Finding a blank space on our calendar where a busy Tuesday would normally be, Natalie and I decided to head out to cross another national park off her list. The national park system’s newest park, New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, seemed the perfect distance for an impromptu road trip. We loaded up the car with water, snacks and hiking gear and headed out.
National Park Visitor Centers
If you plan on visiting a national park, I highly recommend stopping off at the visitor center first. The rangers there are a wealth of knowledge and you can pick up maps and information about the park. They often have a small merchandise area where you can collect pins and patches as well as a small offering of clothing and souvenirs.
Each visitor center offers a stamp station. If you have a travel log or dedicated national park book, you can imprint a park specific stamp into your book. If you don’t yet have a book but like the idea of collecting the stamp there is often paper available. Your stamp will provide the name of the park and the date of your visit.
While at the visitor center, you might want to take a picture next to the official park sign. This is a good first picture if you’re building an album. It will help you remember where you were for the pictures to follow.
Prior to December 2020 the area was known as the New River Gorge National River. It so recently became a national park that the sign had not yet been replaced and instead had on a temporary covering with the new designation. Since Natalie is trying to collect 63 of these pictures, we snapped a shot of her next to it anyway.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Our first stop at the New River Gorge National Park was the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in the Fayetteville area of the park. The park itself is actually 53 miles long, so our activity on the day trip would be isolated to the nearest end.
We had decided ahead of time to do the Endless Wall Trail, a 2.4 mile moderate level hike along the cliff edge with views of the river and gorge. A ranger at the visitor center advised us that the trail can get busy. Since the parking lot can be packed, she offered a few options.
After looking at the map, we decided on the Long Point Trail. This trail is across the gorge from the Endless Wall Trail and runs 1.6 miles out to a rock outcrop for a total hike of just over three miles. According to the park website it is also rated at a moderate skill level.
Long Point Trail
From the parking lot, the trail begins by cutting through a grassy wetland area and then enters the forest. From there, the trail descends eventually reaching a area of rhododendrons. Through one section it seemed as if they were everywhere and I can imagine they would be beautiful when in bloom. The rhododendron is the state flower of West Virginia.
Breaking through the thicket of rhododendrons revealed the entirety of the gorge. Long Point, which is a an outcrop of rock jutting out into the gorge lay before us.
The rock is maybe 30 feet wide and approximately 70 yards long, although I am somewhat horrible at estimating measurements. At any rate, it was comfortable for a few families to be out on it at the same time. It offers amazing views of the gorge.
I did have a few thoughts about the trail. It is mostly flat with moderate inclines. There was some significant mud in a few places when we went as a storm passed through the day before. Though the trail is not difficult there are portions where you will need to be careful as roots can provide trip hazards. And most of all, be careful of children and pets once on Long Point. There are no barriers or guard rails and the cliffs are high.
You’ll definitely want to get some pictures on Long Point. It would also be a great place to stop for lunch if you’ve planned ahead.
Canyon Rim Overlook
After Long Point, we returned to the visitor center to walk the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk. This is a short accessible trail along a boardwalk to see the bridge fairly close. There’s an upper observation platform and an even closer look if you choose to take the steps down to the lower platform.
New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park was a great stop for a day trip, but it would be equally good for a week’s stay. The park offers so much to do beyond just hiking.
There are a number of outdoor adventure companies operating within and near the park. Many know the area for its white water rafting and in fact it’s famous for it. There are a number of trips that range from a few hours to full day experiences and beyond. Some are tailored for the seasoned adventurer while others are suitable for families.
Rock climbing is also very popular within the park. Check the park website for restrictions ahead of time. Other activities include biking and fishing. There are a number of hiking trails, some which lead to waterfalls. Dogs are allowed on all park trails, making New River Gorge one of the most pet friendly national parks.
If you plan to stay in the area there are a number of state park lodges, motels and cabins in the area along with a number of camping areas. Restaurants and shopping areas of also sprung up surrounding the park.
Though we usually thank you for FindingOhio with us, we still appreciate you joining us on our day trip to wild wonderful West Virginia. Just 3.5 hours outside of Columbus (only 2.5 hours from Athens), New River Gorge National Park is a great choice for a day trip or a family vacation.
For more adventures in the Buckeye State, check out our Day Trips section. If you’re looking for additional trips beyond our borders, you can follow us in the Travels section. And, as always, we appreciate your sharing our content on social media.