Week 3: Long Point & Endless Wall trails (52 Hikes in 52 Weeks)
Overlooking the New River Gorge Bridge (Photo: Katherine Allen)
Hikes #3 and #4 took me ~2 hours away to New River Gorge National Park to hike a total of 6.7 miles. The park’s new-found National Park status is definitely well deserved! While NRGNP has many trail options, the weather was not my friend this past weekend. It was extremely icy, and to me familiar = safer in slippery conditions. So, I decided to show you guys two of the most popular hikes in the park, and two trails that I personally frequent for a quick but extremely rewarding escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
While these hikes are popular and good for all skill levels, some of my other favorite hikes in the area are a bit more challenging so stay tuned for those as well.
Along Long Point Trail (Photo Katherine Allen)
Hike #3 Details:
1. New River Gorge National Park
2. Long Point Trail
3. 38.04186, -81.07815
4. 3.3 miles
5. 1.5 hours
According to All Trails, this trail is 2.9 miles long and moderate. Personally, I think this trail is on the easy end of moderate, and I clocked it at 3.3 miles out and back.
This is the hike that NRGNP is known for. This short hike gives way to major views of the New River Gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge - the longest steel structure in the western hemisphere and third highest in the U.S.
This was my first time on this trail in icy conditions, and the only note I need to add is that when you make your way out onto the ridgeline at the end of the hike to view the gorge and bridge, the ridge becomes very narrow and has steep drop offs on both sides. When it isn’t icy, I usually don’t think twice about it, but the amount of ice at the end of this was extensive. The weather has been crazy lately so just exercise caution if you encounter these conditions. I saw a couple of people wearing crampons also.
This is an iconic WV hike and is good for hikers of all levels. Trailhead directions can be found on All Trails or using the coordinates above!
You can certainly see how this trail got its name! (Photo Katherine Allen)
Hike #4 Details:
1. New River Gorge National Park
2. Endless Wall Trail
3. 38.06286, -81.05652
4. 3.4 miles
5. 1.5 hours
This is another iconic NRGNP hike and is good for hikers of all levels. According to All Trails, this trail is 2.3 miles long and easy. I definitely agree with the easy rating, but I clocked it at 3.4 miles out and back. This is probably because even though this trail can technically be a loop, you have to walk from one trailhead to another on the main road upon completion to close the loop. I recommend hiking this trail counterclockwise, otherwise you’ll be walking uphill along the road on the way back to your parking lot.
There are two parking lots for this trail. The directions from the All Trails link below should take you to the correct parking lot.
This short hike also gives way to major views of the New River Gorge and the New River below. On a clear day when things have warmed up, from Diamond Point Overlook, the main viewpoint of this hike, you can sometimes see kayakers making their way down the river. Looking out from the overlook, exposed cliff faces as far as you can see make up the “endless wall” aspect of this trail. They really are something.
Personally, I think one of the coolest parts of this trail is the rock climbers that you can watch enjoying their day on the cliff faces around you.
This hike definitely requires another fall/ice disclaimer, and if you encounter icy conditions on this trail be extra careful around those exposed edges. But again, when ice isn’t a factor, common sense rules.
Due to the relatively short distance and the ease of these hikes, all you really need are some snacks and plenty of water. Also, when you finish up your day of hikes, the town of Fayetteville is AWESOME and has so many delicious take-out and brewery options like Freefolk Brewery!
If you want to find out more about these trails or about New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in general, check out www.nps.gov.
Let us know if you like these hikes!
We want to highlight the trails that you hike every week, and the trails that have absolutely blown you away, so send us your favorites!
Thanks for coming by, and I hope to see you on the trail!
