Sandstone Falls Boardwalk

The Sandstone Falls Boardwalk provides fantastic views of Sandstone Falls.

NPS/Dave Bieri

Quick Facts

Significance:

Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River.

Amenities

3 listed

Parking - Auto, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

Labeled (3) on the Sandstone Brooks Area Trails map

Length

0.2 miles/0.32 km (One-way)

Difficulty

Easy

Trail type

Hiking and accessible 

Trail Description

Sandstone Falls is a sight that should not be missed. This is the largest waterfall on the New River spanning 1500 feet across. Divided by islands, the falls drop from 10 to 25 feet. A 0.25 mile, handicapped accessible boardwalk crosses two bridges leading to islands and observation decks offering fantastic views of the falls and access to fishing areas. The boardwalk passes through the Appalachian riverside flatrock community, which contains a rare assemblage of plants found in only a few places along several high-energy Appalachian rivers. The flatrock community contains many plants that grow nowhere else in New River Gorge.

To reach trailhead

Follow River Road (WV Route 26) from the west end of the WV Route 20 bridge in Hinton. Follow this narrow road along the river for nine miles to Sandstone Falls. The unpaved parking area will be on your right. River Road is single lane in places; please drive slowly and use extra caution.