Day hikers can take in breathtaking views of the deepest section of the New River Gorge on the Grandview Rim Trail.
The 3.2-mile round trip trail connects the Main and the Turkey Spur overlooks at West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park. Views from the trail’s three overlooks would be the equivalent of standing at the top of the world’s 25th tallest skyscraper.
To reach the trailhead, from Interstate 64 and West Virginia Hwy. 9 junction, take the latter north. Park at the Grandview Visitor Center. Head to the small center and take in the exhibits and displays. The trail starts, via the Grandview Walkway, on the center’s east side.
The rim trail is the first left/north on the way to the Main Overlook. Head straight to the overlook, however, for stunning views of the New River and the gorge. The Main Overlook sits at 2461 feet, a full 125 stories above the river.
121 Stories Up
From the Main Overlook, head back to the rim trail. Be careful not to accidentally turn onto the Tunnel or the Castle Rock trails along the way.
Wide and flat, the dirt rim trail rambles through a mature, mixed forest of hardwoods, hemlocks and rhododendron.
At a little more than 0.3 miles, a spur leads to the North Overlook. The elevation is 2428 feet, a mere 121 stories above the river. From the overlook, you’ll get a 50-yard line view of a horseshoe bend in the river.
Upon returning to the main trail, go right/north onto it.
Turkey Spur Overlook
At almost 0.5 miles, the Castle Rock Trail joins from the right; continue straight-left/northwest. If you’d like a little variety to your hike, the Castle Rock, which runs just below the rim, makes for a good alternate route on your way back.
Soon Turkey Spur Road parallels the trail on the on the left/west.
At 1.6 miles, the trail reaches Turkey Spur Overlook. You’ll take about 150 steps up to the overlook, which sits at 2399 feet. It offers a commanding view of where Laurel Creek meets the New River. The river itself is a little more than 1185 feet below, the equivalent of standing atop a 119-story building.
After taking in the view, retrace your steps back to the parking lot, skipping the spurs to the North and Main overlooks. If taking the Castle Rock Trail, expect a narrow, rocky path with interesting sandstone walls along the way.
Learn more about national park day hiking trails in my Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks guidebook.
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