A classic New River hike loaded with "endless" views from a bluff staring across the river to Fayetteville and the New River Gorge Bridge.

Statistics

1 - 2

hrs

131

m

131

m

7

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Moderate

Description

With its *endless* cliffside views and abundance of climbing routes, the Endless Wall is an iconic day hike for anyone visiting New River Gorge NP.

Towering nearly 1000 feet above, the views of New River are absolutely incredible, and, depending on the season, "you can often hear the voices of whitewater rafters as they experience the wild rapids of the lower New," the park states. According to [this source](https://lafayetteflats.com/endless-wall-trail/), the Endless Wall trail offers "the most character and diversity" of any trail in the park.

Voted “The Best National Park Hike” by USA Today readers in 2015, they highlight the "ancient Hemlock forest [and] pulse-quickening views from atop the cliffs" that make it one of New River's classic hikes.

They also recommend an early start to your day, because "the Gorge is at its most beautiful when the sun begins to penetrate the morning mist that gathers over the river." The Endless Wall Trail begins and ends on Lansing-Edmond Road near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

You can hike the trail in either direction, but you have to walk the road for 1/2-mile to form a loop between trailheads.

Water and restrooms are not available at either end, though the visitor center is just a quick drive away.

While you're there, make sure you hit the [Canyon Rim Boardwalk](https://fatmap.com/routeid/2728899/canyon-rim-boardwalk) too - the short overlook hike offers spectacular views of the New River Gorge Bridge. According to the park, the area hosts over 1600 climbing routes throughout the gorge, and the Endless Wall is a hotspot for climbers.

A designated spur trail leads off the main trail and offers access for climbers.

Diamond Point, a prominent overlook, is also found on the climber's trail and marked with a sign.

For rock climbers, a detailed list of routes [can be found here](https://www.thecrag.com/en/climbing/united-states/new-river-gorge/area/12594931). Sources: [NPS](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/fayetteville-area-hiking-trails-map.htm) [Lafayette Flats](https://lafayetteflats.com/endless-wall-trail/)