in elevation for this trail.

• 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 hazards.

• 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.

• Stroll on the Sandstone Boardwalk
• Stroll along the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk.

• Sandstone Falls Overlook
• Wildlife Observation Nature Observation

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• Hike the Grandview Rim Trail
• Hike the Grandview Rim Trail

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

African American Heritage Driving Tour

This self-guided auto tour takes the user to seventeen historic sites in Summers, Raleigh, Fayette and Nicholas counties to learn about the history and experiences of the regions African Americans. Browse tour stops here, or hop in the car and follow directions to each tour stop.

New River Gorge Waterfall Tour

The New River Gorge Waterfall Tour follows the path of eight waterfalls starting north of the park near the town of Gauley Bridge and ending at the famous Sandstone Falls. Four of the falls are accessible from the road and four require hiking 4.5 miles on trails. Trails may contain uneven terrain, steep slopes, and distances of up to 2 miles round trip to reach the falls. It is possible to complete the tour in one day but not recommended. These waterfalls are also part of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.

Old-Growth Forest Hike

Old-growth forests are forests that existed before 19th century settlement and logging. It is a window in time glimpsing back into ancient forests. On the Burnwood trail, visitors can see old-growth forest dating back to the 17th century. The Burnwood trail is 1.2 miles of easy walking on dirt trail with some elevation change. The trail is mostly shaded and enjoyable in any season. Visitors taking the tour should wear good shoes, bring water, and use insect repellent.

Southern Scenic Driving Tour

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve encompasses over 70,000 acres of land as it follows the New River through the lower reaches of West Virginia. Beginning at the Grandview, this riverside driving tour ventures along the Park’s most scenic roads to the southern tip of its boundary, directing visitors towards some great views, recreational opportunities, and historic sites along the way.

Thurmond Walking Tour

Thurmond was the heart of the New River Gorge, carrying shipments of coal from surrounding coal fields to industrial areas nationwide. Visit the historic downtown (open year round) and depot (open seasonally) to learn more about what life was like in and around this railroad town. Service is spotty in Thurmond, we recommend downloading park content for offline use to ensure access to this tour. *NOTE* The railroad tracks are ACTIVE! Please only cross the railroad tracks at the crossing, near the Depot.