Distance: 3.2 mi
Elevation Gain: 350 ft.
Estimated Time: 1.5 hrs.
Style: Out-and-back
Parking & Entry Fees: Free
The Long Point Trail is a 3 mile, easy/moderate out-and-back trail in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia. The trail is open to hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. The trailhead is easy to access by car with adequate parking space for larger crowds (busy on the weekends). The trail winds you through the forest, leading to a spectacular view point of the New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge is eye catching to say the least – spanning over 3,000 ft. across the gorge, with a beautifully crafted steel archway below. The last 50 ft. of trail provides wonderful views of the gorge on both sides as you traverse a thin (but not scary) ridge out to Long Point. Suitable for both new and experienced hikers. This is my favorite hike in the park so far!
**Trail mileages listed below were measured using my Garmin GPS watch. They are approximate, not exact. Please only use them as a general guide.
Trailhead Address: Long Point Trail, Newton Rd., Fayetteville, WV 25840
Below is a step-by-step trail guide for hiking the Long Point Trail in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, WV. Take screenshots and follow along as you hike!
Trailhead parking is directly off Newton Rd. There’s room for 30+ cars. Pit toilet and trash cans on-site. We went on a Saturday in October and the lot was nearly full.
The trail begins to the right of the pit toilet.
You’ll see a sign for Long Point Trail just beyond the trailhead.
Follow the boardwalk as it winds through the forest. We couldn’t get enough of these Fall colors!
Shortly after beginning the hike you’ll see an observation deck to your left. It provides views and information on the changing landscape.
Continue hiking through the forest on the obvious path.
Arrive at the first trail junction.
Veer right to stay on the Long Point Trail.
(0.7 miles into hike) A few minutes later you’ll come to the second trail junction.
Follow the signs to stay on the Long Point Trail by continuing straight.
Hug the left side here to stay on trail.
Hike through the Rhododendron tunnels.
*I didn’t get a photo of the next section, but essentially you’ll be hanging right from here to the end (it’s not far). There are a few unmarked, off-shoot trails on the left as you go downhill. Skip these and veer right until you reach the open ridge line below.
(1.5 miles into hike) You’re almost there! Arrive at a ridge with open views of the gorge on both sides.
(1.6 miles) Continue to the end of the ridge to reach Long Point.
Great Job 🙂 Soak in the views, have a tasty treat, and when you’re ready, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.
Need new hiking gear?
I’ve listed some my favorite gear below. With each qualifying purchase I receive a small percentage of the profits (at no extra cost to you), helping to support this site.
- Trail Runners: Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe: Women’s, Altra Lone Peak 9 Trail Running Shoe: Men’s
- Day Pack: Osprey Sportlite with Hydraulics Reservoir
- Trekking Poles: LEKI Jannu Aluminum Adjustable Lightweight Walking Poles
- Satellite Communicator (SOS): Garmin inReach® Messenger Handheld Satellite Communicator
- Headlamp: BLACK DIAMOND Spot 350 Headlamp
- Not a fan of Amazon? This gear can also be found on Backcountry.com
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