Grandview Rim Trail

Moderate

4.9

(7)

115

hikers

Grandview Rim Trail

Q: Is the Grandview Rim Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is generally considered moderately easy, making it suitable for most skill levels, including families and casual hikers. While much of it is a flat dirt path, there are some short, moderately steep sections and 150 steps near the Turkey Spur Overlook , which is why the National Park Service rates it as moderate.

Q: What is the terrain like on the Grandview Rim Trail?

The trail primarily features a flat dirt path, winding through a mature mixed forest. As you approach the Turkey Spur Overlook , it becomes rockier and includes a staircase of 150 steps. You'll also encounter sections that guide you through tunnels of rhododendron.

Q: What can I see along the Grandview Rim Trail?

This trail is renowned for its breathtaking views of the New River Gorge. You'll find multiple overlooks, including the Grandview Main Overlook and Turkey Spur Overlook , offering sweeping panoramas of the New River winding 1,400 feet below. The trail also passes through beautiful rhododendron groves, especially vibrant when blooming in late May and early June.

Q: Where can I park for the Grandview Rim Trail?

The trail begins at the Grandview visitor area, which provides ample parking. This area is considered one of the most scenic and accessible parts of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve .

Q: Is the Grandview Rim Trail a loop or out-and-back?

The Grandview Rim Trail is an out-and-back route. It is approximately 1.6 miles one-way, making it a 3.2-mile round trip if you hike to the end and return along the same path.

Q: How long does it typically take to hike this trail?

The estimated duration for hiking the Grandview Rim Trail is around 1 hour and 59 minutes for the full 3.2-mile round trip. This can vary depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the overlooks.

Q: Are there any fees or permits required to hike in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve , including the Grandview Rim Trail. It is free to visit and enjoy.

Q: Is the Grandview Rim Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Grandview Rim Trail. Please ensure your dog is kept on a 6-foot leash at all times to comply with park regulations and for the safety of wildlife and other hikers.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike this trail?

The Grandview Rim Trail is a year-round destination. Each season offers unique beauty: lush greenery in summer, vibrant fall foliage, and serene winter snows. Late spring, particularly late May and early June, is spectacular when the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in bloom.

Q: Does the Grandview Rim Trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the Grandview Rim Trail runs parallel to a portion of the more challenging Castle Rock Trail. While the Grandview Rim Trail covers 99% of the route, the Castle Rock Trail covers 41% and offers a more difficult, rocky alternative with narrow paths and uneven terrain.

02:12

6.63km

80m

Hiking

The Grandview Rim Trail offers a journey through a mature mixed forest of hardwoods and rhododendrons, providing refreshing shade as you hike. The path is mostly a flat dirt track, but you'll encounter some rocky sections and short, moderately steep climbs, especially leading up to the Turkey Spur Overlook, which requires navigating about 150 steps. From various cliff-top vantage points, you'll witness spectacular panoramic views of the New River Gorge, with the river flowing 1,400 feet below.

This moderate 4.1-mile (6.6 km) hike, with 247 feet (75 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 12 minutes. The Grandview unit of the park is generally less crowded, making it a peaceful option. Dogs are permitted on leash, and sturdy footwear is recommended due to potential muddy or uneven sections. For the best experience, aim for early mornings to potentially see a mist-filled gorge or visit in late spring for blooming rhododendrons.

The trail is renowned for connecting several exceptional viewpoints, including the Main Overlook, which offers a classic horseshoe bend vista, and the Turkey Spur Overlook, providing a stunning 360-degree panorama where you can see multiple bends of the New River. This route showcases the deepest section of the New River Gorge and is considered to be at the highest point within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, making it a must-do for iconic views.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

427 m

Grandview Main Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

After a short walk from the parking area and Grandview Visitor Center, you will enjoy views of the New River at Grandview Main Overlook about 425 m above the river. You can see a railway and the town of Quinnimont, where the first coal was shipped out of the gorge in 1873.
nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/grandview.htm

Tip by

849 m

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Highlight • Gorge

1.91 km

Grandview

Nature Reserve

6.47 km

Turkey Spur Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Turkey Spur Overlook is at the end of the Grandview Rim Trail about 2.6 km (1.6 miles) from the Visitor Center lying atop a huge rock outcrop. It offers stunning views more than 300 m (almost 1,000 feet) above the New River.
The National Park Service had improved the overlook’s wooden boardwalk in 2015 but it was burned in an arson attack a few months later. In partnership with Friends of New River Gorge National River funds were raised for reconstruction and the Overlook was reopened in June 2017.

Tip by

6.63 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.85 km

554 m

209 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.28 km

222 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (760 m)

Lowest point (690 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 9 October

22°C

8°C

0 %

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Comments

April 9, 2023,vom Grandview Overview zum Turkey Spur

Actually a "must do" if you're ever in the area

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May 31, 2022,🇺🇸 WV - Grandview Rim Trail (New River Gorge NP)

On the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina we make a detour to the New River Gorge National Park further south at Grandview.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Grandview Rim Trail suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, the trail is generally considered moderately easy, making it suitable for most skill levels, including families and casual hikers. While much of it is a flat dirt path, there are some short, moderately steep sections and 150 steps near the Turkey Spur Overlook, which is why the National Park Service rates it as moderate.

What is the terrain like on the Grandview Rim Trail?

The trail primarily features a flat dirt path, winding through a mature mixed forest. As you approach the Turkey Spur Overlook, it becomes rockier and includes a staircase of 150 steps. You'll also encounter sections that guide you through tunnels of rhododendron.

What can I see along the Grandview Rim Trail?

This trail is renowned for its breathtaking views of the New River Gorge. You'll find multiple overlooks, including the Grandview Main Overlook and Turkey Spur Overlook, offering sweeping panoramas of the New River winding 1,400 feet below. The trail also passes through beautiful rhododendron groves, especially vibrant when blooming in late May and early June.

Where can I park for the Grandview Rim Trail?

The trail begins at the Grandview visitor area, which provides ample parking. This area is considered one of the most scenic and accessible parts of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Is the Grandview Rim Trail a loop or out-and-back?

The Grandview Rim Trail is an out-and-back route. It is approximately 1.6 miles one-way, making it a 3.2-mile round trip if you hike to the end and return along the same path.

How long does it typically take to hike this trail?

The estimated duration for hiking the Grandview Rim Trail is around 1 hour and 59 minutes for the full 3.2-mile round trip. This can vary depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the overlooks.

Are there any fees or permits required to hike in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve?

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including the Grandview Rim Trail. It is free to visit and enjoy.

Is the Grandview Rim Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Grandview Rim Trail. Please ensure your dog is kept on a 6-foot leash at all times to comply with park regulations and for the safety of wildlife and other hikers.

What is the best time of year to hike this trail?

The Grandview Rim Trail is a year-round destination. Each season offers unique beauty: lush greenery in summer, vibrant fall foliage, and serene winter snows. Late spring, particularly late May and early June, is spectacular when the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in bloom.

Does the Grandview Rim Trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the Grandview Rim Trail runs parallel to a portion of the more challenging Castle Rock Trail. While the Grandview Rim Trail covers 99% of the route, the Castle Rock Trail covers 41% and offers a more difficult, rocky alternative with narrow paths and uneven terrain.

Is there a more challenging option nearby for experienced hikers?

For hikers seeking a greater challenge, the Castle Rock Trail runs parallel to the Grandview Rim Trail for a portion. It's a more difficult and very rocky alternative, offering a 'cliff bottom' hike with narrow paths, uneven terrain, and several drop-offs. It is not recommended for children due to these features.