Stone Cliff Trail (New River Gorge) Hiking Guide
Stone Cliff Trail is the easy river walk of the park. It follows an old road along the bank of the New River upstream from the Stone Cliff day-use area near Thurmond, with frequent spots to step down to the water. At the far end is a stand of old-growth forest that escaped the logging that cleared most of the gorge.
Distance and Route
The park lists Stone Cliff Trail at 2.7 miles one way, so 5.4 miles out and back, and rates it easy to moderate. Hiking Project maps the trail at 3.0 miles with about 300 feet up and 90 feet down one way, close to 390 feet of gain for the round trip, most of it gradual. The trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers. The park says reaching the old-growth stand means leaving the trail at its end and climbing a steep slope.
Getting to Stone Cliff
From US 19 north of Beckley, take the Glen Jean-Thurmond exit, turn left and go half a mile to Glen Jean. Turn right and follow the signs for Thurmond on WV 25 for six miles to a three-way intersection. Bear right, go 1.5 miles, and turn right on the gravel road just before the bridge over the New River. Pass the boat launch to the parking area; the trail starts beside the picnic area. There is a vault toilet.
Old-Growth Forest
The Old-Growth Forest Network added Stone Cliff to its list of protected old-growth forests in April 2015. Industry cleared most of the gorge's forest, and stands of pre-industrial trees are rare in the park, which is why this one is protected. If you climb up to see it, step carefully and stay off fragile ground, since there is no built trail on that slope.
The River
The trail stays near the bank, and the park points out the good river views and easy water access along it. The current is stronger than it looks, especially after rain upstream, so wade carefully and keep kids close. Paddlers use the boat launch at the trailhead, and the lot can be busy on summer weekends.
Dogs and Conditions
Leashed dogs are welcome here, and the flat grade makes it a good walk for an older dog. Keep the leash at six feet or under and bag the waste. Bring water for both of you; the river can carry Giardia, and trailheads have no taps. The low, level route is a reasonable winter pick, though it turns muddy after storms.
Hiking tips for Stone Cliff Trail (New River Gorge)
- Pick Stone Cliff when you want distance without steep climbs.
- Yield to mountain bikers sharing the old road bed.
- Bring your own water; there is none at the trailhead.
- Stay off the steep slope to the old-growth stand when it is wet.
- Combine it with a stop in historic Thurmond on the drive in.
Nearby trails to explore
- Kaymoor Miners Trail
- Long Point Trail (New River Gorge)
- Endless Wall Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Stone Cliff is flat and easy to talk on, which makes it a good first hike with new people. Use TrailMates to find people hiking the New River Gorge, set the plan in the event's group chat, and meet at the Stone Cliff picnic area. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.