A Family-Friendly Hiking Guide For The New River Gorge 

May 28, 2025

There’s no better way to bond with your family than exploring the great outdoors together. In the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, find a variety of trails perfect for adventurers of all ages, including young children. Here’s a family-friendly hiking guide for the New River Gorge. 

Trek To Scenic Views

Canyon Rim Boardwalk 

The Canyon Rim Boardwalk is a worthwhile addition to any trip! This 0.1-mile boardwalk offers an up-close look at the New River Gorge Bridge from the upper deck. A fully accessible ramp makes for a leisurely walk to the first overlook, while 178 steps lead down to a lower viewing area. 

After your stroll, stop by the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to find park information and learn from exhibits showcasing the people, industry and ecology of the Gorge. 

Timber Ridge Trail 

Hike the 1-mile Timber Ridge Trail, which winds along a forested ridge and connects to longer routes like Long Point Trail and Fayetteville Trail for those seeking more miles.

Rend Trail 

For stunning views of Dunloup Creek, the New River and the historic town of Thurmond, tackle the 3.4-mile (one-way) Rend Trail. Families often opt for the shorter 2.5-mile round trip to the main overlook and back, ideal for young hikers.

Note: The second bridge from the Minden side and the first bridge from the Thurmond side are currently closed due to structural damage.

Stone Cliff Trail 

The 2.7-mile Stone Cliff Trail is a great choice for families ready to take their hiking to the next level. This easy-to-moderate trail follows an old road along the riverbank, ending in a section of old-growth forest. 

A family sitting on rocks by a river with a railroad bridge in the background and forested hills.
A family of three walking together on a wooden bridge surrounded by green forest.

Kid-Friendly Loops 

Burnwood Trail 

Explore an old-growth forest on the 1.2-mile Burnwood Trail. The loop weaves through 12 acres of mature forest containing trees with rare bark and branching that stand out from the rest of the park.

Park Loop Trail 

Starting at the Fayetteville Town Park, the 1.1-mile Park Loop Trail is the best way to mix nature with playtime. The park includes playgrounds, a splash pad, basketball courts, a skatepark and a paved pump track.

Hike Through History

Tipple Trail 

Step into the past as you walk through the historic coal mining town of Nuttallburg. The 0.6-mile Tipple Trail features preserved structures that tell the story of the area’s industrial past, including the conveyor and tipple system designed by Henry Ford in the 1920s.

Seldom Seen Trail 

Branching off from the Tipple Trail near the old company store foundation, the 0.3-mile Seldom Seen Trail provides an interesting glimpse into the lives of Nuttallburg’s former residents.

Southside Trail 

Follow the 7-mile Southside Trail along the New River, passing through abandoned mining towns and uncovering the region’s rich history.

Explore Our State Park 

The New River Gorge is home to two West Virginia State Parks, each offering a network of scenic trails to explore. 

Babcock State Park

Lake View Trail

The 1-mile Lake View Trail is a gentle loop that circles Boley Lake and is perfect for a relaxed nature walk with water views. Start from the Boley Lake parking lot and take in the peaceful scenery.

Island-In-The-Sky Trail 

Depending on where you start, the 0.5-mile Island-In-The-Sky Trail can range from easy to moderate. For a gentler walk, begin at the trailhead located at the sharp curve near Boley Lake. The trail provides incredible sights from high cliff areas — just be cautious near the edges.

Mountain Health Trail

Pick up a booklet at the park headquarters for the 0.25-mile Mountain Health Trail. This self-guided, interpretive trail features numbered posts along the route that correspond with the booklet and lead to the Natural Arch, making it both fun and educational for kids.  

Hawks Nest State Park 

Hawks Nest Overlook

A short, paved path leads to a panoramic overlook of the New River, Hawks Nest Dam and Tunnel area and surrounding mountains. The overlook was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps using local sandstone.

Fisherman’s Trail 

Follow the north side of Hawks Nest Lake for a one-of-a-kind view of the Hawks Nest Dam. This 1.5-mile trail ends near the Turkey Creek Waterfall. 

Park Loop Trail 

The 0.5-mile Park Loop Trail circles through a wooded area behind the park’s pavilion. Plan your hike in the springtime for beautiful displays of wildflowers!

Two children reading informational signs about Thurmond, West Virginia and New River Gorge National River at an outdoor display with a wooden fence and forest background.
Two people walking on a wooden bridge through a forest with golden autumn leaves.

Rail Trails 

With flat, wide paths, rail trails are well-suited for families — whether walking with a stroller, riding bikes or out with young kids. 

Hawks Nest Rail Trail

Starting from the base of the Hawks Nest aerial tram, the 1.8-mile Hawks Nest Rail Trail follows Mill Creek toward Ansted. Along the way, pass historic mining remnants, cross over two bridges and take in several cascading waterfalls — including the scenic Mill Creek Falls, part of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail.

White Oak Rail Trail 

Running nearly eight miles through Oak Hill, the White Oak Rail Trail is a favorite for families wanting to get some fresh air. Most of the trail is paved, with only two miles covered in packed gravel. The highlight of the route is the White Oak Railroad Depot, which first opened in 1903. 

Plan Your Family Hiking Trip

These family-friendly trails are the best way to introduce your kids to the beauty of the outdoors and to make some unforgettable memories along the way. Request a free travel guide to start planning your New River Gorge getaway.