Expert New River Gorge hiker shares her four favorite national park trails

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. – What are the best hiking trails in West Virginia’s new national park? Deb Moses Lamey, president of Friends of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, is a consummate hiker who knows the trails that climb through the gorge and surrounding highlands.

With more than 40 designated trails, the West Virginia park is a major draw for hikers. One of the most famous hiking trails in the US, the Endless Wall Trail, is located here, although it is not necessarily on Lamey’s list.

Which hiking trails are her favorite? “There are far too many to judge,” Lamey said, “but if I had to choose, I think I can think of my four favorites, although it will be a struggle.”

Grandview Rim Trail

“I love the Grandview Rim Trail. It has fantastic views of the entire river, beautiful spots at both the beginning and end, and it’s not crowded and loud,” Lamey said.
Grandview has six miles of hiking trails and unbeatable views of the deepest part of the canyon. The routes range from easy to strenuous and can be walked in their entirety or in several shorter sections.

The 1.5-mile (one-way) trail is moderately strenuous and is the longest at Grandview, which connects the Main Overlook to Turkey Spur. Along the way, hikers can enjoy many breathtaking views of the gorge and river more than 1,000 feet below.

Kaymoor Trail (northern section)

“The Kaymoor Trail from Fayette Station Road to the central section crosses Wolf Creek, a waterfall, and offers more great views along the way,” Lamey said.

“About half way along the trail you will see the old mine openings and some great history on some sides of the road. It is a beautiful two mile walk that is not too strenuous, and is very enjoyable. You can always make it more difficult by 821 steps from the Kaymoor Miner’s Trail to the bottom and back up again.”

The Kaymoor Trail of 13.9 kilometers (one way) is moderately strenuous and suitable for walking and cycling. The northern two miles of the trail, from Wolf Creek Trailhead to the old mine site, follows an old road. Exhibits along the way explain the Kaymoor mining operation and the community along the way.

The one-kilometer Kaymoor Miner’s Trail is strenuous and suitable for hiking only. It descends steeply from the top of the gorge with steps and switchbacks to the Kaymoor Coal Mine, where it crosses the Kaymoor Trail.

Bridge path

“I love the Bridge Trail, which is a super tough trail in both directions, but it also has cool views from under the New River Gorge Bridge and on the way out,” says Lamey.

Although the Bridge Trail is less than a mile long, it is strenuous. According to the National Park Service, it is steep and rocky at times and offers unparalleled views of the canyon and monument. The trail passes under the bridge and connects to the Fayetteville Trail.

Long Points Route

“Finally, even though Long Point is now overused and far too busy, it still has to be a favorite with that remarkable view of the point. That vantage point for viewing the bridge and gorge is virtually unparalleled,” says Lamey.

The 1.6-mile (single) trail is moderately strenuous and suitable for hiking and biking, although the portion of the trail at the end at the point is open to hikers only. There is a bicycle rack for cyclists.

The Long Point Trail crosses fields and forests on its way to a rocky outcrop known as Long Point, which offers panoramic views of the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. Most of this trail descends gently through the forest, but there is a steep section just before hikers arrive at the point.

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