
Endless Wall Trail New River Gorge West Virginia
Hike along dramatic cliff edges for breathtaking views of the New River Gorge, a moderate trail with stunning overlooks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps

Endless Wall Trail New River Gorge West Virginia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike along dramatic cliff edges for breathtaking views of the New River Gorge, a moderate trail with stunning overlooks.
"If you are afraid of heights, don’t go there. It’s absolutely beautiful! This place is heaven!"

🚗 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diamond Point Overlook
Endless Wall Trail
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the New River Gorge from this iconic cliffside perch.

Cliffside Vistas
Along the Endless Wall Trail
Zigzag along sandstone cliffs with dramatic vertical drops, offering unparalleled views of the river below.

Forest and Creek Scenery
Endless Wall Trail
Hike through a rich forest, crossing a creek, before reaching the dramatic gorge overlooks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trailhead Logistics
Embrace the Heights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be rocky and uneven in places, good footwear is essential.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but keep them on a leash.
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.
⚠️ Respect the Edge!
Be mindful of heights; some cliff edges are very close to the gorge.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be rocky and uneven in places, good footwear is essential.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Bring your furry friends along for the hike, but keep them on a leash.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled for this moderate hike with beautiful views.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Parking lots at both trailheads can be small and fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early or on a weekday is recommended.
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.
The roads leading to the trailheads can be narrow. Drive cautiously, especially if you encounter oncoming traffic.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve does not have an entrance fee, making it accessible for all visitors.
No special permits are required for day hiking on the Endless Wall Trail. Standard Leave No Trace principles apply.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
The trail is generally considered moderate. It involves some elevation gain and can be rocky, but the path is well-defined.
Expect dramatic, sweeping views of the New River Gorge from cliff edges. You'll see the river, whitewater rafters, and lush forest.
Yes, both the Fern Creek and Nuttall trailheads typically have restrooms available.
While moderate, beginners can enjoy parts of the trail by hiking to a scenic overlook and returning. Be mindful of the cliff edges.
📸 📸 Photography
Diamond Point Overlook is a prime spot for stunning photos. Any section along the cliff edge offers incredible gorge vistas.
Exercise extreme caution when taking photos near the cliff edges. Maintain a safe distance from the drop-offs, especially in windy conditions.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for gorge photography. Midday can be harsh but still offers dramatic views.
Yes, tripods are allowed and can be very useful for capturing stable shots, especially during golden hour.
While Diamond Point is popular, exploring other sections of the cliffside trail can lead to unique and less crowded photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trailheads
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. Both trailheads offer parking and, importantly, restrooms, making them convenient starting or ending points for your adventure.
The Thrill of Cliffside Hiking
While the views are spectacular, visitors with a fear of heights should be aware of the proximity to the edge. 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. Remember to always stay on marked trails and exercise caution when taking photos near the cliff edges.
Best Times for an Unforgettable Hike
Fall is a standout season, with the surrounding forests erupting in vibrant colors, making the gorge views even more spectacular. However, this beauty also attracts more visitors, so expect higher crowd levels during peak fall foliage. 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.






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