There are so many nature trails in West Virginia, but very few boardwalk trails. This is understandable since it takes time, money, and effort to build a path through uneven terrain that was never intended to be hiked. Some areas are just worth it. And if it is worth someone's time to build it, it is certainly worth your time to hike it.
To begin your hike along Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk, park your car at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. The center features a gift shop, exhibit room and auditorium. The trail itself is accessible from the back deck.
A walk along the first section of the boardwalk is a level, fully accessible path that winds its way through the forest to the first observation deck.
Once you reach this point, you will be treated to an amazing view of the gorge and the ancient river through which it flows.
Once you take in the gorgeous view, you can descend the boardwalk's 178 steps to the lower observation deck.
From there, you will get an amazing view of the New River Gorge Bridge - the longest single span bridge in America - stretching more than 3,000 feet across the vast canyon below. At 0.6 miles, the hike along this trail is not particularly long, but the views you will encounter along the way are nothing short of spectacular. This is one trail in West Virginia that you definitely don't want to miss.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center is located at 162 Visitor Center Road in Lansing.
Have you ever been to the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.
To learn more about West Virginia, check out this positively magical medieval forest that most people don't know about.
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