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Sandstone Falls

4.6
·584 reviews·Shady Spring, United States

Experience the breathtaking, wide-reaching cascades of Sandstone Falls, a natural wonder in the New River Gorge.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Powerful cascades from melt

CrowdMedium
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Sandstone Falls - Image 1

Sandstone Falls

Best Time

Spring mornings

Powerful cascades from melt

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the breathtaking, wide-reaching cascades of Sandstone Falls, a natural wonder in the New River Gorge.

4.6
(584 reviews)

"A stunning span of short waterfalls with wonderful views from a boardwalk."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space for visitors to the falls. :car:

🚶 Boardwalk Views

Enjoy easy access via a long wooden boardwalk with numerous lookout spots. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cascading Falls

The Cascading Falls

Main viewing area

A stunning series of short waterfalls stretching across the New River, offering breathtaking views.

Island Loop Trail

Island Loop Trail

Near main viewing area

A short, accessible trail offering unique perspectives of the expansive sandstone waterfall.

Scenic Overlook

Scenic Overlook

Opposite side of Hinton

Drive to the other side of Hinton for a panoramic view of Sandstone Falls from a mountain vantage point.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Sandstone Falls

Sandstone Falls is a popular spot, especially during peak seasons. Consider visiting on weekdays or during shoulder seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. The falls are beautiful year-round, but spring melt offers powerful cascades.

Accessing Sandstone Falls

Sandstone Falls is part of the New River Gorge National Park. While the main viewing area is easily accessible with ample parking, some trails may be closed or unmaintained. Always check park conditions before your visit.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Powerful cascades from melt
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Autumn colors enhance views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Send this to someone you’d like to stay here with ❤️ Summer 2025 is almost completely booked at The Bungalows featuring Sandstone Falls! ✨ we still have a few spring, fall, and winter dates available for 2025! If you’re wanting to stay at The Bungalows during summer be sure to join our email list for last minute cancellations. We also have summer dates available for 2026! 🌿 📍 Hocking Hills, Ohio...
thecliffs_hockinghills
271.2K likes • 6.2M views

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space for visitors to the falls. :car:

🚶 Boardwalk Views

Enjoy easy access via a long wooden boardwalk with numerous lookout spots. :camerawithflash:

Send this to someone you want to visit Sandstone Falls with ✨❤️ 📍 Hocking Hills, Ohio
thecliffs_hockinghills
37.7K likes • 721.2K views
A cloudy evening on Sandstone Falls #newrivergorge #WestVirginia #waterfall
dave_has_a_camera
55 likes • 454 views

🏞️ Free to Explore

Admission to Sandstone Falls is completely free, making it a budget-friendly stop. :moneywithwings:

⚠️ Trail Closures

Be aware that some trails, like the Island Loop, may be closed or unmaintained. :warning:

Send this to someone you want to visit Sandstone Falls with ✨❤️ 📍 Hocking Hills, Ohio
thecliffs_hockinghills
2.4K likes • 60.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Don't worry about parking; there's plenty of space for visitors to the falls. :car:

🚶 Boardwalk Views

Enjoy easy access via a long wooden boardwalk with numerous lookout spots. :camerawithflash:

🏞️ Free to Explore

Admission to Sandstone Falls is completely free, making it a budget-friendly stop. :moneywithwings:

⚠️ Trail Closures

Be aware that some trails, like the Island Loop, may be closed or unmaintained. :warning:

🚗 Drive to Overlook

For a different perspective, drive to the scenic overlook on the other side of Hinton. :road:

🔊 Hear the Falls

Even from the viewing area, you can hear the impressive rumble of the rushing water below. :sound:

📍 Hocking Hills Option

Some accommodations in Hocking Hills, Ohio, are near a place also called Sandstone Falls. :housewithgarden:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(584 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Sandstone Falls for its impressive, expansive cascades and easy accessibility via a well-maintained boardwalk. The ample parking and free admission are significant draws, making it a convenient and enjoyable stop within the New River Gorge. Some visitors note that certain trails may be closed or unmaintained, and direct access to the water is limited.

"One of the highlights in the New River Gorge national Park in West Virginia. There is ample parking, picnic tables and a boardwalk to go and get wonderful views of the falls that extend quite a distance. You can have a short hike on Island loop trail. It is free to visit."

Dipak Oza

"Super interesting span of short waterfalls. Not much of a walk from the parking lot. Its a long wooden path with lots of look out spots."

kim romine

"Good spot to go and see the falls, its about a 20 minute drive to go over to them, if you have the time I would recommend doing that. The trees were blocking the view in places and its just better in person.

Some people mentioned a trail, it is marked as being closed and is not maintained, there are trees down and it is very steep."

Calvin Andries

What People Like

Expansive waterfall views
Easy boardwalk access
Ample free parking

What People Dislike

Closed/unmaintained trails
Limited water access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sandstone Falls is located in the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. It's about a 20-minute drive from Hinton. The main viewing area has ample parking. For a different perspective, you can drive to a scenic overlook on the side of the mountain by going through Hinton. Reddit

The most prominent Sandstone Falls, known for its expansive cascades, is in West Virginia, part of the New River Gorge National Park. There is also a place called Sandstone Falls associated with accommodations in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Instagram+1

The primary access is via a well-maintained boardwalk from the parking lot, offering excellent views. Some other trails may be closed or unmaintained, so stick to the main paths for ease of access. Reddit+1

Yes, there is ample parking available at the main viewing area for Sandstone Falls, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

You can drive directly to the main viewing area of Sandstone Falls. There's also an option to drive to a scenic overlook on the opposite side of Hinton for a different vantage point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sandstone Falls is free to visit. It's a highlight within the New River Gorge National Park and does not require an admission fee. Reddit

Sandstone Falls is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Specific park hours may apply, but the falls themselves are always visible. Instagram

No advance booking is necessary for Sandstone Falls as it is a free public access area within the national park. Reddit

While the main viewing area is accessible, some trails might be marked as closed or unmaintained due to safety concerns. Always respect posted signs and park regulations. Reddit

Yes, Sandstone Falls is an excellent spot for a quick stop. The main viewing area is very close to the parking lot, and the boardwalk provides easy access to the falls. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy the impressive views of the cascading waterfalls from the boardwalk, take a short walk on the Island Loop trail (if open), and listen to the roar of the water. There are also picnic tables available. Reddit+1

Swimming is generally not recommended or permitted directly at Sandstone Falls due to strong currents and the nature of the cascades. It's best enjoyed from the viewing platforms. Instagram

The main boardwalk leading to the viewing area is generally accessible and provides good views without strenuous hiking. However, some of the unmaintained trails may not be suitable. Reddit

The best way to view Sandstone Falls is from the extensive boardwalk, which offers multiple vantage points. Driving to the scenic overlook on the other side of Hinton provides a broader perspective. Reddit+1

Yes, there is a single, clean outhouse available at the Sandstone Falls viewing area. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The boardwalk offers numerous angles for capturing the width of the falls. The scenic overlook provides a grander, more distant view. Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal. Instagram+1

For capturing the water's movement, use a slower shutter speed to create a silky effect. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water and enhance colors. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted within national park boundaries. Always check the latest FAA and National Park Service regulations before flying a drone near Sandstone Falls. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer harsh shadows, making them ideal for photography. Cloudy days can also provide diffused light, which is great for waterfalls. Instagram

While you can hear the water's rumble, direct access to the water's edge is limited for safety reasons. The boardwalk provides excellent, safe viewing and photo opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sandstone Falls is a fantastic family-friendly destination. The main viewing area is easily accessible via a boardwalk, meaning kids can enjoy the impressive cascades without difficult hikes. There are picnic tables available, perfect for a family lunch amidst nature. Reddit+1

While some trails might be closed, the primary access points are safe and engaging for children. The sheer scale of the falls and the sound of the rushing water are captivating for younger visitors. Remember to supervise children closely, especially near any water features, and stick to the designated viewing areas. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers

Sandstone Falls is an ideal stop for day-trippers exploring the New River Gorge region. Its convenient location and easy accessibility make it a perfect addition to a scenic drive or a visit to nearby attractions. You can easily spend an hour or two here, enjoying the views and perhaps a picnic. Reddit+1

Combine your visit to Sandstone Falls with a stop at the New River Gorge Bridge or Grandview for a well-rounded day trip. The drive to the scenic overlook on the other side of Hinton also offers a different perspective and is easily incorporated into a driving tour. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Sandstone Falls offers a unique challenge and reward. The expansive nature of the falls allows for wide-angle shots capturing the entire river's breadth. Experiment with different shutter speeds to achieve the desired water effect – from a frozen, detailed look to a silky, ethereal flow. Instagram

Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the best light. Cloudy days can also be advantageous, providing soft, diffused light that minimizes harsh shadows and brings out the textures of the sandstone and water. Don't forget to explore the scenic overlook for a different compositional perspective. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Sandstone Falls

Sandstone Falls is a significant natural landmark within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. It's characterized by a series of cascades that stretch across the New River, creating a unique and expansive waterfall system. Unlike a single, dramatic drop, Sandstone Falls is a wide, multi-tiered spectacle, showcasing the river's power as it navigates the sandstone formations. The falls are a testament to the geological history of the region, shaped by erosion over millennia. Instagram+1

The accessibility of Sandstone Falls is a major draw. A well-constructed boardwalk allows visitors to walk along the riverbank, offering numerous viewpoints to appreciate the falls' breadth. This makes it an ideal stop for those who prefer not to undertake strenuous hikes but still want to experience the grandeur of nature. Ample parking is available, and picnic tables are provided, making it a pleasant spot for a leisurely visit or a family outing. Reddit+1

While the main viewing area is easily accessible, it's important to note that some secondary trails, like the Island Loop Trail, may be closed or unmaintained. Visitors are advised to stick to designated paths for safety. The sound of the rushing water is a constant companion, even from the viewing platforms, adding to the immersive experience of being in this natural wonder. Reddit+1

Exploring the New River Gorge National Park

Sandstone Falls is just one of the many attractions within the vast New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This park is renowned for its dramatic gorge, historic bridges, and diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging backcountry treks, go whitewater rafting on the New River, or enjoy scenic drives with breathtaking overlooks. Instagram

Beyond Sandstone Falls, key highlights of the park include the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the world's highest single-span steel arch bridges, offering stunning views and opportunities for bridge walks. Grandview State Park, accessible from the park, provides panoramic vistas of the gorge and features playgrounds and picnic areas, making it a family favorite. The park also preserves remnants of the region's coal mining history, offering a glimpse into its industrial past. Instagram

When planning a visit to Sandstone Falls, consider extending your trip to explore other parts of the New River Gorge. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you're an avid hiker, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a connection with nature, the New River Gorge offers an unforgettable experience. Instagram

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