Have you been to America’s newest national park yet? New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia became America’s 63rd and newest National Park as of December 2020. While I think most people are sleeping on West Virginia, it is truly amazing how long this park has flown under the radar. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers some of the best outdoor adventures on the entire East Coast: hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, white water rafting, fishing, you name it!

Between the world-class outdoor recreation and rich cultural history, this park is deserving of its upgraded status to say the least.

A huge draw for outdoor enthusiasts of all types is, of course, the hiking. There are plenty of incredible hiking options in this park, and most of them are pretty moderate. Between overlook points, short trails, and loop trail combos, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The trails are also extremely well maintained, and they all seem to be dog-friendly!

Here are 5 of my favorite hikes, and a few other no-hike viewpoints for those who maybe aren’t up for a trek.

1. Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock

An out-and-back route starting from Grandview Overlook, this trail is 3.3 miles long and rated easy. Even if you can’t hike, the Grandview Overlook is just a short walk from the parking area and is absolutely breath-taking. It reminds me of Horseshoe Bend in Arizona — just green!

En route to Turkey Spur Rock, you can opt to take the Castle Rock Trail. It’s a little more difficult with loose rock and uneven footing, but provides great views of the river and towering rock walls (hence the name)! From the overlook at Turkey Spur Rock, you’ll be able to see both sides of the river from different vantage points. Be advised, reaching the overlook involves climbing 150 stairs!

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2. Glade Creek Trail

One of the longer hikes in the park, this trail is 6 miles point to point or 12 miles out and back. If I had to choose a favorite trail in the park, it would be this one. Glade Creek Trail follows a gorgeous clear water creek with several blue holes perfect for swimming. It’s shaded, and there are at least two waterfalls: Glade Creek Falls and Kate’s Falls. If you’re short on time, you can access a beautiful swimming hole 1 mile into the trail (Glade Creek Falls) from the campground trailhead.

The other waterfall is about 5 miles in, just up the Kate’s Falls trail. The entire trail is rated moderate for length and a slight, yet steady grade.

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3. Long Point Trail

This 3-mile round trip trail is pretty moderate with little elevation gain and a huge reward. Long Point Trail takes hikers to an incredible overlook of the gorge, the river, and New River Gorge Bridge. Roughly 1,000 feet high and over 3,000 feet long, the New River Gorge Bridge is the third highest bridge in the U.S. and a sight to see. You can also mountain bike this trail all the way up to the last 0.2 miles out to the overlook. If you’re looking for a longer adventure, there are several connecting trails that can be taken.

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4. Kaymoor Miners Trail

This trail is short (about 2 miles roundtrip) but is also a total leg burner. I’d recommend it for more intermediate or advanced hikers. As the name suggests, Kaymoor Miners Trail features the ruins of an old coal mine, which played a large part in the area’s history. The ruins are fascinating, but the 821 stairs plus additional incline on the trail are a serious challenge!

My favorite part of this trail was being able to feel the cold air blowing from some of the old coal vents. If the Kaymoor Trail is open, there’s also a waterfall you can hike to. This is a fantastic hike, just be prepared to spend a little extra time and have plenty of water!

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5. Endless Wall Trail

Depending on whether you make a loop or go out and back, the Endless Wall Trail is roughly 2.5 miles. The whole trail is scenic, passing through lush forest, over Fern Creek, and then meandering along a cliff edge. There is a great view of the New River Gorge Bridge from Diamond Point and “endless” rock walls along the rim of the gorge. You’ll likely see many climbers ascending or descending the sandstone cliffs, as this is a popular spot for rock climbers.

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No-Hike Viewpoints

Canyon Rim Visitors Center

Located just north of Fayetteville, Canyon Rim Visitors Center is open year-round and situated right next to the New River Gorge Bridge. The best viewpoint does require about 150 stairs, but if you can manage, they’re worth it for the epic view.

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Concho Overlook

Concho Overlook is right near ACE Adventure Resort and truly requires no hiking. It’s one of the best viewpoints of the gorge and overlooks the historic coal mining town (now ghost town) of Thurmond.

As always, make sure you do your own research on these hikes so you can plan and prepare appropriately. Please be sure to review the principles of Leave No Trace so you can minimize your impact and preserve these beautiful natural areas for generations to come!

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Kris Maria is a hiking and travel blogger based in the Washington, D.C., area. Visit her website, krismariawanders.com, for more East Coast adventure ideas