New River Gorge National Park Self-Guided Audio Tour

Once a thriving hub of coal mining and transportation, Thurmond now stands as a preserved time capsule. It offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich industrial past.

The ghost town is famous for its well-preserved train depot, which serves as a museum. It shows exhibits and artifacts that detail the area's coal mining heritage.

With its beautiful location along the New River, Thurmond invites exploration. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and significance of the coal industry and railroad, shaping the local community and the surrounding natural landscape.

A hiking trail that offers an unforgettable adventure and stunning vistas. This moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back trail winds through a forest, leading hikers to the breathtaking Long Point Overlook.

Once you reach the overlook, prepare to be amazed by the panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in West Virginia.

This difficult 1-mile trail takes hikers on a captivating exploration through the remains of the Kaymoor coal mine, once a busy industrial complex.

As you trek along the trail, you'll encounter the remains of coal processing structures, mine entrances, and more.

However, the trail isn’t for the faint of heart, as much of the trail heads downhill going in. Then uphill all the way back up, with hundreds of steps.

The Canyon Rim Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the awe-inspiring wonders of New River Gorge.

Located on the edge of the majestic gorge, this visitor center offers a wealth of information and resources for visitors. It improves their exploration of the park.

Inside, you'll find informative displays on the area's geology, ecology, and cultural history.

Step outside onto the observation decks, and you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge. The sprawling canyon below adds to the awe-inspiring scenery.

Whether you're admiring the vibrant fall foliage or capturing stunning photographs, the Fayette Station Road scenic drive offers a calm experience.

It allows you to immerse yourself in the old way of crossing the New River Gorge, down and up a winding road.

On the first stop of the scenic drive, we’ll visit overlooks directly underneath the New River Gorge Bridge. This will allow you to appreciate the engineering marvel from a new angle.

We’ll park by the river and walk to the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, or the ‘little bridge’ as some call it. This was the only way to cross the New River Gorge for a long time.

Today, it’s the midpoint of the Fayette Station Road scenic drive. A walking path on the side provides excellent views of the New River, and the big bridge above.

Just a few dozen steps from this trailhead are two waterfalls, both easily visible from the trail.

If you were to continue on the trail for two miles, the hike leads to the Kaymoor Mine and intersects with the Kaymoor Miners Trail.

A captivating, moderately difficult hiking trail that winds along the rim of the gorge for 2.4 miles. It showcases the raw beauty of the rugged canyon as it winds through forests and along towering cliffs.

Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the New River winding through the gorge. Stunning rock formations that attract climbers from around the world can also be observed.

The trail is a loop, with two parking lots to choose from.

Our recommendation is to hike as far as Diamond Point from either of the lots. Then, turn around and return to the car.

The main attraction at Babcock State Park is a beautiful and iconic landmark. It's a fully working replica of a historic water-powered mill.

Surrounded by lush greenery and set against the backdrop of babbling Glade Creek, the mill's rustic wooden structure, complete with a working water wheel, exudes charm and memories.

It’s a popular photography spot! The state park also has its own hiking trails and a gift shop in the visitor center.

This visitor center has exhibits on the area’s ecosystems and human history. It’s also a handy stop to get information about Sandstone Falls. This is before starting on an optional, but very scenic drive towards the waterfall.

If you're on the fence about driving all the way to Sandstone Falls, you can get a small peek at this overlook.

The view isn’t fantastic, but it’s useful as a turnaround point. It can be used if you decide to prioritize other parts of the park.

This overlook offers a nice view of the New River Gorge from a few hundred feet up. The road descends closer to the river level as it heads towards Hinton.

The overlook is just a small pull-off, but the view is better than the one at Sandstone Falls Overlook.

Enjoy some quality time next to the New River at this small riverside park. Picnic benches sit just feet from the river, and the rippling Brooks Falls.

One of the highlights of the park is Sandstone Falls, which spreads 1500 feet across the entire New River.

It descends into crumbling rock formations, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.

A series of boardwalks take you through a wooded island in the middle of the river, and to different views of the falls.

For a more secluded experience, try the Island Loop Trail, which is an easy, half-mile trail through the woods of the island.

One of the ‘grandest’ views of the park, the Grandview area has something for everyone.

The main overlook sits near the highest point in the park, overlooking a spectacular curve in the gorge.

A handful of trails leave from near the overlook. They take hikers along the cliff walls and to additional scenic overlooks of the river.

Grandview also sports a seasonal visitor center, informational wayside stations, and a playground.