Grandview Rim and Little Laurel Trail

Parking is available at the Grandview Visitor Center, New River Gorge National Park. This provides convenient access to the trailheads for both the Grandview Rim and Little Laurel sections.

Yes, pets are welcome on the trails within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including the Grandview Rim and Little Laurel Trail. However, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Please remember to pack out all pet waste.

Late spring is particularly beautiful, as the rhododendrons and mountain laurel are in bloom along the Grandview Rim Trail, and the Little Laurel Trail becomes a "floral symphony" with abundant wildflowers. Fall offers stunning foliage views. While accessible year-round, be prepared for potentially strenuous conditions on the Little Laurel Trail during wet or icy weather.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the trails, including the Grandview Rim and Little Laurel Trail, within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It is free to enjoy the park's natural beauty.

The trail offers varied terrain. The Grandview Rim Trail is generally a flat dirt path winding through a mature mixed forest, though it includes a 150-step climb at the Turkey Spur Overlook. The Little Laurel Trail, conversely, follows an old road bed and involves a steep descent (about 1,300-1,400 feet) from the gorge rim down to Glade Creek Road alongside the New River.

The overall route is rated as moderate. However, it combines sections of varying difficulty. The Grandview Rim Trail is considered easy to moderate due to some short, steep sections and the Turkey Spur climb. The Little Laurel Trail is rated as strenuous due to its significant and steep elevation change descending into the gorge.

Along the Grandview Rim Trail, you'll find numerous cliff-top vantage points offering breathtaking views of the New River, approximately 1,400 feet below. These include the Main Overlook, North Overlook, and Turkey Spur Overlook. The Little Laurel Trail features a diverse display of plant life, especially spring wildflowers, and passes by the site of an old coal mine at Royal.

Yes, this route primarily follows the Little Laurel Trail (82%) and also includes sections of the Woodland Loop Trail (14%), Grandview Rim Trail (9%), Castle Rock Trail (9%), and Big Buck Trail (7%). The Little Laurel Trail can also be combined with the Grandview Rim Trail to form an approximately one-mile loop.

The Little Laurel Trail involves a significant descent of 1,300-1,400 feet. If you plan to hike it as an out-and-back, be prepared for a strenuous climb back up. Many hikers choose to descend the Little Laurel Trail to Glade Creek Road and then arrange for a pickup or continue on other trails along the river, avoiding the steep ascent back to the rim. It's also known for its spring wildflowers, making a downhill journey a scenic experience.

The Grandview Rim Trail winds through a mature mixed forest with hardwoods, hemlocks, and rhododendron groves. In late spring, the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in spectacular bloom. The Little Laurel Trail, with its significant elevation change, showcases a diverse display of plant life, particularly spring wildflowers, earning it the nickname "floral symphony" during those months. Keep an eye out for common forest wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and various bird species.

The full route, covering approximately 10.75 km (6.7 miles), typically takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. This duration can vary based on your pace, the number of stops for photos, and your experience with the strenuous sections of the Little Laurel Trail.