Without a doubt, the best view of the New River Gorge Bridge is from the end of the Long Point Trail in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. While it’s the photo worthy spot at the trail’s overlook that gets most of the attention, the journey has other merits, and there are a few things you should know in preparation for this 3-mile hike (1.5 miles out and 1.5 miles back).
We’ve enjoyed the Long Point Trail too many times to remember. We also recommend this trail to all of our guests at Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals because we know they will be thrilled by the experience. Read on for our practical advice, insider info, and safety tips.
Things to Know Before You Hike Long Point Trail
- This is not a trail where you will find solitude for much of the year. Its well-deserved popularity means that you will encounter many other hikers and you’ll have to wait your turn to get the best spots at the vista. Be patient. Enjoy the journey! Long Point is a beautiful trail for its entire length, not just at the end.
- There is another Long Point trail at Summersville Lake. While this is also a gorgeous trail, don’t let Google sidetrack you with directions that take you 20 minutes outside of Fayetteville.
- You will have cell phone service for the duration of this hike. We aren’t suggesting you engage your technology while enjoying nature, but it is a nice thing to know if you are worried about emergencies.
- This easy hike doesn’t require special shoes or gear for most people during good weather.
- It usually takes us about two hours to hike the entire trail at a casual pace and that includes plenty of time to enjoy the view and take photos.
How to Find the Long Point Trailhead
Most casual hikers will park at the Long Point trailhead just off Gatewood Road about 2 miles from downtown Fayetteville. From the Fayette County Courthouse, head east on Court St. As you are leaving town you will turn left on Gatewood Road (up the hill).
The National Park Service has upgraded the parking at the trailhead, but it still can fill up on weekends. Resist the urge to park along the road if you find the parking lot full. The local police will tow illegally parked cars.
The Long Point Trail is also accessible from Kaymoor Top (via the Fayetteville Trail and Butcher’s Branch Trail) and Fayetteville Town Park (via the Park Loop Trail). Starting from the Long Point trailhead, though, provides the opportunity to check out the wildlife viewing platform near the beginning of the trail. This is a very busy trail, so you are not likely to see any wildlife, but the milkweed and goldenrod are stunning when they bloom in the early fall.
The Terrain of the Long Point Trail
Once the trail passes the wildlife viewing platform, it descends slightly into the forest. Recent subtle changes in the trail’s path have bypassed some low spots that in the past have been muddy even during dry weather.
The trail remains fairly level for the first mile as it crosses the Fayetteville Trail and intersects with Butcher’s Branch trail with only a few short ups and downs. You will begin to hear the river rushing below, and during wet weather, you can hear the roar of Fern Creek Falls across the Gorge. The next half mile is a slow descent towards the Gorge. The last few hundred yards are fairly steep, but the trail is nicely stepped so it’s not hard to negotiate.
The last segment of the trail winds down to the point through a tunnel of Rhododendron maximum. These rhododendron’s blooms are the state flower of West Virginia. Going through this tunnel in mid-June when the “rhodies” are in bloom is an especially nice treat.
Tips to Help You Enjoy Long Point Trail
- The view from Long Point is different in every season. You will especially want to make the trip in the fall to see the amazing display of colors provided by the diverse species of hardwoods and conifers in the gorge. But remember, this is a very popular trail. Try to visit on weekdays, early in the morning or late in the evening.
- There are bathroom facilities at the Long Point Trailhead parking area.
- Mountain bikes are permitted on all but the last 0.2 miles of the trail. The spot where you should get off your bike is clearly marked by a National Park Service sign and bike rack.
- You can see The Endless Wall from the Long Point overlook looking right. You can often spot distant climbers high on the sheer rock face of the Fern Creek Buttress.
- We will caution you: Long Point is surrounded by severe drops of more than 50’ on three sides. Be careful and watch your children. People have fallen and required large-scale rescue operations to bring them up.
Very close to the Long Point Trailhead, you’ll find Arrowhead Bike Farm. This place has much more than just bike rentals. You’ll find friendly folks, a campground, bike shop, Biergarten, and goats. After your hike, stop by this kid and dog-friendly farm for brats and cold craft beer.
Learn more about Fayetteville’s fabulous food scene in our Insider’s Food Guide. We’ve compiled all the local restaurants’ info into a one-page flier that includes location, contact info, hours of operation, special diet offerings, alcohol availability, our favorite entrees, and more!
Who are we? Amy & Shawn, New River Gorge hikers, master naturalists, and owners of Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals in downtown Fayetteville, WV in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park. Craving more data for your New River Gorge getaway? Read:
Overlooks In and Around the New River Gorge
