One Foot from the Edge: Hiking Endless Wall in New River Gorge

Hiking the Endless Wall Trail in New River Gorge is an unforgettable blend of rugged Appalachian beauty and jaw-dropping cliffside panoramas. As you wander through a forested landscape, patches of lush rhododendron and wildflowers give way to dramatic overlooks dangling above the river. The trail weaves across exposed sandstone ledges where sheer drop-offs reveal the river hundreds of feet below. Whether you’re chasing golden-hour light or simply soaking in show stopper views, the Endless Wall Trail balances peaceful woodland walking with thrilling views, making it a must-hike in the gorge.

Trailhead elevation 1,768'

Water from a small stream halfway to Diamond Point

Don't miss the numerous overlooks before Diamond Point

Hiking Endless Wall to Diamond Point

It’s another hot and humid morning in the gorge when I arrive at the Fern Creek Trailhead. I’ve hiked the Endless Wall Trail many times before, but today’s different—I'm here to catch sunrise at Diamond Point. With no time to waste, I hit the trail right away.

The path starts off easy, winding gently through a thick forest of towering hardwoods, fragrant hemlocks, and dense rhododendron for the first three-quarters of a mile.

Around a sharp hairpin turn, the trail dips slightly and crosses Fern Creek over a narrow wooden footbridge.

From there, the terrain turns a bit rockier as it closes in on the overlook.

Near the 1.5-mile mark, I reach the signed spur trail and follow it a short distance to Diamond Point—just in time. The sky is already starting to glow, so I make my way to my usual spot to take in the show.

I’ve got the overlook all to myself, and the only sounds are distant birdsong and the faint rush of the New River nearly 1,000 feet below. I scan the opposite side of the gorge, hoping to spot the Kaymoor Miners Trail, but it’s tucked away in the trees.

As the sun breaks the horizon, I walk over to the opposite end of the overlook, where the last of the morning fog still clings to the trees.

Eventually, I return to the main trail and start the hike back—but this time, I make a point to explore some of the other overlooks I’d somehow skipped on previous visits. While Diamond Point gets all the sunrise glory, those lesser-known spots are nearly as stunning, and I’m glad I didn’t pass them up again.

With one final view behind me, I finish exploring the overlooks and head back to the trailhead, ready for breakfast and a workout on the Kaymoor Miners Trail. Another hike to Diamond Point is in the books—and this one was exceptional.