Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock: 2025 Hiker’s Guide

Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock: Trail Stats + Map

Grandview Rim and Turkey Spur Rock Trail Stats

Starting Point: Grandview Main Overlook

Length: 3.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 255 feet

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Hiking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Route Type: Out-and-back

Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash

Hike Features: Grandview Rim overlooks, Turkey Spur Rock, incredible views

Grandview Rim Trail Map

Grandview Rim Trail Parking and Directions

The Grandview Rim Trailhead is located near the Grandview Main Overlook, where you’ll find a large parking lot with plenty of space for vehicles.

If you prefer a shorter hike, a narrow road leads to a small parking area at Turkey Spur.

However, parking here is limited, and extra-large vehicles are not recommended due to the narrow road.

🚗 Directions:

• From Beckley, take I-64 East for five miles to Exit 129 B.
• From Lewisburg, take I-64 West for 40 miles to Exit 129.
• From either exit, turn right onto Route 9 North and follow it for six miles to reach Grandview.

Best Time to Hike Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock

The Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock is an incredible hike year-round, offering breathtaking views of the New River Gorge in every season!

My husband and I have hiked this trail in every season, and while fall is our absolute favorite for its stunning foliage, spring comes in a close second with its vibrant greenery and blooming wildflowers lining the trail.

With the Grandview Main Overlook and all the other viewpoints along the Grandview Rim Trail facing east, this is one of the best spots in the park to catch a spectacular sunrise!

✨ Discover the Best Hikes in New River Gorge National Park

Seasonal Considerations

🌷 Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers make spring a great time to hike.

However, early spring rains can lead to muddy sections, and morning fog may obscure the overlooks.

☀️ Summer (June–August): Warm and humid conditions make summer hiking more challenging, but much of the trail is shaded.

Start early to beat the heat and avoid peak crowds.

🍂 Fall (September–November): This is arguably the best time to hike, with crisp air and vibrant foliage painting the gorge in shades of red, orange, and gold.

Expect more hikers, especially in mid-to-late October and on weekends.

☃️ Winter (December–February): Enjoy a peaceful, crowd-free hike with potential snow blanketing the landscape to make the overlooks even more scenic.

Watch for icy patches, especially on the steps to Turkey Spur Rock!

Make sure to dress in layers for the cold and wear proper footwear with good traction.

Grandview Main Overlook Sunrise

For an unforgettable sunrise, head to the Grandview Main Overlook, just a short walk from the parking lot.

If you prefer a quieter spot, hike along the Grandview Rim Trail and take in the sunrise from one of the many overlooks along the way.

You may have to search for the right overlook where the view isn’t obscured by trees and bushes.

The Main Overlook is probably the best spot and easily accessible, but it can get crowded in the peak season.

Either way, watching sunrise from one of the overlooks at Grandview will not disappoint – unless it’s super foggy.

That is disappointing and has happened to us many times.

But it doesn’t hurt to try!

Sometimes the sun will peak through the fog creating a really awesome effect. 😉

Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock: Step-by-Step Directions

Reaching Turkey Spur Rock via the Grandview Rim Trail is as simple as it gets!

Start at the Grandview Rim Trailhead near the Grandview Main Overlook and follow the trail as it winds through the forest.

Along the way, be sure to stop at the many overlooks to take in the breathtaking views of the New River Gorge.

When you reach the Grandview-Castle Rock junction, continue straight to stay on the Grandview Rim Trail.

At some point, you’ll come across an unmarked fork – take a quick detour to the right for a fantastic overlook before continuing left along the main trail toward Turkey Spur Rock.

The trail then runs alongside the road before reaching the Turkey Spur parking lot.

From here, a short but steep climb leads to the overlook, starting with a few rocky steps followed by a series of narrow, wooden stairs.

The effort is well worth it – Turkey Spur Overlook offers beautiful panoramic views of the gorge!

Once you’ve taken in the scenery and had a well-earned break, simply retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

🥾 Add more amazing hikes to your New River Gorge itinerary:

• Endless Wall Trail
• Long Point Trail
• Kaymoor Miners Trail

Alternate Route: Castle Rock Trail

Castle Rock Trail + Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock: Trail Stats

Starting Point: Grandview Main Overlook

Length: 4 miles

Elevation Gain: 410 feet

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Hiking Time: 2 to 2.5 hours

Route Type: Lollipop

Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash

Hike Features: Unique rock formations along Castle Rock Trail, Grandview Rim overlooks, Turkey Spur Rock, incredible views the entire way

This lollipop route offers the best of both worlds – the unique rock formations of Castle Rock Trail and the breathtaking vistas along Grandview Rim Trail.

It’s the perfect option for hikers looking for a more adventurous, scenic, and rewarding experience in New River Gorge National Park!

Trail Directions:

1. Start on the Castle Rock Trail, beginning near the Grandview Main Overlook.
   • This 0.6-mile section is a bit challenging, featuring uneven rocky steps, towering cliffs, and exposed coal seams.
   • The trail follows the base of massive rock formations, offering close-up views of the geological layers that make up the gorge.
2. Merge onto the Grandview Rim Trail, turning right at the intersection.
3. From here, continue past multiple scenic overlooks showcasing stunning views of the New River Gorge.
4. Ascend to Turkey Spur Rock, where a series of rocky and wooden steps lead to an overlook offering incredible panoramic views.
5. Retrace your steps along the Grandview Rim Trail all the way back to the trailhead.

Shorter Loop (excludes Turkey Spur Rock)

If you’re not interested in hiking to Turkey Spur Rock, you can turn left at the Castle Rock-Grandview Rim intersection instead, completing a scenic 1.1-mile loop back to the trailhead.

This shorter option combines the rocky cliffs of Castle Rock Trail with the stunning overlooks of Grandview Rim Trail in just a little over one mile.

⚠️ Castle Rock Safety Tips:

• The Castle Rock Trail is rated challenging due to its uneven, rocky terrain, narrow sections, and steep drop-offs.
• It’s not recommended for young children or those uncomfortable with heights.
• Avoid this trail in rainy, snowy, or icy conditions, as the rock surfaces become extremely slippery.

Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock: Hiking Tips + Packing List

Grandview Rim Trail Hiking Tips

1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by beginning your hike in the morning, especially in peak season.

2. Wear the Proper Footwear: The trail includes uneven terrain, rocky steps, and some steep sections, so wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes with good traction.

3. Take Your Time at the Overlooks: The overlooks along the Grandview Rim Trail offer some of the best views of the gorge – take breaks and enjoy the scenery.

4. Don’t Cross Barriers: All of the overlooks along the Grandview Rim Trail and at Turkey Spur Rock have barriers to keep people safe and away from the cliff edges – do not cross over them!

5. Watch for Bears: Black bears live in New River Gorge National Park – follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

6. Watch for Timber Rattlesnakes and Northern Copperheads: These snakes are poisonous and can sometimes be found hiding within rock crevices or in the middle of a trail – be careful when hiking the Grandview Rim Trail or Castle Rock Trail!

7. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of New River Gorge National Park.

Grandview Rim Trail Packing List

• Lightweight day pack
• Hiking boots or shoes
• Water bottles or hydration bladder
• Water filtration and treatment system
• Layers of clothing (what you wear depends on the weather forecast and conditions along the trail – always bring extra layers just in case)
  • Moisture-wicking base layer (can be tank top, short sleeve, or long sleeve)
  • Mid-layer (lightweight or midweight down jacket / fleece pullover)
  • Windbreaker / Rain jacket
  • Gloves and warm beanie
• Extra socks (midweight, merino wool socks)
• Buff (protects your face and neck against the sun and wind)
• Headlamps (with extra batteries)
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Microspikes (may or may not be needed but beneficial if ice/snow is present anywhere on the trail – always research the current trail conditions before heading out)
• Sun protection
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Sun-protective clothing
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Sunglasses
• Bug repellent and/or mosquito head net
• Waste disposal supplies (there are restrooms near the Grandview Visitor Center but bring toiletry items just in case – toilet paper, pee cloth, Ziploc bag – pack it out!!)
• Phone with a reliable power bank and charger
• Emergency supplies
  • GPS Satellite Communicator
  • Navigation System (physical map, compass, handheld GPS device, downloaded offline map on phone)
  • Plenty of water (at least 1 to 2 liters for this hike depending on conditions)
  • Plenty of snacks (my favorite hiking snacks are peanut butter sandwiches, sour patch kids, peanut butter pretzel bites, salty chips, energy bars, and trail mix)
  • First-aid kit (a basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care, tweezers, and medications, such as Ibuprofen, Antacids, Antihistamine, prescriptions)
  • Rain gear (important to keep dry – pack a light rain jacket or poncho)
  • Emergency shelter (emergency bivy)
  • Fire (matches, a lighter, or fire starter for warmth or signaling in emergencies)
  • Multi-tool or knife

Castle Rock Trail, Grandview Rim Trail, and Turkey Spur Rock Photos

Conclusion

Hiking the Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning views of New River Gorge.

For those seeking an extra challenge, the alternate route via Castle Rock Trail adds a more adventurous element with its unique rock formations and close-up views of geological layers.

Whether you opt for an out-and-back hike, the full lollipop route, or a smaller loop, this hike is sure to be a memorable highlight of your time in New River Gorge National Park.

Again, I highly recommend watching sunrise from any of the overlooks along the Grandview Rim Trail for a magical experience! ✨

If this guide inspires you to hike the Grandview Rim Trail or Castle Rock Trail in New River Gorge, I’d love to hear about your adventure.

Leave a comment and share your experience!

⛰️ Explore more of West Virginia:

• Best Hikes in West Virginia