Welcome to the Long Point Trail hike.
In this blog post, we’ll cover EVERYTHING you need to know to hike to the scenic viewpoint.
This includes the directions, a downloadable trail map (!), hike statistics, and more!
Now, let’s get started.
Want to know WHAT TO EXPECT from the hike? Watch the video below!
KEY TAKEAWAYS about the Long Point Trail
- Location: The Long Point Trail is in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia, USA, offering stunning views of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge and the gorge.
- Trail Highlights: This popular 3.2-mile roundtrip hike is moderately difficult, with an elevation gain of 350 feet. The trail features diverse terrain, including flat sections, wooded areas, and rocky descents.
- Free Entrance: There is no fee to enter New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Location
The Long Point Trailhead is a well-known hiking path located in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia, USA. This popular trail is famous for its breathtaking views of the gorge and the ICONIC New River Gorge Bridge.
DO YOU KNOW: River Gorge Forest is one of the OLDEST forests in the WORLD, according to Lonely Planet. It also makes it one of the most beautiful forests in the world!
To reach the trailhead from US 19, head south on WV16 through Fayetteville. Make a left turn onto Gatewood Road, following signs for Kaymoor and Cunard. Continue on Gatewood Road for 1.9 miles, then turn left onto Newton Road. The parking area for the trailhead will be 50 yards on your left.
You can DOWNLOAD THE MAP via AllTrails so you can use your phone to navigate the trail!
BE AWARE: There is another Long Point trail at Summersville Lake. While this is also a gorgeous trail, don’t let Google sidetrack you with directions that take 20 minutes outside the town ‘Fayetteville’.
Overview of the Trail
- Trailhead: directions to the parking lot (start the trail at the River Gorge National Park).
- Fees: There is NO FEE to enter New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. You can check this on the government website. Since this is a free park, park-, senior- and access passes are not available for purchase.
- Camping: Enjoy camping at one of the 8 River Gorge National Park campgrounds. These campgrounds have no drinking water, hookups, electricity, and limited restroom facilities. There are no camping FEES at park campgrounds. Reservations are not available; all sites are first-come, first-serve. Check out the government website for the most recent information. We recommend the FREE Stone Cliff Beach campground at half an hour’s distance or the Outpost at 10 minutes driving for 90 USD for 2 people (one night).
BEWARE IF YOU HAVE KIDS: Long Point is bordered by steep drops of over 50 meters on three sides. Always keep a close eye on children, as falls have occurred, necessitating extensive rescue operations to retrieve those who have fallen.
GOOD TO KNOW: Mountain bikes are permitted on most sections of the trail, except for the last 0.2 miles leading to the overlook.
Parking at the Long Point Trailhead
The link lets you find directions to the trailhead parking area (start the trail at River Gorge National Park).
The parking is near the visitor center and offers restrooms and access to connecting trails.
However, we suggest you always arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak hiking seasons, as it can get busy.
MUST KNOW: The National Park Service has recently UPGRADED the trailhead parking, but it can still fill up on weekends. The local police will tow illegally parked cars.
Trail Statistics of the Long Point Trail
- Distance: about 3.2 miles / 5km roundtrip
- Time to complete: 1h15 mins
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 350′ meter
- Hike Type: out-and-back
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
- Parking: There’s a big parking area at the trailhead, but BE AWARE, the parking is filled up quickly.
- Adhere to the Leave No Trace Principle.
Do you need a permit to hike Long Point Trail?
Hiking the Long Point Trail does NOT require a permit. Both parking and the entrance to the River Gorge National Park are FREE.
Scenic Highlights: New River Gorge Bridge
The Long Point trail starts nice and flat, skirting the forest’s edge behind some homes. Soon, it opens up into a large, overgrown field. You’ll notice a wooden deck on the left with great views and signs explaining the basics of forest succession.
Then, the trail passes back into the woods. The trail stays mostly flat, following the rolling crest of the ridge. There are a few ups and downs, but nothing too intense. About half a mile in, you’ll hit a junction with the Fayetteville Trail. Don’t worry about blazes here; the signs and the Long Point Trail are clear.
After another short climb, the Long Point trail starts to descend. You’ll reach another junction with the Butcher Branch Trail at the three-quarter mile mark. The ridge begins to narrow here, with rhododendron bushes filling the understory. You’ll also find mountain laurel along the trail, enhancing the hiking experience for nature lovers. Around a mile in, you’ll see a bike post with a sign indicating that it’s hikers only from this point on. The final descent to the overlook begins here.
This last half-mile is the toughest part of the Long Point trail hike. The rhododendrons close in, and the rocky footing demands your attention. Most of the trail’s ELEVATION CHANGE happens here. As the ridge narrows, you’ll catch some brief but stunning views from small rock outcrops. Just before you reach the final overlook, the trail flattens out and opens into a grove of pines on a flat, rocky point.
The main overlook is breathtaking. You’re standing about 800 feet above the New River, with the gorge and the iconic New River Gorge BRIDGE in perfect view. This spot is picture-perfect, with the massive steel arch New River Gorge bridge, completed in 1977, spanning over 3,000 feet and standing 876 feet above the water. The view also includes the ‘Endless Wall trail’ cliffs across the gorge.
After enjoying the hike and taking in the views, return the same way you came. To extend your hike, turn left onto the Butcher’s Branch Trail and follow it back to Kaymoor Top. From there, reconnect with the Long Point Trail via the Fayetteville Trail to return to the parking area. Alternatively, you can explore the Timber Ridge Trail, which connects to the parking area.
Safety Precautions
We always recommend that you be prepared and take some safety precautions. Even though the out-and-back hike only takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, you don’t want to get lost or injure yourself along the trail.
Below is a list of safety precautions:
- Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Sudden weather changes can make hiking dangerous.
- Bring a digital trail map and familiarize yourself with the route beforehand.
- Wear appropriate footwear and clothing suitable for the trail’s terrain and weather conditions.
- Carry enough water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized during the hike.
- If you plan to hike in a group, ensure everyone stays together to prevent anyone from getting lost.
- Be respectful of the wildlife. Keep a safe distance, and do not feed or approach them.
Best Time To Visit Long Point Trailhead
The best time is DEFINITELY during the spring and fall seasons. This is due to the comfortable temperatures (+ good weather conditions) and MODERATE amount of people present during these times.
PERFECT MONTH?
April!
We highly recommend visiting early in the MORNING, especially during spring, summer, and fall.
WHY?
1) Temperatures
- Moderate Temperatures: April offers comfortable temperatures, with daytime ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C).
- Cool Evenings: Eveningsare cooler, with temperatures dropping to between 40°F and 50°F (4°C to 10°C).
2) Sun
- Optimal Daylight: April provides plenty of daylight hours, allowing for longer hikes. Compared to winter months, the sun rises early and sets later, giving you more time to enjoy the trail.
- Moderate Sun Intensity: The sun in April is not as harsh as in the summer, reducing the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion.
3) Rain
- Low Precipitation: April sees relatively low rainfall in the region, averaging around 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). This means the trail is always dry.
- Clear Skies: The lower likelihood of rain also means clearer skies, offering amazing views of the landscapes and better opportunities for Instagram photos.
4) Natural Beauty
- Spring Blooms: April is a fantastic time to see wildflowers in bloom along the trail. The flora and fauna are also more active.
- Water Flow: The falls usually flow at a good rate in April due to the melting snow from higher elevations.
5) Crowds
- Less Crowded: April is before the peak tourist season, so you’ll encounter fewer people on the trail than in summer.
Where to Stay
Some people love to add Long Point Trailhead to their trip when they’re road tripping across the states.
They’ll load up the RV, staying in campsites from Missouri to California and everywhere in between, ticking off trails they’re dying to see along the way.
There are a few options available near the Long Point Trail, let us give you our luxury, mid-budget and budget recommendations.
Mid-Budget
If you are seeking a balance between comfort and cost, consider the Hampton Inn Beckley or Best Western Plus Beckley Inn. Both offer comfortable rooms and are conveniently located near the trailhead.
Budget
For budget-conscious travelers, Quality Inn New River Gorge or Sleep Inn Beaver-Beckley offer affordable rates. These accommodations provide a comfortable place to rest after a day of hiking.
When we travel, we always use Booking.com to book all our accommodations. It has the best prices and flexible cancellation policies, depending on the accommodation we choose.
The United States is a place of unparalleled beauty, with spectacular scenic landscapes and awe-inspiring panoramic views such as the ones from the Everglades and Francis S Taylor Wildlife Managament Area and Lake Haiyaha
If, during this trip (or any other of your hiking adventures), you feel as though you simply cannot get enough of the great outdoors and want to be able to spend as much time underneath that blue (or starry) sky as possible, you may want to camp or rent a campervan instead.
This way, you can step back and relax in a place where nature meets comfort, and the great outdoors is never more than a few steps away, and you can enjoy some real tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Conclusions
That’s everything you need to know for the beautiful hike: Long Point Trail in West Virginia!
The New River Gorge National Park is a free national park with beautiful views over the New River Gorge bridge and valleys. Always watch out for the steep drop-offs and when the roots of the trees come out of the ground.
Let us know in the comments if you have any extra questions about the Long Point Trail!
