Stone Cliff Trail

Q: Can I do this alone safely?

Yes, but use the buddy system on the off-trail scramble. The main trail is heavily traveled. Cell service is spotty—download offline maps and tell someone your timeline.

Q: Do I need special gear?

Trekking poles are essential for the off-trail scramble; good hiking boots required for both. Bring trekking poles, a map, compass, and 2L water minimum. Rope is not needed.

Q: How do I access the old-growth forest?

At the trail's official end, leave the marked path and scramble steeply up the slope. It's unmaintained, untracked, and requires bushwhacking. Takes 15-20 minutes of effort. Trekking poles essential.

Q: Is the river safe to drink from?

Filter it. Use only moving sections, away from livestock or obvious contamination. The gorge has high wildlife use—treat all water.

Q: Can I bike this trail?

Yes on the main gravel road section. The off-trail scramble to old-growth forest is not bikeable. Bikes work fine for the 2.7-mile out-and-back.

Q: How crowded is this trail?

Moderate crowds on summer weekends, light crowds on weekdays and shoulder seasons. The off-trail scramble keeps most casual hikers on the main road section.

Distance

2.7 mi

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Est. Time

2.5-3.5 hours round trip (slower if you explore the off-trail forest scramble)

Route Type

Out-and-back

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

April through October

Overview

About This Trail

Stone Cliff Trail is a moderate 2.7-mile river walk along the New River with scenic gorge views and access to rare old-growth forest stands. This is manageable terrain for intermediate hikers seeking river scenery and ecological significance. The main trail is a steady road-walk with river access throughout; the steep, unmarked off-trail scramble to old-growth forest is where the grit kicks in.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate

Trail Highlights

Rare Old-Growth Forest Network site with stands of trees predating industrial logging—accessible via steep off-trail scramble at trail's end

Insider Tips

• The false summit is the trail's end parking area—the real payoff (old-growth forest) requires a steep off-trail scramble that separates committed hikers from casual walkers. • Arrive before 8 AM to secure parking; the pullout fills fast on summer weekends. • The river is coldest in early spring—hypothermia risk if you slip in. Wear a dry layer. • Hike this in October when bugs are gone, crowds thin, and foliage frames the gorge beautifully.

Best Season to Hike

April through October

Hiking Tips

Carry 2L water minimum—river access alone won't save you if caught without reserve.
Tighten your boots; old gravel roads disguise ankle-twisting rocks.
The off-trail scramble to old-growth forest is steep and unforgiving—bring trekking poles and turn back if visibility drops.
Filter river water from moving sections only, away from livestock areas.
Wear long pants; riverside brush masks poison ivy.

Family Info

The main 2.7-mile trail is suitable for intermediate kids (ages 8+) with river supervision mandatory. The off-trail scramble to old-growth forest is steep, untracked, and NOT appropriate for young children or inexperienced hikers.

What Hikers Say

Hikers consistently praise the easy-moderate terrain and immediate river access. The old-growth forest is the centerpiece, but its steep off-trail access deters casual hikers. Well-suited for intermediate hikers seeking ecological significance over distance.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 2.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 200 ft

Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours round trip (slower if you explore the off-trail forest scramble)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Gravel and dirt old road with some muddy sections when wet

Getting There

Trailhead: From U.S. Route 19 north of Beckley, take the Glen-Jean-Thurmond exit. Go 0.5 miles to Glen Jean, turn right toward Thurmond (WV Route 25). Continue 6 miles to a three-way intersection, bear right for 1.5 miles. Take a right on gravel road just before the New River bridge, continue past the boat launch to parking area. Trailhead is beside the picnic area.

Fills Up: By 9 AM on summer weekends and holiday weekends

Restrooms at trailhead

Requirements

Permit Required

No permits required

Fees: Free—no entrance fee required

Shuttle Available

No shuttle service available

Trail Rules

Dogs: Unknown—check current park regulations at nps.gov/neri

Biking: Yes, bikes permitted on the gravel road

Trail Markers: Well-marked main trail with signage. Off-trail scramble has no markers—use a compass and map.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Filter from the New River along the trail; use only moving water away from potential animal contamination

Shade: Mixed—riverside sections are open; old-growth forest provides shelter

Cell Service: Spotty in the gorge—assume dead zones and download offline maps

Hazards:

The New River is adjacent throughout—respect water hazards and stay on trail. The optional off-trail scramble to old-growth forest is steep, untracked, and technical. Gravel surfaces become slippery when wet. Poison ivy grows along the river corridor.

Emergency: 911 (reliable in most areas). New River Gorge National Park Rangers: contact through visitor center or nps.gov/neri

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate, heavier on summer weekends

Peak Times: Summer weekends (June-August), holiday weekends

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Gravel road is relatively flat with gentle grade changes. Muddy sections and rocks can challenge traction. Not ADA-accessible.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Glen Jean and Thurmond have minimal services—no lodging, gas, or food at trailhead. Stock up in Beckley (30 miles north) before driving to the area.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail hard enough for an intermediate hiker?

The main trail is easy-moderate—a steady road walk. The real test is the off-trail scramble to old-growth forest, which separates intermediate from beginner hikers. Most intermediates handle it fine with trekking poles.

Can I do this alone safely?

Do I need special gear?

How do I access the old-growth forest?

Is the river safe to drink from?

Can I bike this trail?

How crowded is this trail?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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