Turkey Spur Overlook
Ascend 150+ steps for breathtaking 360-degree views of the New River Gorge from this iconic overlook.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Turkey Spur Overlook
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend 150+ steps for breathtaking 360-degree views of the New River Gorge from this iconic overlook. 
"The 100+ stair climb to the top of Turkey Spur Overlook! It was well worth the climb!
👟 Stair Challenge Ahead!
Be ready for 150+ steps to the top. Take your time and enjoy the journey!
🚗 Parking is Limited
The small lot fills quickly. Arrive early or consider hiking from Grandview.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turkey Spur Overlook
Grandview Area, New River Gorge National Park
Ascend 150+ steps for breathtaking 360-degree views of the New River Gorge and surrounding mountains.
+1Grandview Rim Trail
Grandview Area, New River Gorge National Park
Hike this moderate 3.4-mile out-and-back trail for a scenic journey to Turkey Spur.
Grandview Main Overlook
Grandview Area, New River Gorge National Park
Easier access to impressive gorge views, a great alternative if the Turkey Spur climb is too challenging.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
Best Views & Access
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Stair Challenge Ahead!
Be ready for 150+ steps to the top. Take your time and enjoy the journey!
🚗 Parking is Limited
The small lot fills quickly. Arrive early or consider hiking from Grandview.
🥾 Hike or Drive?
Both options offer great views. Hiking provides a fuller experience.
📸 Capture the Panorama
Three viewpoints offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't miss them!
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Stair Challenge Ahead!
Be ready for 150+ steps to the top. Take your time and enjoy the journey!
🚗 Parking is Limited
The small lot fills quickly. Arrive early or consider hiking from Grandview.
🥾 Hike or Drive?
Both options offer great views. Hiking provides a fuller experience.
📸 Capture the Panorama
Three viewpoints offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't miss them!
💧 Bring Water
Stay hydrated, especially during the climb and hikes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular panoramic views from Turkey Spur Overlook, calling the climb well worth the effort. While some find the 150+ steps challenging, the breathtaking scenery of the New River Gorge is consistently praised. Many appreciate the free access and the opportunity for both hiking and driving to the viewpoint.
"What a great overlook made possible by people building a wooden walkway to the top. We took the Grand Rim Trail to get there and wonderful views. One can drive there as well if you don’t want to walk."
Mind Set On Travel
"Excellent views of the New River. To reach the lookout, you have to walk up 150+ steps without railing with deep ravines on one side. There is a small parking lot that can hold about six cars. The entry is free."
Dipak Oza
"Beautiful !!! Must visit to see the gorge, river rapids and visitor center is a historical gathering place for locals with lot of amenities including large pavilions and volley ball, basket ball courts etc. recommending take the hike to turkey spur rather than driving. A 3+ mile easy hike and worth the views."
Naresh Modepalli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to a small parking lot near Turkey Spur Overlook via Turkey Spur Road in the Grandview area of New River Gorge National Park. Alternatively, you can hike to it via the Grandview Rim Trail from the Grandview Visitor Center.
Yes, there is a small parking lot that can hold about six cars. It fills up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! The Grandview Rim Trail offers a moderate 3.4-mile out-and-back hike to Turkey Spur, providing a more immersive experience.
Yes, dogs are allowed on trails and in the park, but must be kept on a leash.
For the full experience, hiking the Grandview Rim Trail is recommended. However, driving to the parking lot is an option for those seeking a quicker visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Turkey Spur Overlook and New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is free.
Turkey Spur Overlook is accessible year-round during daylight hours, as it is part of the national park.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. It's first-come, first-served for parking.
There are no age restrictions, but the 150+ steps may be challenging for very young children or individuals with mobility issues.
Just yourself and your sense of adventure! Comfortable shoes and water are highly recommended for the climb and any hiking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There are over 150 steps to reach the very top of Turkey Spur Overlook.
You'll get panoramic views of the New River Gorge, including the river rapids, and the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
The climb involves over 150 steps and can be strenuous for those not in shape. It's recommended to take your time.
Restroom facilities are available at the nearby Grandview Visitor Center, but not directly at the overlook itself.
Turkey Spur requires a climb of 150+ steps for its highest vantage point, while the Grandview Main Overlook offers excellent views with easier, more direct access.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting. Mid-day can be bright but still provides stunning panoramic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gorge views. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions.
The top of the overlook provides three separate viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of the gorge.
Drone usage is restricted in National Parks. Check the NPS website for current regulations before flying.
Include elements like the river, trees, or even people in your shots to give a sense of the vastness.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families who might find the climb too strenuous, the Grandview Main Overlook provides equally stunning views with much easier access. This ensures everyone can enjoy the beauty of the New River Gorge without the intense physical exertion.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Combine your hike with exploring other trails in the Grandview area for a full day of outdoor activity. Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and wear sturdy hiking boots. The diverse trails provide opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy the serene forest environment.
+1📸 Photographers
+1Experiment with different compositions to showcase the scale of the gorge and the winding river. The journey up the steps can also be a unique photographic element, adding a sense of accomplishment to your images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Turkey Spur Climb: A Stairway to Heaven
For those who prefer to avoid the strenuous climb, the Grandview area offers other overlooks, such as the Main Overlook, which provides spectacular views with much easier access. This makes Turkey Spur Overlook a destination for those seeking a bit of adventure and a rewarding physical challenge, while still offering alternatives for a more relaxed appreciation of the gorge's beauty.
It's worth noting that the wooden walkway and steps are a testament to the park's efforts to enhance visitor access to these incredible natural formations. The effort involved in reaching the top is often cited as part of what makes the view so satisfying.
Hiking Trails Around Turkey Spur
Some visitors combine their visit to Turkey Spur with other trails in the area, such as the Castle Rock Trail, creating longer, more adventurous routes. These hikes can range from 3 miles to over 8 miles, depending on the chosen path and starting point. It's advisable to check trail conditions and difficulty levels before setting out, especially if you're planning a longer excursion.
+1Remember to wear appropriate footwear, carry plenty of water, and be aware of your surroundings. Hiking to Turkey Spur not only offers a chance to see the overlook but also to appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of the Appalachian region.
Photography at Turkey Spur Overlook
When composing your shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scenery. Including elements like the river, the trees, or even fellow visitors can help convey the immense scale of the gorge. The climb itself can also be a photographic subject, capturing the effort and anticipation of reaching the summit.
+1While the overlook itself is the main attraction, don't forget to look for opportunities to photograph the details of the natural environment, such as wildflowers, rock formations, or wildlife encountered on the trails. The park offers a rich tapestry of visual subjects for any photographer.
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