Ultimate Guide to Hiking Long Point Trail in New River Gorge (2026)

Long Point Trail, one of the most popular hikes in New River Gorge National Park, leads to an unforgettable view of the New River Gorge Bridge. 😍

This 3-mile roundtrip trail winds through a dense forest before reaching Long Point Overlook, a dramatic rock outcrop with sweeping, panoramic views of the gorge.

The overlook is especially stunning in fall, when the landscape is filled with vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold.

It’s also a fantastic spot for both sunrise and sunset! Be aware that some mornings, thick fog rolls into the gorge, completely obscuring the view.

The trail itself is mostly a gentle walk through the woods, but the final stretch leading to the overlook is steep and rocky. Be sure to use caution near the unprotected cliff edges at the Long Point Overlook.

Before you go, read my full guide about hiking Long Point Trail in New River Gorge! In this guide you will find a trail map, parking details, hiking tips, and everything you need to know before hitting the trail.

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Long Point Trail Stats and Map

Long Point Trail Stats

Long Point Trail Map

Long Point Trail Parking and Directions

The Long Point Trailhead features a spacious parking area that can accommodate approximately 25 to 30 vehicles. Vault toilets are available near the trailhead.

Long Point Trail is one of the most popular hikes in New River Gorge, so if you’re visiting during peak season (spring through fall), be sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot.

When my husband and I hiked this trail for sunrise, sunset, or during the winter, we never had any trouble finding parking. It’s much quieter outside of peak hours and during the colder months!

🚗 Directions to the trailhead:

• From US 19, take WV-16 south through downtown Fayetteville.
• Turn left onto Gatewood Road, following signs for Kaymoor and Cunard.
• Continue for 1.9 miles, then turn left onto Newton Road.
• The trailhead parking lot is just 50 yards ahead on the left.

Best Time to Hike Long Point Trail

The Long Point Trail in New River Gorge is a fantastic hike year-round!

My favorite times to visit are winter, when a light dusting of snow creates a magical landscape, and fall, when the trees burst into stunning shades of red, orange, and gold.

The Long Point Overlook faces north, so it’s a nice spot to catch the golden hour glow at either sunrise or sunset.

✨ READ THIS: 8 Best Hikes in New River Gorge National Park

Seasonal Considerations

🌷 Spring (March – May): Spring brings comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers along the trail. However, early spring rains can make parts of the trail muddy, and morning fog in the gorge may limit visibility at overlooks.

☀️ Summer (June – August): Hot and humid conditions make summer hiking more challenging. For the most part, this trail is within a forest providing ample amounts of shade.

However, I still recommend starting this hike early in the summer to beat the heat (and avoid big crowds).

🍂 Fall (September – November): Fall is arguably the best time to hike the Long Point Trail. Crisp air and peak foliage in mid-to-late October transform the gorge into a breathtaking mix of red, orange, and gold.

This is also a popular season, so expect more hikers on the trail, especially on weekends.

☃️ Winter (December – February): Winter offers a peaceful, crowd-free experience. A light dusting of snow makes the trail and viewpoint even more scenic!

Just be cautious of snowy/icy conditions which can make the trail and overlook slippery. Dress in layers, wear proper footwear, and be cautious near cliff edges!

Long Point Trail Sunrise vs Sunset

As I mentioned earlier, you can catch either sunrise or sunset from the Long Point Overlook.

Since the overlook faces north, you won’t see the sun rising or setting directly over the bridge, but you’ll still experience the golden-hour glow lighting up the gorge.

My husband and I have hiked to the Long Point Overlook for both sunrise and sunset, but luck wasn’t on our side either time.

For sunrise, thick fog rolled in, leaving us with only faint colors on the horizon. And for sunset, the sky just didn’t put on much of a show. Sometimes, conditions just don’t cooperate!

That said, no matter when you visit, the overlook offers an incredible view of the New River Gorge Bridge (unless it’s super foggy 😶‍🌫️).

If you’re into photography, timing your visit for golden hour at sunrise or sunset can give you the best lighting for capturing the scene.

✨ For the ultimate adventure, check out my in-depth New River Gorge guide! It’s packed with 1- to 5-day itineraries, top outdoor adventures, the best dining spots, essential trip-planning tips, and more.

Step-by-Step Long Point Trail Directions

The hike from the Long Point Trailhead to the Long Point Overlook is straightforward and relatively easy. From the trailhead, simply follow the Long Point Trail.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a few trail junctions – just keep an eye out for signs directing you toward the overlook.

The trail does become slightly more challenging once you reach the bicycle rack, where the path descends steeply for a short stretch.

It’ll soon flatten out onto a ridge leading to the overlook offering breathtaking views of the bridge and gorge!

The climb back up will get your heart pumping, but it’s brief. After that, the trail levels out, making for an easy return to the trailhead.

Alternate Routes to Reach Long Point Overlook

If you’re looking for a longer hike or an alternate starting point, you can park at the Kaymoor Parking Lot and reach the Long Point Trail via either the Fayetteville Trail or Butcher Branch Trail:

• Fayetteville Trail Route: 4.5 miles roundtrip
• Butcher Branch Trail Route: 3 miles roundtrip

Both options offer a slightly different adventure while still leading to the spectacular Long Point Overlook!

Long Point Trail in New River Gorge: Hiking Tips and Packing List

Long Point 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. Check the Weather: While Long Point Trail is generally not a difficult hike, the exposed rock overlook can be slick and dangerous in rain, snow, or ice. Always check the forecast before heading out.

3. Wear the Proper Footwear: This trail has a tendency to become super muddy after rain or when snow melts, and the overlook can be slippery after rain or in snow – hiking shoes or boots with good traction are beneficial!

4. Watch Your Step at the Overlook: The Long Point Overlook does not have safety railings – always be mindful if exploring near the cliff edges.

5. Watch Out for Mountain Bikers: Mountain bikes are allowed on the trail except for the final 0.2 miles leading to the overlook – a bike rack is available where riders must continue on foot.

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

7. 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 Long Point Trail!

8. 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.

Long Point Trail Packing List

👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!

Check out my favorite tops 👇

• Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
• Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
• Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
• Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. If cold, windy, and rainy conditions are in the forecast (or there’s a slight possibility), I make sure to pack my Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.

🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.

Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇

• Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
• RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
• Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
• RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
• Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts

🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!

🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!

🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇

• Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
• Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
• Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack

🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!

❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.

🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.

🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.

🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.

🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.

💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.

🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.

🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.

🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.

🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.

🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.

💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!

Long Point Trail and Long Point Overlook Photos

Conclusion

Hiking the Long Point Trail in New River Gorge National Park is a must for anyone looking to experience one of the most breathtaking overlooks in the region.

This easy to moderate, well-marked trail offers a rewarding journey through lush forests before opening up to a stunning panoramic view of the New River Gorge Bridge.

Whether you’re visiting for sunrise, sunset, or a midday adventure, the overlook never fails to impress. While the final stretch is a bit steep, the effort is well worth it for the incredible vantage point at the end.

If you’re exploring the New River Gorge, this hike should definitely be on your list!

If this guide inspires you to hike the Long Point Trail in New River Gorge, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!

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