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Endless Wall Trail New River Gorge West Virginia

4.8
·28 reviews·, United States

Hike along dramatic cliff edges for breathtaking views of the New River Gorge, a moderate trail with stunning overlooks.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall Mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

CrowdLow
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Endless Wall Trail - Image 1

Endless Wall Trail New River Gorge West Virginia

Best Time

Spring & Fall Mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike along dramatic cliff edges for breathtaking views of the New River Gorge, a moderate trail with stunning overlooks.

4.8
(28 reviews)

"If you are afraid of heights, don’t go there. It’s absolutely beautiful! This place is heaven!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Trailhead Parking Strategy

Use two cars to park at both Fern Creek & Nuttall trailheads to avoid walking on the road.

⚠️ Respect the Edge!

Be mindful of heights; some cliff edges are very close to the gorge.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diamond Point Overlook

Diamond Point Overlook

Endless Wall Trail

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the New River Gorge from this iconic cliffside perch.

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Cliffside Vistas

Cliffside Vistas

Along the Endless Wall Trail

Zigzag along sandstone cliffs with dramatic vertical drops, offering unparalleled views of the river below.

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Forest and Creek Scenery

Forest and Creek Scenery

Endless Wall Trail

Hike through a rich forest, crossing a creek, before reaching the dramatic gorge overlooks.

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Planning Your Visit

Trailhead Logistics

The Endless Wall Trail is point-to-point, meaning it starts and ends in different locations. To avoid a potentially unsafe walk on the road back to your car, consider parking one vehicle at the Fern Creek Trailhead and another at the Nuttall Trailhead. This is a common tip from visitors to maximize your hiking experience without safety concerns. Reddit

Embrace the Heights

This trail offers stunning, unobstructed views from cliff edges, some reaching 1000 feet above the gorge. If you have a fear of heights, be prepared, as some sections are very close to the edge. TikTokInstagram However, many find the dramatic vistas to be the highlight of the hike. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall Peak Season
Why
Stunning fall colors
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The USA newest & largest Park! Endless Wall, West Virginia. If you are afraid of heights, don’t go there⚠️😆. It’s absolutely beautiful! This place is heaven! A Bucketlist💯⛰️🥾😱. #mountain #Hiking #hike #hikes #westvirginia #newriver #newrivergorge
@yoyo_golden_trails
27.6K likes • 528.9K views

🚗 Trailhead Parking Strategy

Use two cars to park at both Fern Creek & Nuttall trailheads to avoid walking on the road. Reddit

⚠️ Respect the Edge!

Be mindful of heights; some cliff edges are very close to the gorge. TikTokInstagram

I hiked 30 minutes up endless wall trail with my guitar and tripod 🥵🤣 #countryroads #johndenver #coversong #endlesswalltrail #hike
@johnmajormusic
13.1K likes • 174.5K views
Endless Wall Trail is an amazing hike when visiting West Virginia during fall! 🍁2.5 mile hike and super moderate 🍁Within New River Gorge National Park 🍁Two Parking lots with bathrooms . Be part of solution and not the pollution make sure to always pick up after yourselves and always respect the nature around you 😍
mappingourtracks
499 likes • 5.8K views

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be rocky and uneven in places, good footwear is essential. TikTok

🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome

Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but keep them on a leash. Instagram

These are 3 must do’s at New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia! 1. Sandstone Falls 2. Endless Wall Trail 3. The Grist Mill #newrivergorge #newrivergorgenationalpark #westvirginia #visitwestvirginia #nationalparks #nationalpark #nps #westvirginiamountains #newriver #newrivergorgebridge #newrivervalley #hiking #hikingadventures #hikingtrails #hikingtrail #hikinglife
danny.molly.travel
0 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Trailhead Parking Strategy

Use two cars to park at both Fern Creek & Nuttall trailheads to avoid walking on the road. Reddit

⚠️ Respect the Edge!

Be mindful of heights; some cliff edges are very close to the gorge. TikTokInstagram

🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail can be rocky and uneven in places, good footwear is essential. TikTok

🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome

Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but keep them on a leash. Instagram

💧 Pack Water & Snacks

Stay hydrated and fueled for this moderate hike with beautiful views. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(28 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning, dramatic gorge views and the moderate hiking experience. The trail's cliffside path offers unforgettable vistas, though some note the small parking lots and the need for careful planning regarding the point-to-point nature of the hike. Safety near the edges is a recurring theme.

"Loved this trail. Easy trail to beautiful Cliffside views. Rock climbers in area. The only struggle is parking."

Sabrina Smith

"Great hike! Went halfway up and then turned around to the trailhead! Got great views along the way."

A Doolan

"Nice hike to some overlooks of gorge. Small parking lot and the roads from visitors center are very narrow so be careful."

Chris Nycum

What People Like

Spectacular gorge views
Moderate hike
Diamond Point Overlook

What People Dislike

Small parking lots
Point-to-point logistics
Proximity to cliff edges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Endless Wall Trail can be accessed from two main trailheads: Fern Creek Trailhead and Nuttall Trailhead. Both are located off Lansing-Edmond Road, north of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Turn off Route 19 onto Lansing-Edmond Road. Fern Creek is about 1.3 miles down, and Nuttall is about 1.8 miles down. TikTok

Parking lots at both trailheads can be small and fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early or on a weekday is recommended. Instagram

Yes, it's a point-to-point trail. Many visitors opt to hike a portion and turn back, or use two cars to shuttle between trailheads for a full traverse. Reddit

The roads leading to the trailheads can be narrow. Drive cautiously, especially if you encounter oncoming traffic. Reddit

For the full experience, consider hiking from one trailhead to the other. If you only have one car, hike to a scenic overlook and return to your starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Endless Wall Trail is located within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which is free to enter. No tickets or passes are required for hiking. Instagram+1

The trail is open year-round during daylight hours. However, the best times to visit for pleasant weather and views are typically April through October. Instagram

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve does not have an entrance fee, making it accessible for all visitors. TikTok

No special permits are required for day hiking on the Endless Wall Trail. Standard Leave No Trace principles apply. Instagram

While the park is generally accessible, hiking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for the best and safest experience. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Endless Wall Trail is approximately 2.4 miles point-to-point, but many visitors hike out-and-back to specific overlooks, making their hike shorter. A loop option involving road walking is also possible, around 5.7 miles. Instagram+1

The trail is generally considered moderate. It involves some elevation gain and can be rocky, but the path is well-defined. Instagram+1

Expect dramatic, sweeping views of the New River Gorge from cliff edges. You'll see the river, whitewater rafters, and lush forest. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, both the Fern Creek and Nuttall trailheads typically have restrooms available. Instagram

While moderate, beginners can enjoy parts of the trail by hiking to a scenic overlook and returning. Be mindful of the cliff edges. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Diamond Point Overlook is a prime spot for stunning photos. Any section along the cliff edge offers incredible gorge vistas. Instagram+1

Exercise extreme caution when taking photos near the cliff edges. Maintain a safe distance from the drop-offs, especially in windy conditions. TikTokInstagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for gorge photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers dramatic views. Instagram

Yes, tripods are allowed and can be very useful for capturing stable shots, especially during golden hour. TikTok

While Diamond Point is popular, exploring other sections of the cliffside trail can lead to unique and less crowded photo opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Endless Wall Trail offers a rewarding experience for families, though it requires careful supervision due to the cliff edges. Consider hiking a shorter section, like to Diamond Point Overlook, and returning to your starting point. This allows kids to experience the stunning views without committing to the full point-to-point hike. Instagram+1 Ensure children stay well back from the cliff edges at all times. TikTok The trail is moderately challenging, so younger children might need assistance on some of the rockier sections. Packing plenty of snacks and water is always a good idea for family outings. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Endless Wall Trail is a dream. Diamond Point Overlook is a must-visit for its iconic vistas, but don't overlook other sections of the trail that offer unique perspectives of the gorge. Instagram+1 The best light for capturing the dramatic landscape is during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. Instagram Be prepared for potential crowds at popular spots like Diamond Point, especially during peak seasons. Bringing a tripod can be beneficial for capturing stable shots, particularly in lower light conditions. TikTok Always prioritize safety when composing your shots near the cliff edges. Instagram

🐶 Dog Lovers

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Endless Wall Trail, making it a great option for those who want to bring their furry companions along for an adventure. Instagram Remember to always keep your dog on a leash to ensure their safety and respect for other hikers and wildlife. Instagram Be mindful that some sections of the trail are close to steep drop-offs, so keep a close eye on your pet, especially if they are prone to wandering. Carrying extra water for your dog is also recommended. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trailheads

The Endless Wall Trail is a point-to-point hike, meaning it doesn't loop back to your starting point. This presents a logistical challenge for visitors with only one vehicle. The two primary access points are the Fern Creek Trailhead and the Nuttall Trailhead, both accessible from Lansing-Edmond Road. TikTok Many visitors recommend using two cars, parking one at each trailhead, to complete the trail without having to walk along the road. Reddit If you only have one car, you can hike to a scenic overlook and return to your starting point, or be prepared for a walk on the road, which some reviewers note can be busy and less safe. Reddit

Understanding these trailhead options is crucial for planning your hike. The Fern Creek Trailhead is often cited as being slightly further down the road from Route 19. TikTok Both trailheads offer parking and, importantly, restrooms, making them convenient starting or ending points for your adventure. Instagram

The Thrill of Cliffside Hiking

The defining feature of the Endless Wall Trail is its dramatic journey along the rim of the New River Gorge. Hikers traverse a path that frequently runs parallel to sheer sandstone cliffs, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views. Instagram+1 These cliffs can have vertical drops of up to 1000 feet, providing a thrilling experience for those who appreciate heights. TikTokInstagram The trail winds through forests and crosses a creek before opening up to these spectacular vistas, making the journey as beautiful as the destination. Instagram

While the views are spectacular, visitors with a fear of heights should be aware of the proximity to the edge. TikTok However, for many, this is precisely what makes the hike so memorable. The opportunity to stand on the edge of the gorge and gaze out at the vast landscape is a bucket-list experience for many hikers. TikTok Remember to always stay on marked trails and exercise caution when taking photos near the cliff edges. Instagram

Best Times for an Unforgettable Hike

The Endless Wall Trail is a popular destination, and timing your visit can significantly enhance your experience. The trail is generally best enjoyed from April through October, offering pleasant temperatures for hiking. Instagram During the spring and fall, you'll find fewer crowds, making for a more serene experience. Reddit The mornings are particularly lovely, with softer light and cooler air. TikTok

Fall is a standout season, with the surrounding forests erupting in vibrant colors, making the gorge views even more spectacular. Instagram However, this beauty also attracts more visitors, so expect higher crowd levels during peak fall foliage. Instagram Weekday afternoons can offer a good balance, as some of the day-tour groups may have thinned out, providing a slightly less crowded experience than weekends. Instagram

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