Summersville sits at the edge of the New River Gorge region — one of the newest national parks and one of the best climbing and whitewater destinations in the country. The lake is five minutes away. The gorge, twenty. Whether you're here to climb, paddle, raft, or just float, it's all close.
Beaver - The big one — and one of the most beautiful trails in the park. The trail follows Glade Creek through constantly changing scenery, past waterfalls, the best swimming holes in the Gorge, and rope swings you'll want to use. You don't have to hike all 11 miles; even the first few miles reward you generously. Bring waterproof boots — the trail can be muddy.
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Hinton - Sandstone Falls spans 1,500 feet across the New River — the widest waterfall in West Virginia — and the accessible boardwalk makes it one of the few hikes in the park that's genuinely easy for all ages and abilities. The island loop trail adds a little more distance and rewards you with the full breadth of the falls from mid-river. A great choice with kids or for an easy evening walk.
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Garten - Short but punishing, this trail descends 800+ wooden steps into the gorge to reach the preserved ruins of the Kaymoor coal mining complex. The history embedded in this place — the inclined railway relics, the mining structures — gives the hike a weight that stays with you. Budget 2–3 hours and know you'll earn every step back up.
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Grandview - Start at the Grandview Visitor Center and you're rewarded almost immediately with the view of Horseshoe Bend — a giant oxbow in the New River where the gorge reaches 1,400 feet deep. The rhododendron blooms here in May and June are spectacular.
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A gorgeous woodland trail through old-growth forest, rhododendron thickets, and mountain laurel, leading out to Diamond Point Overlook with stunning views of the Nuttall Sandstone wall and the river 1,000 feet below. Rock climbers are almost always visible on the cliffs — and you can access the climbing walls via ladders if you're feeling bold. Start early on weekends, the parking lot fills up fast.
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Fayetteville - The classic Gorge hike, and for good reason. A relatively gentle walk through deciduous forest brings you to a sandstone rock outcropping nearly 1,000 feet above the New River, with an unobstructed view of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Pack a lunch and linger — the sunrise and sunset lighting here is exceptional.
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Summersville - The climbers' trail to the Coliseum and Orange Oswald walls at Summersville Lake, WV, is accessed from the new parking lot behind the temporary headquarters at Summersville State Park. A ~5-minute trail starts near the new restrooms, leads down metal stairs, and passes through the forest to these popular, south-facing sport climbing areas. Worth checking out just to see the Coliseum. Also a great spot to go for a dip on those hotter days.
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