Sample itinerary · West Virginia

New River Gorge

Three days on the rim of America's newest national park

Start with day 1
New River Gorge Bridge arching high above the river at dusk
The bridge from the river at dusk

Cliff-top overlooks, rhododendron tunnels, a famous steel arch bridge and a little mountain town that loves pizza. The New River Gorge is close enough to drive from Louisville in a morning and wild enough to feel far from home.

Great for Trailhead FamilySummit Seeker
  1. Canyon Rim
  2. Long Point
  3. Endless Wall
  4. Grandview
  5. Sandstone Falls

Before you go

Rules and seasons checked October 2026

No entrance fee

The park doesn't charge one. Trails and overlooks are free.

Unfenced cliffs

Long Point, Endless Wall and Grandview all have open edges. Hold hands at every overlook.

Bridge Day

On the third Saturday of October the bridge closes to cars for a festival with huge crowds. Plan around it, or plan for it.

Day 1 of 3

Arrive and meet the bridge

An easy first afternoon: the visitor center, the classic bridge view, then a golden-hour walk.

  1. Canyon Rim Visitor Center

    Stretch your legs, pick up Junior Ranger booklets, and walk out to the boardwalk for the postcard view of the New River Gorge Bridge.

    Alyssa's note The upper deck is accessible. The lower deck is down a long staircase, so save it for fresh legs.

  2. Long Point Trail

    About 3 miles round trip with around 400 feet of climbing. The trail ends on a rock point that looks straight at the bridge.

    Alyssa's note Go late. The light on the bridge is best in the last hour before sunset. Mountain bikes share this trail.

  3. Pizza in Fayetteville

    Pies & Pints is the town's well-loved pizza spot, a short walk from the courthouse square. Expect a wait on summer weekends.

Day 2 of 3

Endless Wall and Grandview

The best cliff walk in the park in the morning, then a drive south to the gorge's grandest overlook.

  1. Endless Wall to Diamond Point

    A 2.8-mile loop with about 400 feet of gain through rhododendron tunnels to cliff-top overlooks. Diamond Point is the big one.

    Alyssa's note About half a mile of the loop is on the road. Out-and-back to Diamond Point skips it.

  2. Picnic and rest

    Grab sandwiches in Fayetteville and eat at a pull-off or back at your cabin. Little hikers will need a real break before the afternoon.

  3. Grandview Main Overlook

    About 40 minutes south. A short paved walk to a wide view of a horseshoe bend in the river far below.

  4. Tunnel Trail

    A 0.6-mile round trip under huge sandstone walls to the mouth of a tunnel you can peek into. One of the best short walks in the park for kids.

    Alyssa's note Older kids who want more can add the rocky 1-mile Castle Rock loop from the same trailhead.

Day 3 of 3

Falls and home

A gentle boardwalk morning at the river's biggest falls, then the drive home.

  1. Sandstone Falls

    Boardwalks lead out over the river to a wide waterfall. About a mile round trip and nearly flat.

    Alyssa's note Admire it from the boardwalk. The rocks are slick and the current is strong, so no wading near the falls.

  2. Lunch in Hinton

    The closest town to the falls has a small historic downtown for an easy lunch before the drive.

  3. Head home

    Plan on about 5 hours back to Louisville with stops.

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Kid-tested trails on this trip

Distances are round trip. Times are estimates for a family with kids about 6 to 9; the Trail Finder adjusts them for your crew.

Open in the Trail Finder

Long Point Trail

3.0 mi400 ftAges 6+

Ends on a rock point looking straight at the New River Gorge Bridge. Best in the last hour before sunset.

Endless Wall to Diamond Point

2.8 mi400 ftAges 6+

Rhododendron tunnels to cliff-top overlooks.

Tunnel Trail at Grandview

0.6 mi150 ftAges 3+

Under huge sandstone walls to the mouth of a tunnel you can peek into.

Castle Rock Loop

1.0 mi210 ftAges 7+

Massive sandstone walls and rim viewpoints.

Sandstone Falls Boardwalk

1.0 mi50 ftAny age

Boardwalks out over the river to the upper and lower falls.

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Sources

Restaurants, hours, fees and seasons change. Confirm before you go.