Long Point Trail (New River Gorge) Hiking Guide
Long Point is the hike for the classic view of the New River Gorge Bridge from the side. The trail starts on the edge of Fayetteville, crosses a field and drifts downhill through the woods to a rock outcrop that juts into the gorge. It is mostly easy walking, with one steep section right before the point and an uphill return.
Distance and Route
The park lists Long Point Trail at 1.6 miles one way, so 3.2 miles round trip, and rates it moderate. Hiking Project's map of the trail shows about 258 feet of descent and 23 feet of climb on the way out, which works out to roughly 280 feet of gain over the whole out-and-back. Other guides give anywhere from 200 to 430 feet. Because the outbound leg mostly goes downhill, the walk back to the car is where you will feel it.
Getting to the Trailhead
From US 19, take WV 16 south through Fayetteville and turn left on Gatewood Road, following the sign for Kaymoor and Cunard. After 1.9 miles, turn left on Newton Road; the parking area is about 50 yards in on the left. The park lists parking and a vault toilet here. The lot is small and fills on nice weekends, so arrive early or have a backup hike, such as Kaymoor Top just up Gatewood Road.
Bikes on the Trail
Long Point is one of the park trails open to both hikers and mountain bikes. Riders may use everything except the last 0.2 mile, where a bike rack marks the end of bike access, and the rest of the way to the point is on foot. Expect to share the first stretch with riders, especially on weekends, and step aside on the narrow parts.
At the Point
The outcrop gives a wide view of the gorge with the bridge in profile, which is why it is a favorite at sunrise and sunset. The park warns that the cliff edges here are unprotected. The rock is uneven, and there is no rail. If you bring a dog, keep it on its short leash and away from the edge, since the park requires dogs to be leashed on all trails. Pack out every bit of trash.
Seasons and Bridge Day
Leaf-off months open the view through the trees on the way out, and the trail stays usable through winter. Bridge Day in October closes US 19 across the bridge for most of a Saturday and sends a 45-minute detour around the gorge, so check the park alerts before planning a hike that weekend. Hunting is allowed in the park, and rangers recommend blaze orange during hunting season.
Hiking tips for Long Point Trail (New River Gorge)
- Save energy for the climb back; most of the gain comes on the return.
- Lock bikes at the rack; the last 0.2 mile is foot traffic only.
- Go early or late on weekends; the Newton Road lot is small.
- Bring a headlamp if you stay at the point for sunset.
- Wear blaze orange in fall; hunting is allowed in the park.
Nearby trails to explore
- Kaymoor Miners Trail
- Endless Wall Trail
- Stone Cliff Trail (New River Gorge)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Long Point is an easy pick for a sunset group hike right outside Fayetteville. Use TrailMates to find people hiking the New River Gorge, agree on a time and who's bringing headlamps in the event's group chat, then meet at the Newton Road lot. TrailMates is on the App Store or Google Play.