Walk the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk in New River Gorge National Park for breathtaking views of the New River’s largest waterfall.
Tucked inside New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia, the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk is one of the easiest and most rewarding walks in the park. Located in the Sandstone Falls Area near the community of Sandstone and the town of Hinton, this short boardwalk hike leads visitors to breathtaking views of the largest waterfall on the New River. The powerful flow of the New River tumbles through a series of islands, creating dramatic cascades, scenic riverside vistas, and one of the most unique botanical ecosystems in the United States.
Whether you are road-tripping along the park’s most scenic roads, exploring historic sites, or looking for a hidden gem away from the crowds near the New River Gorge Bridge, the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk is a must-see stop along the southern gateway of the park.
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk Trail Basics
Under 1 Hour
Under 1 Mile
Out-and-Back Trail
20 Feet
Duration: Under 1 Hour
Most visitors spend about 20–45 minutes exploring the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk and nearby observation decks. If you add the Sandstone Falls Trail, picnic area, or nearby overlooks, you can easily spend much time enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Distance: Under 1 Mile
The official trail is short and easy, covering roughly 0.25 miles round trip along the boardwalk and connected walkways. Many visitors also combine it with the half-mile Island Loop Trail for additional scenery.
Type: Out-and-Back Trail
This is an out-and-back boardwalk trail with accessible viewing platforms and multiple observation decks overlooking the falls.
Elevation Change: 20 Feet
The trail has very little elevation change, making it one of the easiest walks in New River Gorge National Park.
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Spring through fall is the best time to visit. Spring often brings the most powerful flow of the New River thanks to seasonal rain, while autumn fills the Appalachian Mountains with colorful foliage. Summer is ideal for nature enthusiasts wanting riverside views and warm weather.
Time of Day: Any
Early morning and late afternoon provide softer light and fewer crowds. Sunset can be especially beautiful as golden light reflects across the broad river of large bottomlands and small islands.
Amount of Shade: Mostly Shaded
The trail offers partial shade. Trees around the floodplain forest community and low-lying island sections provide relief, but several overlooks are fully exposed to the sun.
Difficulty: Easy
The short boardwalk, flat surfaces, and minimal elevation make this a family-friendly stop suitable for most visitors.
What Makes Sandstone Falls Boardwalk a Great Hike?
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk combines accessibility with some of the most dramatic scenery in the park. The New River, a narrow mountain river farther upstream, transforms here into a broad river flowing through a dynamic geological environment. Visitors can see the dramatic interface of the New River as water rushes around Brooks Falls, mile-long Brooks Island, and a series of islands before its final descent downstream toward the Kanawha River.
The falls themselves are created by a hard sandstone layer resting above a soft conglomerate rock layer that has eroded over eons of time. Occasional scouring floods continue shaping this transition zone of the New River, creating flat rock plant community habitats that support southern plant species rarely seen elsewhere in the region.
Scenery on the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
Start of the Trail
The dramatic starting line begins with views of the steel structure bridge crossings and rushing water surrounding the first island. The sound of the raging whitewater gorge immediately fills the air as visitors step onto the boardwalk.
Sandstone Falls
The Boardwalk gets you as close as possible to the waterfalls
On the Trail
As you continue across the short boardwalk and second bridge, the scenery constantly changes. Water flows through manmade channel sections and natural rock formations while small islands divide the river into multiple cascades. The surrounding floodplain forest community adds lush greenery, and visitors may spot birds, fish, and seasonal wildflowers.
The boardwalk also showcases the park’s most unique botanical ecosystems, where southern plant species thrive in the warm microclimate created by the river corridor.
End of the Trail
At the end of the boardwalk, visitors reach the main observation decks with sweeping views of the impressive main falls and the final rush of water downstream. This is easily the best vantage point for appreciating the scale of Sandstone Falls, especially during periods of high water.
Notable Places on the Hike
Some highlights include:
- Brooks Falls
- Brooks Island
- Observation decks
- Picnic tables and picnic area
- River access points
- Views toward the community of Sandstone
If you have extra driving time, consider visiting the Sandstone Visitor Center or exploring the once booming railroad center of Hinton, including its railroad museum and large historic district near Temple Street.
The boardwalk that leads to the waterfall observation deck
Stephanie, Tyler, Justin, and Ryan standing on a beach accessible from the boardwalk with the Sandstone Falls in the background
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk Trailhead Information
Park Name: New River Gorge National Park
The Sandstone Falls Boardwalk is located at the end of the scenic New River Road in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Finding the Trailhead
From the town of Hinton, follow scenic Riverside Drive and New River Road toward the Sandstone Falls Area. The drive itself is part of the southern gateway experience through the park and includes several river access points and great riverside vistas. The trailhead begins directly from the parking area near the first island and short bridge leading onto the boardwalk system.
Markers Along the Trail
Visitors will find interpretive signs from the National Park Service explaining the natural areas, geology, plant life, and history of the New River watershed. Trail markers also point toward nearby overlooks and connected walking paths.
Nearest Restrooms
Restrooms are located near the Sandstone Visitor Center and seasonal facilities may also be available near the picnic area.
Parking Area
The Sandstone Falls parking lot is located at the Sandstone Falls Day Use Area off New River Road. The parking area is paved and accommodates standard vehicles, though it can fill quickly during holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Other Trails at this Trailhead
From the same parking area, visitors can also access the Island Loop Trail.
Tips for Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
- Wear sturdy shoes because boardwalk surfaces can become slippery.
- Bring water, especially during summer afternoons.
- A life jacket is recommended if accessing river edges or boating nearby.
- Visit early or late in the day for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Combine the walk with the scenic drive through the southern section of the park.
- Keep an eye out for changing river conditions after heavy rain.
- Allow extra time for photography because the views of the impressive main falls are spectacular from multiple angles.
Accessibility Information for Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
Boardwalk
Paved
Trail Type: Boardwalk
The Sandstone Falls Boardwalk is one of the more accessible trails in New River Gorge National Park. Much of the boardwalk is flat with railings and smooth surfaces suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Parking: Paved
The parking area includes accessible spaces.