Island Loop Trail

Island Loop Trail circles the largest island below Sandstone Falls. Start at the junction on Sandstone Falls Boardwalk, follow the island path, then return on the short boardwalk link between its two ends; the complete mapped loop is about 0.66 mile. The National Park Service lists 0.5 mile round trip, while one GPS walk came to about 0.75, so allow for some variation. Budget about 30 minutes for the loop itself. It’s an easy change of pace from the falls decks, with more of the visit spent on the river’s edge and in the woods.

The island path opens to a view across the New River, then turns inland through forest; a small stream marks part of the return. Expect exposed rock and dirt underfoot. It’s a natural trail, quite different from the smooth boardwalk you use to reach it, and the rocky stretches can slow you down.

People once farmed, grazed and timbered this island, and a grist mill operated here. The old fields are gradually returning to forest, so the loop is a good place to notice how the island is changing. On the boardwalk approach, the rocky river edge also supports an uncommon Appalachian flatrock plant community shaped by thin soil and periodic floods; that’s an approach highlight, not a description of the whole loop.

The unpaved parking area and a vault or composting toilet are at the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk trailhead. Follow the boardwalk to the Island Loop junction; the boardwalk’s separate 0.2-mile one-way route reaches the falls viewing decks and adds time if you explore it. Pets are allowed on park trails on a physical leash no longer than six feet. There’s no drinking water at the trailhead.