The Most Beautiful Views in the New River Gorge

The New River Gorge is a beautiful place to explore, with deep gorges, rushing rivers and iconic overlooks throughout the region. And now, it’s official! Architectural Digest recently featured the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve on its list of The 11 Most Beautiful Places in America. Here are 11 of the best views to see during your visit to the New River Gorge.

Views From The Trails 

With an extensive network of trails winding through the Gorge, some of the area’s most memorable scenery can be found along these routes and at scenic overlooks.

Canyon Rim Boardwalk

Start at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for an easy stroll to an incredible view! The Canyon Rim Boardwalk is a short, 0.1-mile walk that leads to one of the park’s most-visited overlooks. An accessible ramp takes you to the first overlook, while 178 steps descend to a lower platform for a closer look at the bridge and Gorge.

Long Point Trail

A popular perspective of the New River Gorge Bridge is found along Long Point Trail. This 1.6-mile, one-way moderate trail ends at a legendary viewpoint from a rocky overlook that juts out into the Gorge. Most of the trail gently descends through the forest, with one steep section just before reaching the viewpoint.

Diamond Point

Located along the well-known Endless Wall Trail, Diamond Point provides scenic vistas of the New River Gorge Bridge and the surrounding Gorge. The overlook is near the halfway point of the 3.2-mile loop, which travels through the park’s lush forests. A short trail leads to Diamond Point, making it a rewarding stop along the way.

Kaymoor Trail 

Running parallel to the New River between Fayetteville and Cunard, the 8.6-mile, one-way Kaymoor Trail offers a glimpse into the area’s past along with stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge. Along the way, you’ll pass historic structures and striking waterfalls. Up for a challenge? Take the steep descent down the Kaymoor Miners Trail — 821 steps, to be exact — to explore the remains of an old coal processing plant, coke ovens and town site.

Concho Rim Overlook

Take in the dramatic bend of the New River from above at the Concho Rim Overlook, near ACE Adventure Resort. This scenic vantage point provides a bird’s-eye view of the river near the historic town of Thurmond.

Bridge Buttress

For a quick stop with a big payoff, hike the Bridge Buttress Trail. This 0.1-mile trail is found off Fayette Station Road and takes less than five minutes to complete. While it’s rated moderately challenging because of a short rock scramble with a rope assist, the trail is manageable for most hikers. The reward is an up-close look at the New River Gorge Bridge.

Views From The Road

Slow down and cruise the scenic roads around the New River Gorge to discover some of the best sights.

Fayette Station Road

Take a drive along Fayette Station Road, a one-way route that passes directly under the New River Gorge Bridge. As you make your way on this historic road, take in the river-level view of the bridge. Fayette Station Road winds down to the bottom of the Gorge, crossing a narrow bridge before climbing back up the other side. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of the river, bridges and surrounding forests.

Midland Trail (Route 60)

Drive along U.S. Route 60, also known as the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, and discover several memorable sights along the way. Two waterfalls can be found on the route: Kanawha Falls and Cathedral Falls. Kanawha Falls is only 15 feet high but stretches across the entire width of the Kanawha River. Just down the road, Cathedral Falls is one of the highest cascades in West Virginia, rushing more than 60 feet over a sandstone cliff. Both waterfalls are featured on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, so be sure to check in as you explore and work toward earning prizes!

Thurmond 

The historic town of Thurmond is one of the most unique places to visit in the New River Gorge. During its heyday in the 1920s, Thurmond was a bustling coal town, with more coal passing through it than almost anywhere else in the region. After a series of setbacks, however, Thurmond went from boom to bust. Today, it stands as a designated historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, with most of the town owned by the National Park Service. Drive into town and park to explore the once-bustling street, still lined with well-preserved buildings, including hotels, a bank and the train depot.

Views From Our State Parks 

The New River Gorge is home to two state parks — Babcock and Hawks Nest — both offering spectacular views.

Babcock Grist Mill

One of the most photographed places in West Virginia can be found at Babcock State Park. The iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully operational mill set along Glade Creek, is a photo-worthy stop on any New River Gorge trip. Find the Almost Heaven swing directly in front of the grist mill to capture the perfect shot.

Hawks Nest Overlook 

Hawks Nest State Park features plenty of spots to take in the beauty of the New River, and one of the best is at the Hawks Nest Overlook. A short, paved path leads to a panoramic view 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 locally sourced sandstone.

Plan Your Trip

Ready to see these beautiful views for yourself? Request a free travel guide to start planning your trip to the New River Gorge.