Stone Cliff 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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2.7
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 200

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2.7
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Elevation Gain Feet: 200
Estimated Time: 2.5-3.5 hours round trip (slower if you explore the off-trail forest scramble)
Trail Surface: Gravel and dirt old road with some muddy sections when wet
Trail Features: New River gorge views
Old-growth forest stand
River access
Historic gravel road
Scenic overlooks
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

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: 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.
Parking Fill Time: By 9 AM on summer weekends and holiday weekends
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: No shuttle service available

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: No permits required
Fees: Free—no entrance fee required
Trail Status: Open year-round
Seasonal Closures: Rare seasonal closures due to heavy snow or flooding; check park conditions in winter

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 1
Water Sources: Filter from the New River along the trail; use only moving water away from potential animal contamination
Accessibility: Gravel road is relatively flat with gentle grade changes. Muddy sections and rocks can challenge traction. Not ADA-accessible.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: River proximity and water hazards
Off-trail exposure and steep scrambling
Muddy surfaces when wet
Poison ivy along riverside
Hazard Details: 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.
Cell Service: Spotty in the gorge—assume dead zones and download offline maps
Crowd Level: Moderate, heavier on summer weekends
Peak Crowd Times: Summer weekends (June-August), holiday weekends
Best Season: April through October
Best Time To Visit: April to early June, or September to October. Water levels are stable, weather is mild, and insect pressure is manageable. Start your hike by 7 AM to beat afternoon heat and secure parking.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Thurmond-Stone Cliff Area (Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails region)
Trail Markers: Well-marked main trail with signage. Off-trail scramble has no markers—use a compass and map.
Dogs Allowed: Unknown—check current park regulations at nps.gov/neri
Biking Allowed: Yes, bikes permitted on the gravel road
Shade Level: Mixed—riverside sections are open; old-growth forest provides shelter
Emergency Contacts: 911 (reliable in most areas). New River Gorge National Park Rangers: contact through visitor center or nps.gov/neri
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: Rare; occasional snow December through February in surrounding uplands, but the river valley is typically snow-free
Mud Season: March through early May after snow melt and spring rains
Wildflower Peak: April through May
Fall Colors Peak: Late September through mid-October
Bug Season: June through August—mosquitoes are heavy; bring high-DEET repellent
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.
Recent Updates: Added to the Old-Growth Forest Network in April 2015. No recent trail closures or reroutes reported.
Family Friendly Notes: 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.
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.
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.