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Sandstone Falls Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy
 4.7 (6) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. WV
  3. …Southern W. Virginia
  4. New River Gorge National River
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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

  4.7 from 6 votes

#2

in New River Gorge National River

#2163

Overall
  4.7 from 6 votes
5 Star
67%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in New River Gorge Nation…

#11

in West Virginia

#2,163

Overall
26 Views Last Month
2,705 Since May 31, 2016
Easy
83%
17%
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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

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Check-Ins

Nov 28, 2021
Norbert Huang
Nov 19, 2021
Jeremy Kline
Oct 4, 2021
Thom Dunn
Sep 8, 2021
Jodi K
Did the boardwalk, walked out on rocks to get a better view of the falls, coming back on island loop. Getting warm, Falls looked a bit hazy in the… 1.1mi
Sep 3, 2021
Joey Atkins
Jul 19, 2021
Derek DeBarr
Jul 14, 2021
Chris Ferrone
Jun 5, 2021
William Plucknett
Real easy. Family friendly, esp. for people who don't hike

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