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Sandstone Falls Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy Easy
 4.6 (11)
  1. Areas
  2. WV
  3. …Southern W. Virginia
  4. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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“A peaceful hike through reclaimed farmlands, ending at stunning views of Sandstone Falls. ”

Hunter R
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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.7

KM

Loop

1,297' 395 m

High

1,279' 390 m

Low

31' 9 m

Up

31' 9 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

6%

Max Grade (3°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Family Friendly This hike's gentle grades, manageable length, and spectacular views make it a wonderful option for families with children.

Overview

The Sandstone Falls Loop is a short, scenic loop through historic farmland that ends at viewpoints of the dazzling Sandstone Falls.

Need to Know

Be sure to bring your camera on this hike, as Sandstone Falls provides wonderful photo opportunities.

Description

From the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk Parking Area, hike along the path a few hundred meters before reaching a junction with the Island Loop Trail. Head north along the Island Loop Trail, traveling clockwise through farmlands undergoing a natural transition back to woodlands.

Upon reaching the junction with the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk, head south across a wooden bridge onto an island situated in the middle of the New River. Follow the boardwalk to its end, at which point visitors can expect fantastic views of Sandstone Falls.

After enjoying the falls, return along the boardwalk to the junction with the Island Loop Trail, heading west to return to the parking area.

History & Background

The area along the Island Loop Trail was originally cut from the surrounding forest to be used as both pasture for livestock and fields for cultivating crops. However, after farming ending on this property, nearby forests began to reclaim this area. Today, reclamation is ongoing, and will continue until the forest reaches maturity.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - New River Gorge

Shared By:

Hunter R
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 11 votes

#1

in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

#1130

Overall
  4.6 from 11 votes
5 Star
73%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in New River Gorge Nation…

#7

in West Virginia

#1,130

Overall
8 Views Last Month
2,913 Since May 31, 2016
Easy Easy
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Photos

Beautiful easy trail, wildflowers, river views, birds. Very enjoyable.
Apr 30, 2021 near Hinton, WV
Just a fraction of Sandstone Falls.
Mar 4, 2021 near Hinton, WV

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 7 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 11, 2024
David Hitchcock
Nice hike with views of the main and lower falls. Not too busy on a weekday. 1.1mi
Jun 22, 2024
Linda Catron
Dec 18, 2023
Natalie Graber
1.1mi
Nov 27, 2023
Kristy Van
Nov 9, 2023
Debbie School
Oct 28, 2023
Melody Davis
Oct 21, 2023
Kimberly Groppe
Aug 6, 2023
Russ Huth
14h 00m

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