4.9
(7)
106
hikers
Grandview Rim Trail
02:12
6.63km
80m
Hiking
The Grandview Rim Trail offers a rewarding hiking experience through the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, guiding you along a forested rim with stunning views. You'll traverse a mix of flat dirt paths and rockier sections, passing through areas rich with rhododendrons and mountain laurel, especially beautiful in late spring. The highlight is undoubtedly the Main Overlook, providing expansive vistas of the gorge, and the Turkey Spur Overlook, which requires climbing 150 steps for its nearly 360-degree panorama. This moderate route covers 4.1 miles (6.6 km) with 247 feet (75 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete.
Planning your visit to the Grandview Rim Trail is relatively simple, as it's generally accessible and doesn't require permits. Sturdy footwear is a good idea due to some uneven terrain. The trail is a popular choice for families and photographers, and its beauty changes with the seasons; consider visiting in autumn for vibrant foliage or late spring for blooming flowers. While specific parking details aren't highlighted, the trail is well-known within the park, suggesting clear trailhead access.
What makes this one of the best trails in the region is its combination of accessibility and truly spectacular viewpoints. It connects several significant overlooks, each offering a unique perspective of the New River Gorge at its deepest point. For those seeking a greater challenge, the parallel Castle Rock Trail offers a more difficult and very rocky alternative, providing a different perspective from the cliff bottoms. The Grandview Rim Trail is a fantastic option for experiencing the natural features of the park without an overly strenuous commitment.
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
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
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
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (760 m)
Lowest point (690 m)
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 8 July
28°C
19°C
97 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park to access the Grandview Rim Trail?
The trail is easily accessible from the Grandview area of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. There is ample parking available at the Grandview Main Overlook, which serves as the primary trailhead for this route.
Is the Grandview Rim Trail dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are permitted on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (1.8 meters) at all times. Please remember to pack out any waste.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The trail offers beautiful scenery year-round. Late spring or July is ideal for seeing blooming rhododendrons. Autumn provides vibrant fall foliage, while winter offers a serene, snow-covered landscape. For optimal light and fewer crowds, consider hiking in the early mornings or late afternoons.
Are there any entrance fees or permits required for hiking in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve?
No, there are no entrance fees to access New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and permits are not required for day hiking on the Grandview Rim Trail. You can enjoy the park's trails free of charge.
What is the terrain like on the Grandview Rim Trail?
The terrain is predominantly a flat dirt path, making it accessible for most hikers. However, there are some short, moderately steep sections and rocky areas, especially as you approach the Turkey Spur Overlook. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to uneven sections.
What viewpoints and features can I expect to see along the trail?
The trail is renowned for its spectacular panoramic views of the New River Gorge. You'll pass by the Grandview Main Overlook, North Overlook, and the iconic Turkey Spur Overlook, which offers a dramatic horseshoe bend view of the New River. The trail also winds through a mature mixed forest with rhododendron groves.
Is the Grandview Rim Trail a loop or an out-and-back route?
The Grandview Rim Trail is primarily an out-and-back route. It spans 1.6 miles one-way, making it 3.2 miles for a round trip. You can turn around at any point, but reaching the Turkey Spur Overlook is highly recommended.
Does the trail connect with other hiking paths?
Yes, the Grandview Rim Trail runs parallel to sections of the more challenging Castle Rock Trail. Hikers can also combine it with the Tunnel Trail for an extended and more diverse hiking experience within the Grandview area.
Is this trail suitable for families with children?
Yes, the Grandview Rim Trail is generally considered suitable for families. The first half-mile is particularly easy, and self-guided brochures are available. While most of the path is flat, be aware of a few short, moderately steep sections and the 150 steps leading to the Turkey Spur Overlook.
How long does it typically take to hike the Grandview Rim Trail?
The full out-and-back hike, covering approximately 3.2 miles (5.1 km), typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the overlooks.
What should I wear or bring for a hike on this trail?
Sturdy footwear is essential due to some uneven and rocky sections. Dress in layers appropriate for the weather, and bring water, especially during warmer months. Binoculars can enhance your experience of the distant views, and a camera is a must for capturing the scenic beauty.
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