6 Hikes With the Best Sunset Views in West Virginia

There are few things I enjoy more than a good sunset. I collect them. Finding the best sunset views is the first thing I do when I’m traveling, and boy, oh boy, are there some epic sunset views in West Virginia. Since the days are getting longer and the trees are beginning to regrow their leaves, now is the perfect time to add one of these scenic hikes with the best sunset views in West Virginia to your weekend itinerary.

We wanted to keep these hikes to about three miles or less since navigating these trails in the dark isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time. As with any of our trail recommendations, having an All Trails account is key to a safe and successful hike. 

1. Long Point Trail

• Location: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve 
• Length: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

This scenic trail is three miles long and fairly easy to navigate. Your path will be mostly shaded as you wander through the lush forest before coming to the iconic Long Point View, where you can soak in stunning views of the gorge, the river, and the New Gorge River Bridge. 

2. Endless Wall Trail

• Location: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
• Length: 3.2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

This lovely loop trail in West Virginia leads you through the forest, crossing Fern Creek and then zig-zagging along the cliff’s edge. The views from this hiking trail are one in a million! 1,000 below you, you’ll see the New River. Sometimes, you can hear the white water rafters down below!

3. Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk

• Location: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
• Length: 0.4 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

If you’re short on time but still want a sunset over the New River Gorge Bridge, here you go! There are many stairs once you get to the viewing platforms, but this is one of the easiest trails to get a great view of the bridge at sunset. 

4. Lindy Point Overlook

• Location: Blackwater Falls State Park
• Length: 0.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

If you want to enjoy epic sunset views without a long hike, head over to the Lindy Point Overlook in Blackwater Falls State Park. The parking lot is rather small, and this is a popular spot, so you may want to visit during the week to avoid large crowds. 

5. Pipestem Knob

• Location: Pipestem Resort State Park
• Length: 0.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

This short and sweet trail has several switchbacks leading to the viewpoint. The sunset views from the top of the fire tower are magical! You might want to bring a headlamp with you, as it can get dark pretty quickly.

6. Bear Rocks Loop

• Location: Bear Rocks Preserve
• Length: 0.7 miles
• Difficulty: Easy

The views from this trail might just be some of the most scenic views in West Virginia. The Forest road leading to this trail is open seasonally, so check the road conditions before you head over. 

Share this article with someone you want to watch one of these sunrises in West Virginia with. If you're more of an early bird, the sunrise at Spruce Knob is an excellent way to start your day.