Grandview Visitor Center
Experience the 'East Coast Horseshoe Bend' and stunning gorge vistas at Grandview Visitor Center, a family-friendly gem in New River Gorge National Pa...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden hour magic
Grandview Visitor Center
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the 'East Coast Horseshoe Bend' and stunning gorge vistas at Grandview Visitor Center, a family-friendly gem in New River Gorge National Park.
"The 'East Coast Horseshoe Bend' at Grandview offers a breathtaking panorama that rivals its famous Western counterpart."
📸 East Coast Horseshoe Bend
Don't miss the Main Overlook for a view often compared to Arizona's Horseshoe Bend!
🥾 Hike Turkey Spur
Moderate trail with rewarding, expansive gorge views. Accessible by car too!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Overlook
Grandview Visitor Center
The 'East Coast Horseshoe Bend' offers a breathtaking panorama of the New River Gorge.
Turkey Spur Trail
Grandview Area
A moderate hike leading to a unique overlook with stunning, expansive views of the gorge.
Playground & Picnic Areas
Grandview Visitor Center
Perfect for families, offering a fun break with scenic surroundings and amenities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Family Fun & Hiking Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 East Coast Horseshoe Bend
Don't miss the Main Overlook for a view often compared to Arizona's Horseshoe Bend!
🥾 Hike Turkey Spur
Moderate trail with rewarding, expansive gorge views. Accessible by car too!
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Playgrounds, picnic spots, and easy trails make it great for kids.
🚗 Ample Parking
Large parking lots accommodate RVs and busy days.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 East Coast Horseshoe Bend
Don't miss the Main Overlook for a view often compared to Arizona's Horseshoe Bend!
🥾 Hike Turkey Spur
Moderate trail with rewarding, expansive gorge views. Accessible by car too!
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Playgrounds, picnic spots, and easy trails make it great for kids.
🚗 Ample Parking
Large parking lots accommodate RVs and busy days.
📱 Good Cell Service
Verizon 4G LTE is reliable here for sharing your views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Grandview Visitor Center for its stunning, iconic overlooks, particularly the 'East Coast Horseshoe Bend.' It's highly recommended for families due to its playground and picnic facilities, and offers a good variety of hiking trails for different levels. Some noted the visitor center building itself is smaller than expected, but the views and natural beauty more than compensate.
"Went on a Sunday mid-October. The visitor center was closed due to the government shutdown. There are a couple of nice trails going from here, and the view of the horseshoe bend - the Main Overlook - is right there. The center has a large parking lot with lots of trees and they had nice fall colors. Pretty close by is also a playground for kids. I took the trail to Turkey Spur but you can also just drive there from the visitor center."
Vipul Singh
"One of the smaller visitor centers for New River Gorge National Park but had lots of hiking for us. We go 5 different trails in and lots of overlooks."
Mind Set On Travel
"Visited today amidst a light rain and clouds which dissipated, quite busy despite the weather plus I caught the visitor center while still open. Several mountain laurels in bloom, seen only a few blooms of rhododendron - I hiked Tunnel trail, Castle Rock, Turkey Spur and back to the main."
Shara Michaels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grandview Visitor Center is located within the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in West Virginia. It's accessible by car, with clear signage from major routes. The drive itself offers scenic beauty, especially during fall.
Yes, Grandview Visitor Center was transferred to the National Park Service in 1990 and is now a key part of the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
Absolutely! The Main Overlook is easily accessible from the visitor center parking lot. For Turkey Spur, you can either hike the trail or drive to its dedicated parking area.
Grandview is a fantastic stop if you're driving through West Virginia, offering stunning views and family-friendly amenities without a significant detour.
The Main Overlook provides an iconic, sweeping view. For a more immersive experience, consider hiking the Turkey Spur Trail or Grandview Rim Trail. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Grandview Visitor Center and the surrounding park areas is generally free. There are no admission fees required.
Visitor center hours can vary seasonally and may be subject to closures (like during government shutdowns). It's best to check the official NPS website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
Parking at Grandview Visitor Center and its associated overlooks and trailheads is free of charge.
Yes, even if the visitor center building is closed, the overlooks and many trails remain accessible, allowing you to enjoy the views and hiking.
Currently, there are no entrance fees or passes required for most areas of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, including Grandview.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Grandview offers several trails, including the Grandview Rim Trail (easy, 2.5 miles), Turkey Spur Trail (moderate, 2.6 miles), and Tunnel Trail (moderate, 1.2 miles).
Absolutely! It's very family-friendly with a playground, picnic areas, and accessible overlooks.
You'll find clean restrooms, picnic areas with grills, a playground, and the visitor center itself (when open) which offers information.
Expect stunning panoramic views of the New River Gorge, including the iconic 'East Coast Horseshoe Bend' from the Main Overlook.
Yes, the overlooks provide incredible opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly at Grandview Visitor Center. However, there are picnic areas with grills if you wish to bring your own food.
You'll find dining options in nearby towns like Beckley, which is a short drive away and offers various restaurants and cafes.
Yes, Grandview has designated picnic areas with grills, making it a perfect spot for a scenic lunch or dinner.
Pack your favorite foods, drinks, and any necessary utensils. Don't forget to pack out all your trash to keep the area clean.
Typically, visitor centers do not sell food, but they may have vending machines. It's best to bring your own snacks and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting a warm glow over the gorge.
The Main Overlook for its 'Horseshoe Bend' view, and various points along the Turkey Spur and Grandview Rim trails provide stunning photographic opportunities.
A smartphone camera is perfectly capable of capturing the beauty, but a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for the expansive gorge vistas.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using tripods in crowded areas.
During autumn, the entire area explodes with color. Focus on capturing the layers of the gorge with the vibrant foliage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
For unique perspectives, explore the Turkey Spur Trail or find your own vantage points along the Grandview Rim Trail. Sunrise and sunset provide the most magical light for your photos. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Grandview
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Turkey Spur Trail is a moderate, 2.6-mile round-trip hike. This trail leads to a unique overlook that juts out into the gorge, providing a different perspective and a sense of being immersed in the landscape. While it involves some elevation gain, the payoff is immense.
Many visitors also enjoy the Tunnel Trail, a moderate 1.2-mile loop that takes you through diverse forest scenery and offers glimpses of rock formations. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, carry water, and check trail conditions, especially after rain. The diverse trail system ensures that everyone can find a way to experience the natural beauty of the New River Gorge from Grandview.
Family-Friendly Adventures at Grandview
The accessibility of the Main Overlook and the ease of the Grandview Rim Trail make it manageable for even the youngest adventurers. Parents can enjoy the spectacular scenery while keeping an eye on their children. The combination of natural beauty and recreational facilities creates a memorable experience for the whole family.
Many visitors highlight the family-friendly atmosphere, noting that the park offers a good balance of natural exploration and simple fun. It's a place where kids can connect with nature while parents can relax and take in the magnificent views.
Capturing the Iconic Grandview Vistas
+1Beyond the Main Overlook, the Turkey Spur Trail offers a more adventurous photographic perspective. As you hike, you'll find numerous vantage points that showcase the vastness and depth of the gorge. The Grandview Rim Trail also provides continuous scenic opportunities, allowing you to frame shots of the river winding through the landscape.
While a smartphone camera can capture the beauty, a wide-angle lens can be particularly useful for encompassing the expansive panoramas. Remember to be patient, especially during peak times, and consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy a more serene photographic experience.
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