You Have to Experience This Gorge Hike in West Virginia for Yourself

To visit West Virginia's New River Gorge is to experience one of the earth's oldest rivers, carving deep canyons through an ancient mountain range. The park includes over 70,000 acres of land and offers countless ways to engage with nature. Whenever I'm planning a visit to a national park, I love to find a trail that showcases the unique landscape of the state I'm visiting, and I can think of no better introduction to the New River Gorge than the Grandview Rim Trail.

Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock is a 3.1-mile out-and-back trail rated moderately difficult. It takes most hikers a little over one hour to complete, and there's an elevation gain of 255 feet over the course of the trek. The Grandview unit of the park is actually less crowded than other areas, and there are six miles of hiking trails in the area. The Grandview Rim Trail is an ideal trail for those wishing to maximize stunning views of the deepest section of the gorge.

From the iconic Grandview Overlook, it's possible to see seven miles of the New River Gorge. If you have a little extra time to spare, check out the Tunnel Trail, a 0.7-mile loop that will showcase some of the area's fascinating, otherworldly sandstone rock formations.

Once you're ready to make your way to the Turkey Spur Overlook, hop on the Grandview Rim Trail, which will take you through the woods alongside Turkey Spur Road. Along the way, you'll catch breathtaking glimpses of the gorge below. The views are especially prominent in late fall and winter. Eventually, you'll come upon the Turkey Spur Parking Lot, a small lot that can only accommodate a handful of cars. From there, you'll follow the Turkey Spur Trail, which will lead you to the next jaw-dropping overlook.

Hikers should note that this portion of the trail is really just a staircase. It's well-maintained but makes for quite an exhilarating climb—especially considering that there are 150 stairs! Rest assured, though, that your efforts will be well rewarded with an awe-inspiring view.

Hikers share that, at times, portions of the trail can get muddy, and if you happen to visit during a foggy day, you won't get to experience the dramatic view. By all accounts, though, this is a trail worth experiencing. The gorgeous views and dramatic scenery make this trail extraordinary.

After a day of hiking, head to the nearby Weathered Ground Brewery for a much-deserved beer or soda, plus live music and food. It's about 30 minutes away. If you need a place to stay, this treehouse Airbnb near the park makes for an idyllic home base.

Have you visited New River Gorge National Park recently? Be sure to send this article to someone you'd love to experience this epic hiking trail with! And, if you're looking for even more hiking inspiration, take a look at our list of the best hiking trails in West Virginia.