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A springtime must in the New River Gorge, sporting bountiful wildflowers and waterfalls.


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Map Key

1.9

Miles

3.1

KM

Loop

1,871' 570 m

High

1,362' 415 m

Low

548' 167 m

Up

527' 161 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

107%

Max Grade (47°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Description

The Big Branch Trail is a must-do springtime hike in New River Gorge. Heading south from the parking area, climb moderately through wildflower-blanketed forest, hiking along numerous streams and waterfalls before passing an abandoned farmstead. Continue up the hill knowing the reward of beautiful New River Gorge views await you at the top.

After soaking up your surroundings and a magnificent view, head back down, completing this loop through intermittently steep sections of trail before arriving back at the parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Keep an eye out for multiple species of wildflower in this area, including spring beauties, trout lilies, toothwort, and bloodroot.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - New River Gorge

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 8 votes

#11551

Overall
  3.9 from 8 votes
5 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#98

in West Virginia

#11,551

Overall
6 Views Last Month
1,070 Since Apr 29, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 6 days ago
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Check-Ins

Nov 11, 2024
David Hitchcock
Hike along Big Branch which can be slippery after rain, then a nice rolling hike until it descends steeply downhill. Nice, quiet hike though. 1.9mi
Oct 9, 2022
Tom Herr
Challenging forested hike initially following the Big Branch Creek up a steep hill. Best to go clockwise to get the best views of the creek. 1.9mi
Jul 12, 2021
caroline storz
super muddy! but nice hike. 1.7mi
Jun 1, 2021
Dirk Stugg
11h 46m
May 8, 2021
Ashlee W
Beautiful wildflowers, 2 deer, 2 chipmunks, 2 salamanders, and 2 rose breasted grosbeaks. 2.9mi
Apr 30, 2021
April Harrington
Mar 22, 2020
Jeremiah Johnson
Aug 31, 2019
Nathan Kitchen
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