Nestled in the heart of New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, the Endless Wall Trail is one of the most breathtaking hikes in the country. It’s so impressive that USA Today readers named it the best national park hike in the U.S.—and after experiencing it ourselves, we completely understand why.
This trail follows the rim of the gorge, offering unparalleled views of towering sandstone cliffs and the winding New River nearly 1,000 feet below. When we were whitewater rafting on the New River, our guides couldn’t stop raving about how stunning the view was from up there. They insisted we hike it to see the gorge—and the famous New River Gorge Bridge—from an entirely new perspective. Spoiler alert: they were absolutely right.
Endless Wall is a must-hike for anyone visiting New River Gorge. Whether you’re here for rock climbing, photography, or just taking in the scenery, this short but rewarding trail delivers some of the most jaw-dropping views in West Virginia.
Quick Facts About the Endless Wall Trail
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | New River Gorge NP, Fayette County, Southern West Virginia |
| Trail Length | 2.4 miles (loop) or 2 miles out-and-back |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation Gain | 427 feet |
| Estimated Time | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Cost | FREE |
| Kid-Friendly | Yes, but watch for steep drop-offs |
| Dog-Friendly | Yes, if leashed |
| Bathrooms | Vault toilets available at both trailheads |
| Trail Conditions | Muddy after rain, rocky and plenty of roots |
Best Time to Hike the Endless Wall Trail
For the best experience, plan your hike in spring or fall.
- Spring (April–May): Wildflowers, lush greenery, and cooler temps
- Fall (September–October): Breathtaking foliage and crisp air
- Summer months: Hot and humid, but sunrise hikes offer cooler temps and stunning morning light
We visited in early June, and while the temperatures were nice, it rained quite a bit.
Where to Park for the Endless Wall Trail
The Endless Wall Hike has two main trailhead parking areas:
- Fern Creek Parking/Trailhead (southern entrance)
- Nuttall Parking/Trailhead (northern entrance) *we parked here
- New Overflow Parking (just beyond Nuttall Parking, added in 2024)
These parking spaces fill up quickly, especially in the summer months, so arrive early. If the parking lot is full, your best option is to wait for a spot to open. You cannot park on the road. If you do, your car may be ticketed or towed. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Bathrooms: Vault toilets are available at both Fern Creek and Nuttall trailheads. A great place to stop before hitting the main trail, especially if you had one too many coffees before your morning hike like I do.
Nuttall Trailhead sign at the Endless Wall Hike, marking the starting point surrounded by trees and a well-maintained path.
What to Expect on the Trail
The Endless Wall Trail takes you through a hemlock forest, following the gorge rim with some of the best hiking views in the Appalachian Mountains. Expect rocky paths, a small stream crossing, and some muddy patches after rain, so sturdy shoes are a must.
- Trail markings: The trail is well-marked with signs at key points, but some side paths can be confusing.
- Drop-offs: There are no guardrails at cliff edges—be extremely careful near overlooks, especially with children.
- Wildlife: You might see deer, birds, snakes and possibly black bears. Keep food sealed and be aware of your surroundings. We only saw birds.
The hike starts off easy, winding through a tunnel of rhododendron thickets and across a small stream at Fern Creek. Before long, you’ll notice side paths leading to hidden viewpoints—and if you’re lucky, you might catch climbers tackling the cliff face on the climbing access trail.
Diamond Point Overlook is where this hike really shines. Standing 1,000 feet above the New River, you’ll get sweeping views of the bottom of the cliffs, the winding river, and, if the sky is clear, the New River Gorge Bridge in the distance. It’s the perfect place to stop, take photos, and just take it all in.
After Diamond Point, the trail quiets down as it winds through towering hemlock trees and more secluded areas.
Eventually, the trail leads to Fern Creek Trailhead, marking the end of the scenic portion. If you’re hiking the full loop, there’s a 0.5-mile walk along Lansing-Edmond Road to get back to Nuttall Parking. There isn’t much of a shoulder on this stretch, so be sure to watch for cars. It’s not the most exciting stretch, which is why many hikers opt to turn around at Diamond Point and head back the way they came, making it a 2-mile out-and-back hike instead.
What to Pack & Wear for Endless Wall Trail (Including Gear for Dogs)
Wearing the right gear can make all the difference on this hike. After learning the hard way (hello, mud-covered sneakers), here’s what I recommend packing:
- Hiking Shoes with Grip – The trail has rocky sections and can get muddy, so waterproof, grippy shoes are a must. I recommend these hiking boots for great traction.
- Daypack with Water & Snacks – There are no water stations, so bring a hydration pack like this lightweight one.
- Layers & Rain Jacket – Weather changes fast in New River Gorge, especially in spring and fall. A breathable rain jacket is a good backup.
- Bug Spray & Sunscreen – Parts of the trail are shaded, but mosquitoes love the wooded sections.
- Trekking Poles (Optional) – If you have knee issues or prefer extra stability, trekking poles can help on the rocky parts.
- Headlamp or Flashlight – If you plan to catch sunrise or sunset at Diamond Point, a small headlamp helps on the way back.
Please be smarter than me and wear proper hiking shoes. Just trust me—white sneakers with no traction are a terrible idea after rain. I made that mistake, and the entire trail was a mud-covered slip-and-slide. By the end of the trail, I was covered in dirt from sliding all over the place. By the end, I looked like I had gone mud wrestling instead of hiking. And in case you’re wondering—no, my white shoes never came clean. Learn from my mistakes, and you’ll have a much better time.
Bringing Your Dog? Here’s What They’ll Need
- Collapsible Water Bowl – There are no water sources on the trail, so pack a lightweight collapsible bowl and extra water for your pup.
- Dog Cooling Jacket – If you’re hiking in warm weather, a cooling jacket can help keep your dog comfortable and prevent overheating.
- Dog Booties (Optional) – If your dog isn’t used to rocky trails, protective booties can help prevent paw injuries.
- Leash (Required) – Dogs must be leashed at all times. A hands-free leash makes hiking easier while keeping your dog close.
Endless Wall Trail vs. Long Point Trail—Which Should You Hike?
If you’re deciding between Endless Wall Trail and Long Point Trail, here’s what you need to know:
| Feature | Endless Wall Trail | Long Point Trail |
| Views | cliffs, gorge, bridge | Closer view of the bridge |
| Distance | 2.4 miles | 3.2 miles |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Easier, more gradual incline |
Endless Wall Trail:
- More dramatic overlooks right along the cliff edge
- Shorter but more rugged terrain
- Sprawling views of the gorge and New River, with some overlooks offering distant views of the New River Gorge Bridge
Long Point Trail:
- Easier hike with a gradual incline
- Leads to a single overlook with a closer view of the New River Gorge Bridge
- Longer than Endless Wall but more beginner- and kid-friendly.
Want epic cliffside views? Choose Endless Wall.
Prefer a closer view of the bridge? Go with Long Point.
We opted for Endless Wall over Long Point since we had already seen the bridge up close while whitewater rafting. This time, we wanted to take in the sweeping views of the gorge from above.
Can You Camp Along the Endless Wall Trail?
Camping is not allowed along the Endless Wall Trail, as parts of the trail pass through protected areas and private property. However, if you’re looking for a great place to stay overnight, there are several campgrounds nearby. The Army Camp Campground and Stone Cliff Campground within New River Gorge National Park offer easy access points to other trails and activities in the park.
More West Virginia Adventures
If you loved hiking Endless Wall Trail, you might also enjoy exploring other stunning spots in West Virginia:
- NROCKS Via Ferrata – A guided climbing adventure with cable bridges and cliffside ascents.
- New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting – Experience thrilling rapids on the Lower New River.
- Bridge Walk at New River Gorge – Walk under the famous New River Gorge Bridge on a secured catwalk tour.
External Resources for Planning Your Hike
For official trail conditions and updates, visit the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve website. You can also check the latest weather forecast for Fayette County to make sure you’re prepared for changing conditions.
Final Thoughts: Why Endless Wall Trail Belongs on Your Bucket List
The Endless Wall Trail is one of the top New River Gorge hikes and a perfect choice for a short adventure with rewarding views—it’s a must-do for any outdoor lover exploring the Appalachian Mountains.
Best part? The breathtaking viewpoints along a short, free trail.
Worst part? The walk along the main road
Hiking Tip: Arrive early to secure a parking spot
Would I hike it again? Absolutely. And if you haven’t yet, add it to your list! Have you hiked Endless Wall? Share your experience in the comments!
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