Stone Cliff Trail

The Stone Cliff Trail provides many good up-close views of the New River.

NPS/Dave Bieri

Quick Facts

Significance:

Old-Growth Forest Network

Amenities

3 listed

Parking - Auto, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead

Labeled (6) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map

Length

2.7 miles/4.35 km (One-way)

Difficulty

Easy to Moderate

Trail type

Hiking and biking

Trail Description

This moderate 2.7 mile trail follows an old road along the banks of the New River. Great views and easy access to the river are available along this trail. The endpoint of the trail leads to old-growth forest. Industry in New River Gorge cleared most forests in the area, but parts of Stone Cliff survived. Stands of trees from before industrialization are rare making this forest special. More information about old-growth forest is also available on the website on the Old-Growth Forests page.

In April 2015, the Old-Growth Forest Network added Stone Cliff to its network forests. To reach the old-growth forest stand, visitors must hike off-trail up a steep slope from the endpoint of the trail. 

To reach the trailhead

From U.S. Route 19 north of Beckley, take the Glen-Jean-Thurmond exit. Take an immediate left and go 0.5 miles to Glen Jean. Turn right and follow the signs for Thurmond (WV Route 25). Continue for 6 miles to a three-way intersection. Bear right and go 1.5 miles on this road. Take a right on the gravel road, just before the bridge crossing the New River. Continue past the boat launch to the parking area. The trail begins beside the picnic area.