Grandview Rim Trail

• Highlights: New River Gorge, great views, rock formations
• Distance: 4.0 miles out and back
• Elevation change: 361 feet
• Difficulty level: Easy/moderate
• Trailhead Parking: Grandview Visitor Center, New River Gorge National Park, 4700 Grandview Road, Beaver, WV
• Website: New River Gorge National Park
• Beer Pairings: Weathered Ground Brewery—Jethro porter & Tallahatchie IPA

The Hike:

New River Gorge became a national park in 2021. The park comprises over 70,000 acres and follows the New River for over 53 miles through some amazing canyons and gorges. This area is well known for white water rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking. 

This hike begins near the Grandview Visitor Center near Beckley. We combined three trails into this hike: Tunnel Trail, Grandview Rim Trail, and Castle Rock Trail. The trails are well maintained; however, they are only marked at the trailheads and junctions. Pick up a trail map at the kiosk near the visitor center.

From the visitor center, cross the parking lot and follow the paved trail to the main overlook. Take in the great river views and then retrace your steps for about 50 yards to a trail junction. Turn left here and follow the Tunnel Trail as it descends gradually at first and then through a series of wooden steps. The trail passes beside a series of rock walls and then under a large rock overhang. There are several small openings (or tunnels) through the rocks to explore. 

The Tunnel Trail loops back up and returns to the main overlook and the trail junction. Follow the sign marking the Castle Rock trailhead and follow this trail over rocks and through several large sections of rhododendron. In late spring when the rhododendron and mountain laurel are in bloom this trail is even more spectacular. There are several views of the river and gorge to the right. On the left are series of towering rock walls and exposed coal seams.

Reach the North Overlook at 1.2 miles with some nice river and gorge views. At 1.4 miles the Castle Rock Trail ends at a trail junction. Turn right on the Grandview Rim Trail and reach the Turkey Spur Overlook at 2.4 miles. Climb the stairs to get more great views of the gorge and river below. Return on the Grandview Rim Trail to the parking area and your vehicle.

Hike Photos:

Click on an image below for an enlarged view.

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Beer Pairing: 

Located just 15 miles south of the Grandview visitor center is Weathered Ground Brewery. This family-owned brewery serves great beer, West Virginia hard cider, and wine. They offer snacks, salads, and brick oven pizza with indoor and outdoor seating and live music on weekends.

Kathy really liked Tallahatchie, an American IPA brewed with Chinook, Centennial, Citra and Amarillo hops. This is a really good IPA. Pete liked Jethro, a Baltic Porter brewed with local pecan smoked malt and local honey. This porter is smooth and crisp with note of chocolate and and a touch of smoke.

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