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    Home » Travel » Outdoor Adventure

    Endless Wall Trail (New River Gorge)

    Published: Oct 23, 2021 · Modified: Oct 16, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Visiting the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia? Check out the Endless Wall Trail for views of the rocky cliffs, valley and river.

    Diamond Point Overlook

    I've enjoyed exploring New River Gorge for years, and when it became a national park in 2020, I was eager to visit again.

    It's an area of southern West Virginia known for its beautiful, expansive views of river, cliff, and valley.

    Whether you're looking for free camping, hiking, rock climbing, cycling, or whitewater rafting, there's plenty to explore!

    On our recent trip to the gorge, we focused on some of the park's most scenic trails. My favorites (so far!) are the Long Point Trail, Grandview Rim, and the Endless Wall Trail.

    Looking for more outdoors fun in West Virginia? There's lots to do at New River Gorge, or try Gray Flats South Trail in Beckley, Pinnacle Rock State Park near Princeton, Kanawha State Forest in Charleston, or Summit Lake near Richwood!

    Is the Endless Wall Trail Difficult?

    It's listed as a moderate trail, but it's definitely on the easier side of moderate. There is a slight elevation change and some rhododendron roots to step over.

    Two Trailheads, One Path

    The trail is a 2.4-mile broken loop, beginning at the Fern Creek Trailhead, and ending at the Nuttall Trailhead.

    To make it a complete loop, you have to hike another 0.5 miles on the side of a small country road, back to the Fern Creek Trailhead.

    We prefer to begin at one of the trailheads (either Fern Creek or Nuttall, whichever has available parking), and then make this an out-and-back trail by hiking to Diamond Point Overlook and then turning back the way we came.

    Diamond Point Overlook is approximately one mile from the Fern Creek Trailhead and 1.2 miles from the Nuttall Trailhead.

    Both sections of the trail have fairly similar difficulty levels, although the Fern Creek section might be more difficult for someone who's not steady on their feet.

    Trekking poles can be super helpful while hiking! I love Kelty trekking poles. For a higher-end option, try these Black Diamond Alpine carbon trekking poles.

    I prefer the views of the cliffs from the overlooks between Diamond Point and Fern Creek, but have found that the section between Nuttall and Diamond Point are more clearly marked with trail signs.

    Endless Wall Trail Marker
    Trail Marker

    Hiking The Endless Wall Trail

    We approached the trail this time from the Fern Creek trailhead in Edmond, WV. To get there, turn off Route 19 onto Lansing-Edmond Road, and drive 1.3 miles.

    The trail starts out as an easy, wooded trail. Each side of the trail is blanketed in rhododendrons.

    Endless Wall Trail
    Endless Wall Trail

    It actually feels like an endless wall of rhododendrons.

    Rhododendron in New River Gorge
    Rhododendron

    The trail remains densely wooded, crosses a creek, and becomes slightly rockier as you get closer to the overlook.

    And yes, this is true no matter which trailhead you start from.

    Endless Wall Trail in New River Gorge
    Endless Wall Trail

    Then suddenly, there's a small opening for an overlook, and there it is-- the Endless Wall of rock.

    Endless Wall Trail Overlook
    Endless Wall Trail Overlook
    Endless Wall Trail Overlook
    Endless Wall Trail Overlook

    As you hike, you'll pass lots of small overlooks like the one pictured below. Find your favorite and enjoy the views.

    Endless Wall Overlook.
    Endless Wall Overlook

    Stop for a drink of water, admire the rocky view, and then keep walking to the "official" trail overlook.

    Looking for hiking gear recommendations? We like the REI men's Trail 25 pack and the REI women's Trail 25 pack, or for something a little more high-end, try the Osprey daypack. Don't forget sturdy footwear like these Keen hiking boots!

    Diamond Point — with its diamond-shaped rocky overlook (and more of the endless wall) — is just around the corner.

    Diamond Point Trail Sign.
    Diamond Point Trail Sign

    We shared the breathtaking overlook with a few other hikers and watched the kayaks and whitewater rafters float by in the river down below.

    Diamond Point Overlook.
    Diamond Point Overlook

    Eventually, we left the overlook, headed back down the trail, and drove to the next trailhead.

    Endless Wall Trail Overlook
    Endless Wall Trail Overlook

    Have you discovered New River Gorge National Park yet? Let me know in the comments what your favorite trails and activities are!

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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

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    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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