 | Hike Date: June 7-8, 2010 Near: Fayetteville, WV Route:
Distance: 25.5 miles |
One of my favorite adventures I've ever been on, exploring the New River Gorge area is an epic trip that is unforgettable. Living in Damascus, VA, I had heard about the New River for over a year before I could actually get out there and was really excited when I found a weekend to drive up there.
After driving into Fayetteville, WV to get the map and a coffee, I headed towards the first set of trails nearest the town. The New River winds its way for several miles and the hiking areas are divided into several different sections, I visited the northern rim area, Thrumond, and Grandview within the park and then Pipestem State Park just south of there. With tons of trails and limited time, it was difficult to select the trails I was gonna cover. Also, what I really liked about the area was that while I could have connected a bunch of trails together in many of the sections to make longer, couple day hikes, I was also able to do 5 mile loops throughout getting a sense of the area without having to commit to overnights.
The northern rim area provides great views of the New River below and the large suspension bridge that spans the river. Grandview brings a different view of the gorge and a longer view of the river. It was neat to get a wider perspective of the entire area and see the marvelous bridge in the distance. While I haven't been there, I've heard that Fayetteville puts on a "Bridge Day" where people bungee and base jump off it. Standing on the rocks at the edge of the Grandview Trail would be an ideal spot to take in that spectacle. The Thurmond area is an old railroad "town" that has been long deserted but still has many buildings and interesting historical features. It was fascinating to walk around and read the signs and imagine what it was like to live in such an area during the coal and timber boom. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this area and recommend checking it out if you are heading out this way. Pipestem State Park was really an after thought that was on my way back to Damascus, but I was really glad I stopped through there. The river was much lower and there were plenty of nooks and crannies where I got in knee high water with the dog and splashed around. I would love to check this park out again in the future.
The New River Gorge area is tough to put into words and pictures. The running water, lush green landscape and the multitude of trails make this a tremendous weekend (or week) excursion worthy of any drive. Plus, most of the trails are only moderate in difficulty, making it possible to do several miles in different areas without being too exhausted. Highly recommended, the New River Gorge is an epic adventure area that will take your breath away and fill your camera. Happy Hiking!
After driving into Fayetteville, WV to get the map and a coffee, I headed towards the first set of trails nearest the town. The New River winds its way for several miles and the hiking areas are divided into several different sections, I visited the northern rim area, Thrumond, and Grandview within the park and then Pipestem State Park just south of there. With tons of trails and limited time, it was difficult to select the trails I was gonna cover. Also, what I really liked about the area was that while I could have connected a bunch of trails together in many of the sections to make longer, couple day hikes, I was also able to do 5 mile loops throughout getting a sense of the area without having to commit to overnights.
The northern rim area provides great views of the New River below and the large suspension bridge that spans the river. Grandview brings a different view of the gorge and a longer view of the river. It was neat to get a wider perspective of the entire area and see the marvelous bridge in the distance. While I haven't been there, I've heard that Fayetteville puts on a "Bridge Day" where people bungee and base jump off it. Standing on the rocks at the edge of the Grandview Trail would be an ideal spot to take in that spectacle. The Thurmond area is an old railroad "town" that has been long deserted but still has many buildings and interesting historical features. It was fascinating to walk around and read the signs and imagine what it was like to live in such an area during the coal and timber boom. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this area and recommend checking it out if you are heading out this way. Pipestem State Park was really an after thought that was on my way back to Damascus, but I was really glad I stopped through there. The river was much lower and there were plenty of nooks and crannies where I got in knee high water with the dog and splashed around. I would love to check this park out again in the future.
The New River Gorge area is tough to put into words and pictures. The running water, lush green landscape and the multitude of trails make this a tremendous weekend (or week) excursion worthy of any drive. Plus, most of the trails are only moderate in difficulty, making it possible to do several miles in different areas without being too exhausted. Highly recommended, the New River Gorge is an epic adventure area that will take your breath away and fill your camera. Happy Hiking!
| Directions to Trailhead: The New River Gorge is located just south of Fayetteville, WV and that's the best place to begin this adventure. There are a ton of trails to choose from, so grabbing the map before heading out (or hitting the local outfitter as I did) is suggested. Pipestem State Park is located south of Hinton, WV and is off of Route 20. All things are easy to find with a map! | Suggested Map:  National Geographic #242 New River Gorge |
          Thurmond    Pipestem Falls |                Sandstone Falls, WV |
