Big Branch Trail (New River Gorge) Hiking Guide
Big Branch is a short, steep loop on the west side of the New River near Hinton. It climbs beside a stream with a string of small waterfalls, passes the ruins of an old farmstead, and drops back down a sharp descent with views of Brooks Falls. The park rates it strenuous despite the short distance, and in early spring it is one of the better wildflower walks in the park.
Distance and Route
The park lists Big Branch as a 2-mile loop and rates it strenuous. Hiking Project maps it at 1.9 miles with about 548 feet of climbing and a very steep maximum grade on one stretch. The park suggests the left, or south, branch first: it follows and crosses the stream past several waterfalls and the farmstead ruins, then climbs at a moderate grade to the ridge. Coming down the other side is the hard part, a very steep descent to the trailhead.
River Road and Parking
From the west end of the WV 20 bridge in Hinton, follow River Road (WV 26) north along the river for five miles to Brooks Falls. Park at the Brooks Falls Overlook and cross the road to the trailhead. The park lists parking and a vault toilet. River Road is one lane in places, so drive slowly and expect to pull over for oncoming cars.
Berry Holler History
About a mile up the creek, the trail passes what is left of a homestead: a few barn logs, the pillars of a house foundation, a stone wall and an open root cellar, with iris and daffodils still coming up among the saplings. The park's oral history program traced it to the Berry family, who farmed this hollow into the 1940s without a car or electricity. Bertha Huffman, who grew up here, called it Berry Holler. The trail itself was their wagon road. Leave every stone and artifact where it lies.
Wildflowers and Seasons
Early spring is the time to come. The park names trout lilies, spring beauties, toothwort and bloodroot along the lower trail. Through the trees on the ridge, the gorge and river show best after the leaves drop in late fall. In summer, check for ticks afterward. The park warns that copperheads and timber rattlesnakes live here, so watch where you step on the rocky parts.
Footing and Dogs
Stream crossings and the steep descent get slick after rain. Boots with real tread help, and poles help more on the way down. Dogs are allowed on a leash, held to six feet by park rules, and owners pack out waste. The steep section is easier on a dog than on a person, but keep the leash short where the trail drops sharply.
Hiking tips for Big Branch Trail (New River Gorge)
- Hike the loop counterclockwise, south branch first, as the park suggests.
- Use poles for the steep final descent to the trailhead.
- Come in early spring for trout lilies, bloodroot and other wildflowers.
- Drive River Road slowly; it narrows to one lane.
- Pair it with Sandstone Falls, about four miles farther along River Road.
Nearby trails to explore
- Sandstone Falls Boardwalk and Island Loop
- Glade Creek Trail (New River Gorge)
- Grandview Rim Trail (New River Gorge)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Big Branch is short but steep, a good spring outing to share before lunch in Hinton. Use TrailMates to find people hiking the New River Gorge, pick a wildflower weekend in the event's group chat, and meet at the Brooks Falls Overlook. TrailMates is on the App Store or Google Play.