Endless Wall

Dog Friendly, Kid Friendly, Mountains, National Parks, River, Short < 3 Miles / / By / great views, rock formations, wildflowers, wildlife
  • Highlights: New River Gorge, great views, rock formations
  • Distance: 3.1 miles loop
  • Elevation change: 384 feet
  • Difficulty level: Easy
  • Trailhead Parking: Lansing-Edmond Road (route 82), north of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. The Fern Creek Trailhead parking area has room for about 30 vehicles
  • Website: New River Gorge National Park
  • Beer Pairings: Freefolk Brewery—Fayetteville Fog IPA & Sweet P’s Oatmeal Stout

The Hike:

Endless Wall is one of the most popular hikes in New River Gorge National Park. There are two parking areas for this hike on Lansing-Edmond Road. Fern Creek is on the right 1.3 from US 19. If that lot is full, drive .5 miles to reach the Nuttall Trailhead parking area. Parking is not permitted on Lansing-Edmond Road and cars may be towed. 

The trail is well maintained; however, trail markings are limited to signs at junctions. There are no blazes to mark the trail. The trail is well-used so it was fairly easy to find the trail even after all the leaves had come down and covered the trail. We used AllTrails to help navigate. The other downside is the last .5 miles of this hike are on the road.

We started this hike from the Fern Creek Trailhead where a kiosk has a map and trail information. The trail passes over Fern Creek and through several large stands of rhododendron which must be fantastic in the late spring when they are in bloom. At .8 miles a sign points to the first of several  rock climbing access points. New River Gorge is home to some of the best rock climbing on the east coast. 

Take the short spur trail to the right for some nice views of the gorge and the New River and a partial view of the bridge. You may see rock climbers and whitewater rafters on the river 1,000’ below. Return to the main trail. There will be several spur trails leading to rock climbing access points with nice views. At 1.2 miles reach Diamond Point with amazing 180° views. At 2.7 miles arrive at the Nuttall parking area. Turn left on the Lansing-Edmond Road and walk back to the Fern Creek parking area at 3.1 miles.

Hike Photos:

Click on an image below for an enlarged view.

  • Bridge over Fern Creek
  • Endless Wall and New River
  • Endless Wall and New River Gorge Bridge
  • Endless Wall from Diamond Point
  • New River Gorge from Diamond Point

Beer Pairing: 

Located just across the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville is the Freefolk Brewery. Freefolk is an eclectic collaboration project between home brewer Jeff and artist Jamie. Together they have created a unique brewpub with a nice selection of craft beer as well as wine and cocktails. They offer indoor and outdoor seating and a limited variety of food options. Jamie’s art is everywhere—both inside and outside of the brew pub.

Fayetteville Fog IPA is a hazy New England-style IPA with a pleasant citrus nose and medium opaque body; dry hopped with barley, wheat, and oats. Pete liked Sweet P’s Oatmeal Stout, a nitro stout made with sweet potatoes. Freefolk is a fun brewpub and a great place to enjoy some liquid refreshment after a hike.

  • Freefolk Brewery
  • Freefolk Brewery

Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.