27 Sep Endless Wall Trail Near New River Gorge, West Virginia

The Endless Wall Trail in Edmond, West Virginia provides arguably the best view of the area. Visitors can enjoy gorgeous views of the New River 1000 feet (~305 meters) below, the rolling mountains, and the New River Gorge Bridge in the distance. For an even closer look at the bridge, check out the New River Gorge Bridge Overlook. The Endless Wall Trail is a fairly easy hike at approximately 2.8 miles (~4.5 kilometers) round trip with a little less than 300 feet (~91 meters) in elevation gain.

Contents:

1) Location of Endless Wall Trail, West Virginia

2) General Visitor Information

3) Trailhead Directions

4) General Trail Information

5) At the Top: Diamond Point Overlook

6) Recommended Items to Bring

7) Additional Activities in the Area

1) Location of Endless Wall Trail, West Virginia

Endless Wall Trail is located in Edmond, West Virginia. While you might not recognize the name of this trail, it is only a few minutes down the road from the New River Gorge Bridge. That being said, it offers magnificent views of the river as well as of the bridge. Moreover, it is located only five minutes down the road from Fayetteville, West Virginia. 

For additional attractions in the state of West Virginia, check out Falls of Hills Creek Waterfall in Hillsboro and Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg.

Parking

There are two main parking options available: (1) Endless Wall Trailhead (2) Nuttall Parking. Thankfully, we were able to grab a spot in one of these lots before they filled up. We also saw a fair amount of people park along the side of the road. However, please note that the National Park Service’s page for the Endless Wall Trail states that you cannot park on the side of the road. Cars that do so are subject to towing. 

There is a trailhead at each parking lot. However, this means that hikers will begin the trail at one lot and finish the trail at the other lot. To complete the loop, hikers will need to walk back along the road to the lot at which their car is parked.

Nearby Lodging

For accommodations, check out options in Fayetteville or Oak Hill. There are not a lot of hotels in the area, so consider looking into a cabin rental or airbnb.

Nearby Airports – Endless Wall Trail, West Virginia

There are a few small, regional airports close to the trail. However, the closest international airport is the West Virginia International Yeager Airport located one hour and 10 minutes northwest. 

There are no public transportation options available from the airport to the trailhead. You will thus need to rent a car from the airport or utilize a ride share service such as Uber. 

Path through the forest along the Endless Wall Trail

2) General Visitor Information

First, the Endless Wall Trail in West Virginia is open to hikers all day, every day. However, I would recommend hiking in the daytime so you can enjoy the beautiful views it offers. 

Second, there is no fee to hike the trail or to park in one of the lots mentioned above. We love a beautiful, free attraction. 

Third, the best seasons to hike the trail are spring, summer, and autumn. Why not winter? The region does get a bit of snow each winter, so hiking the trail will become more difficult when there is snow and/or ice on the ground. At that point, you will need to be prepared with hiking poles and crampons.

Fourth, plan for between an hour and a half to two hours for the hike. The hike itself will take around an hour and 15 minutes, yet you will also need some time to find a parking spot, enjoy the view at the top, etc. 

3) Trailhead Directions

You have two options concerning where to begin the hike. First, you can begin at the Endless Wall Trailhead as listed in the location section above. We parked at the lot next to this trailhead and then started the hike. At the end of the hike, we came out onto the road at Nuttall Parking. Then we had to walk about a half mile (~0.8 kilometers) along the road back to our parking lot.

Second, you can do the opposite of the above. There is additional parking at Nuttall Parking. Park there and start at the trailhead off the parking lot. At the end of the hike, you will come out at the parking lot next to Endless Wall Trailhead. Then turn right onto the road and walk about a half mile (~0.8 kilometers) back to the Nuttall Parking.

As detailed above, it is kind of a loop trail but not entirely. To complete the full loop, it is necessary to walk along the road for about a half mile.

Crossing a bridge along the Endless Wall Trail

4) General Trail Information – Endless Wall Trail, West Virginia

Endless Wall Trail in West Virginia is considered a relatively easy hike as it is 2.8 miles (~4.8 kilometers) round trip with around 300 feet (~91 meters) of elevation gain. A fast hiker might complete this trail in about an hour, but an hour and 15 minutes is the average hiking time. Add on some extra time to that if bringing along some snacks or a picnic to enjoy at the overlook.

The main attraction of this hike is Diamond Point Overlook. From here you can enjoy views of the river 1000 feet (~305 meters) below. There is even more information about this overlook in the next section.

Another trail in West Virginia with stunning views at the top is the Maryland Heights Trail in Harpers Ferry. It offers panoramic views of the town of Harpers Ferry as well as the convergence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.

Trail Conditions

The trail was in pretty good condition when we completed the hike. It is mainly a dirt trail with two sets of wooden steps and two wooden bridges. Due to the fact it is mainly dirt, it can thus sometimes be muddy. We were able to easily avoid any mud patches on the trail, but it had not rained for a couple of days when we hiked. You should expect a muddy trail if it rained recently in the area.

Additionally, there are some roots sticking out along the trail. Be sure to watch your footing, especially if you have any balance issues or difficulties with walking.

Additional Pathways – Endless Wall Trail, West Virginia

While walking along the trail, we noticed a few side paths along the way. These paths sometimes led to a rock climbing spot and other times led to a somewhat hidden viewpoint. We checked out a few, but not all of them. Some led right up to the edge of a pretty steep cliff, so we decided to keep our distance. As a note, be sure to remain cautious at all times. Do not risk your safety, especially if not an experienced hiker, for an additional overlook.

View from Diamond Point Overlook on the Endless Wall Trail

5) At the Top: Diamond Point Overlook

We began the hike at the Endless Wall Trail parking lot and arrived at Diamond Point Overlook after about one mile (~1.6 kilometers). For those who begin the hike at Nuttall Parking, the overlook is approximately 1.2 miles (~1.9 kilometers) down the trail.

Let me first mention there is a sign indicating the overlook. We stopped at an overlook area thinking it was Diamond Point but then were pleasantly surprised when we saw the sign just a minute down the trail. In my opinion, this is truly the best overlook on the trail (and it is the only official overlook).

The View – Endless Wall Trail, West Virginia

When we arrived at the overlook, we looked upon the view in awe. Of course we took some pictures, but they did not do it justice. We could see the rolling mountains in the distance, covered in trees of a beautiful forest green color. Additionally, we could see the water flowing in the New River about 1000 feet (~305 meters) below. I kept looking down to see if anyone was white water rafting, but unfortunately no one was out that day. Lastly, we could see the New River Gorge Bridge in the distance to the right.

Words of Caution

There are no fences or rails at the overlook. This means hikers can walk right up to the cliff’s edge. Therefore, it is each person’s responsibility to remain cautious of themselves as well as the others in their party. Safety first!

Surrounding scenery at Diamond Point Overlook

6) Recommended Items to Bring

1. Water bottle: Please please please be sure to bring water with you while hiking the Endless Wall Trail in West Virginia. I do not mean bring water and leave it in your car. Nope. Carry your water around with you as you hike. Water is even more important if you are visiting in the summer, for the heat can make you become dehydrated real quick. For example, I always carry around my Yeti water bottle.

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet.

Hiking Items – Endless Wall Trail, West Virginia

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful as you hike up to Diamond Point Overlook. 

5. Hiking poles: Hiking poles are not a necessity since this trail is not too long and has little elevation gain. However, bring them along if you want a bit of extra support. 

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

Rock climbers visible in the distance

6) Additional Activities in the Area

There is no shortage of additional activities in the area, so make sure you add at least one of the following to your itinerary.

Water Activities

Probably the most well-known activity in the New River Gorge area is white water rafting. The New River boasts rapids ranging from Class I to Class V.  Depending on the time of year, companies offer a variety of rafting adventures. 

While the New River Gorge is one of the best places for whitewater rafting in the entire United States, Harpers Ferry is a lesser-known whitewater rafting location just an hour and a half outside of DC. I have gone on both whitewater rafting as well as whitewater tubing tours in Harpers Ferry, and I would do them both again.

Not interested in white water rafting? Look into options for kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, or swimming instead.

Aerial Activities

Multiple companies around New River Gorge offer zipline tours as well as a high ropes course. Sit back, relax, and fly through the air on ziplines overlooking the area. For a bit more physical activity, grab a group of friends or a date and tackle the various challenges of a high ropes course. 

Rock Climbing

Along the Endless Wall Trail were a few side paths that led to rock climbing areas. Moreover, we even saw two people rock climbing as we were hiking. For professional or experienced rock climbers, grab your equipment and get to climbing! 

For those who have never been rock climbing or have only gone once or twice in the past, there are guided tours available in the New River Gorge area. 

New River Gorge Bridge Overlook

To view the majesty of the New River Gorge Bridge, head to the overlook by the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Walk along the short boardwalk to view the bridge from the upper overlook. The lower viewpoint can then be accessed by descending 300 stairs. 

Foggy view of the New River Gorge Bridge

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Check out an attraction in nearby North Carolina: Cameron Barnstormer Murals.

While there, go for a ride down a slide: Sliding Rock – Natural Waterslide.