New River Gorge Hiking

There is great hiking and trail running all over Fayette County. When you are looking for something to do on a rest day, go explore the panoramic vistas throughout the gorge and surrounding area.

Recommended:  Hiking and Biking in the New River Gorge: A Trail User’s Guide  by Bryan Simon.  This is an indispensable guide.  Impeccably researched and illustrated, it will open up your eyes to the plethora of hikes available in this general area.  Buy it on our store…

We have great resources here at the shop including trail maps and guidebooks to help you find your way. Our staff will always be able to recommend a hike for you as well. The National Park Service’s Canyon Rim Visitor Center is another great place to stop for trail info. They have great maps and a friendly, knowledgeable ranger staff.

For a great hike, the Long Point Trail should be your first stop. Less than two miles of rolling hiking takes you to one of the most dramatic overlooks in the Gorge. Best view of the Big Bridge possible. Head out there for happy hour. Bring some food, a blanket and your favorite beverage and just kick back and take it all in! Keep in mind that this trail is connected to a system we refer to as the Fayetteville Town Trails. A trailhead is located a half mile from the shop.  Ask and we will direct you!

Another winner, especially if you are interested in the area’s coal mining history, is the Kaymoor Mine Trail. It’s less than two miles from the trailhead, located on Fayette Station Rd., to this old mining site. The decrepit old structures and signs give you a taste of the past. A beefy set of 800 stairs takes you down to the river and the rest of the mine site. Explore industrial ruins and check out the coke ovens. Watch out for the rampant poison ivy.

The Endless Wall Trail, located on the north side of the river on Lansing Rd. is another popular short hike that was just voted Best Trail in a National Park. You can park at the Fern Creek lot or the Endless Wall lot–2.5 miles between lots with lots of great overlooks. Hike a bit then hit an overlook for a few yoga poses–or perhaps a spot to hang your hammock.

Babcock State Park, 25 minutes from Fayetteville, has much to offer hikers. Stop by their visitor center for a copy of their trail map. Check out the Skyline Trail if you are looking for dramatic views.

Summersville Lake also has some nice hiking/biking trails that take you out to some good overlooks/jumping spots. Stop by New River Bike or Marathon Bicycles to pick up a trail map.

There are is a growing list of trail races being held throughout the year on our spectacular trails.  Check out these demanding, scenic trail races: Babcock Gristmill Grinder half marathon in April, Wonderland Mountain Challenge half marathon in May, tSticks and Stones 15k in October and  Canary in the Cave 25k in November.