Long Point Trail

Overview

If you want the classic head‑on view of the New River Gorge Bridge, this is the ticket. Long Point Trail is a 3.0‑mile round‑trip, out‑and‑back walk that starts mellow and finishes with a short, steeper approach to a rocky point. It’s rated moderate: mostly gentle forest singletrack with roots, a few muddy low spots after rain, and an uphill return.

What You’ll See

The trail moves through fields and mixed forest, largely shaded. Near the start there’s a small wildlife viewing platform, and in mid‑June the rhododendrons bloom into a gorgeous tunnel near the end. The payoff is a panoramic, straight‑on look at the gorge and the bridge from the Long Point rock outcrop—one of the park’s most photogenic vistas. On clear days you can often spot climbers across the gorge.

Trail Details

Plan 1–2 hours depending on your pace and photo time. The first mile is mostly level, then the grade eases downhill toward the rim; the last few hundred yards are steeper but stepped and straightforward. Expect some mud after rain and a bit of rock and root. Bikes are allowed for most of the route, but not on the final 0.2 miles to the overlook—there’s a bike rack where the restriction begins. Dogs are allowed on leash.

Safety and Kids

Long Point itself is an exposed rock with unfenced cliff edges and severe drop‑offs on three sides. Keep a wide margin from the edges and supervise children closely. The return is mostly uphill, so budget energy and water for the hike back to the car.

Crowds and Timing

This is a very popular trail with regular waits at the prime photo spots during busy seasons. Go early morning, late afternoon/evening, or on weekdays for more breathing room. Fall foliage is spectacular, and mid‑June rhododendron blooms add a fun flourish to the approach. Soft light early or late helps with bridge photos.

Getting There and Facilities

From US‑19, take WV‑16 south through Fayetteville, turn left on Gatewood Road for 1.9 miles, then left on Newton Road; the trailhead lot is about 50 yards on the left. There’s a vault/composting toilet at the trailhead. The lot is fairly large but fills on weekends; roadside parking is not allowed and vehicles can be towed. Cell service is generally available along the route.

Comparable Option

If you’re deciding between marquee views, the Endless Wall Trail is another crowd‑pleaser along the rim. Some hikers find Long Point slightly more challenging because of the steeper final approach, but the head‑on bridge view here is hard to beat.