Concho Rim Overlook is one of the many beautiful overlooks in West Virginia. We are so lucky in this wild and wonderful place to have so many, especially along the New River. So to stumble across a new one, that gives a unique glimpse of the Mountain State. That’s the case for many when they discover the Concho Rim Overlook. Not only is the Concho Overlook easy to get to — you can drive right to it or take a short, half-mile stroll – but it also provides a unique view of an impressive bend in the New River right at the fascinating old mining town of Thurmond, West Virginia.

Perhaps the oldest river in America, the New River winds through some of the most rugged mountain country in West Virginia.
Melinda James-Hancock/Alltrails
That's especially true near the nearly abandoned town of Thurmond, West Virginia, where the New River makes a dramatic hairpin turn, and you can get an amazing view of this stunning bend in the river from nearby Concho Mountain.
John Given/Alltrails
And we are lucky enough to have access from the Concho Overlook.
Get here early enough to see the free show.
Melinda James-Hancock/AllTrails
The emotion the award-winning sunrise shining on Concho Mountain brings will surprise you, that feeling of wildness to beginning the day in the company of such a rugged, magnificent wonder with a long history, both of which are true of this particular bend of the ancient New River.
Concho Rim Overlook or Concho Overlook is perched on Concho Mountain and located right next to ACE Adventure Resort.
Richard Kai/AllTrails

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In fact, one way to get to the West Virginia Overlook is to begin at the Oather Trailhead located near the entrance to the ACE parking area.
ACE Adventure Resort | Whitewater Rafting West Virginia, 1 Concho road, Oak Hill, WV 25901, USA
ACE Adventure Resort/Facebook
A shorter, simpler alternative is to drive WV Route 17 to a small track that branches off to the right just before the road dead ends.
travis leonard/AllTrails
Sometimes this unnamed side road is gated, in which case you'll need to take a very brief walk up to the overlook. The overlook is well worth the trouble of tracking down. It is built and maintained by ACE Adventure Resort, the perfect New River Gorge vantage point in any season of the year.
Looking out from the Concho Overlook, you can see some old buildings on the right side of the horseshoe curve made by the New River.
Corbin Long/Google Maps
These are part of the ghost town of Thurmond, which was once a thriving coal town but is now nearly abandoned - as of the last count it only has 3 residents.
You can also see train tracks following the river around the entire bend, and sometimes, you'll even be treated to a view of a train itself!
Sara Treadwell/Alltrails
And just like the morning, the sunset will leave you wondering how you came this far without knowing this exquisite sight.
Sarah Coleman/Alltrails

For more details, consider checking out what others have to say about Concho Rim Overlook on Alltrails. and sign up for AllTrails Plus so you can unlock even more features. Have you already been there? If so, please leave us some comments about your experiences. Also, check out this video for more about the New River Gorge National Park.

You can see the beautiful river more closely on this three-hour scenic loop around the New River Gorge. And you’re bound to get hungry viewing all of the extraordinary scenery, so visit Skyline Drive-In in Oak Hill. It’s more than just a restaurant, it holds some interesting history about the late great Hank Williams.

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More to Explore

Beautiful Places In West Virginia

Carolyn Harmon | July 14, 2023

What are the most beautiful places to visit in West Virginia?
This scenic road trip will encourage you to acquaint yourself with the undying beauty the state of West Virginia offers. It begins here:

  • Summersville Lake (Summersville Lake Marina, 1706 Airport Road, Summersville, West Virginia):  Spend some time swimming and boating in one of the most pristine lakes in the state. And what's amazing about West Virginia is the rugged scenery bordering the water, which turns into a glistening emerald at dusk. Love yourself enough to visit this beautiful lake. If you don't have a boat, we love to go for the day at Battle Run Public Beach.
  • Beartown State Park (Beartown Road, Renick, West Virginia): Another of West Virginia's magical places is this picturesque, 110-acre park sitting on top of Droop Mountain on the border of Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties. Interestingly, one origination of the park’s name is from the many cave-like openings in the rocks there, making them perfect for the black bears to hibernate in the winter. Enjoy hiking, camping, and geocaching at this lovely place. 
  • Dolly Sods (Monongahela National Forest): Located in Grant, Randolph and Tucker counties, the Dolly Sods Wilderness offers elevations from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet and scenery that is so unusual, you'll seriously feel like you're on another planet. AllTrails shows 41 great trails for hiking, camping, and backpacking on its website.

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