Long Point, Fayetteville, and Timber Ridge Loop

Dog Friendly, Kid Friendly, Medium 3-6 Miles, Mountains, National Parks, River / / By / fall foliage, great views, West Virginia, wildflowers
  • Highlights: New River Gorge and Bridge views, Rhododendron forest
  • Distance: 4.5 miles out and back
  • Elevation change: 507 feet
  • Difficulty level: Easy/Moderate
  • Trailhead Parking: Long Point trailhead parking, Newton Road, Fayetteville WV
  • Website: New River Gorge National Park
  • Beer Pairings: Bridge Brew Works—New River IPA & Mountain Momma Pale Ale

The Hike:

New River Gorge is our newest National Park and Fayetteville WV is the home base for some great hikes. It is also a prime location for white water rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The trails are well maintained and junctions are well marked. There are no colored blazes or markings along the trail. However, the path is obvious even in late fall when most of the leaves were down. 

Get a map from the park visitor center or use AllTrails to help stay on course. The best time to do this hike is in late spring when the rhododendron are in bloom or in the fall at peak foliage season.

The trailhead parking area accommodates about 40 vehicles and has a pit toilet. The Long Point Trail begins to the right and the return route via the Timber Ridge Trail is to the left. The trailhead kiosk has a trail map and more information about this hike. The first part of the trail is a wooden boardwalk which soon turns into a well maintained dirt path.

At .4 miles, reach a junction with the Fayetteville Trail. This will be the return route for this hike. Continue straight on the Long Point Trail. At 1.4 miles reach the Rhododendron Thicket, a dense “forest” of flowering plants. From late spring to early summer this area is a blaze of color when the rhododendron are in bloom.

The trail becomes a bit steep and rocky. Reach the New River Gorge Bridge at 1.6 miles. This is one of the longest steel span bridges in the world and the third highest in the United States. Long Point is one of the best places to view the bridge, the New River, and the gorge. Take in the great views and retrace your steps for 1.2 miles to the junction with the Fayetteville Trail.

Turn right and follow the Fayetteville Trail for .8 miles. The trail passes through more rhododendron and hardwoods with a gradual ascent to the junction of the Timber Ridge Trail. Turn left here passing through even more rhododendron and reach the trailhead parking area in .9 miles

Hike Photos:

Click on an image below for an enlarged view.

  • Rhododendron Thicket
  • Approach to New River Gorge
  • New River Gorge Bridge
  • Even More Rhododendron

Beer Pairing: 

Bridge Brew Works in Fayetteville WV was closed when we were in town. We had heard good things about their beers so we were initially disappointed. Then we discovered Arrowhead Bike Farm, located a few hundred yards from the Long Point trailhead.

New River Gorge has some great mountain bike trails and Arrowhead Bike Farm is the go-to place for bike repairs, camping, food, and craft beer. They are pet and kid friendly with indoor and outdoor seating and they serve wine and beer. They have a variety of food items including brats, salads, sandwiches, tacos, and burritos. 

The draft beer selection consists of 8 beers but they have over 60 great beers in cans. Kathy really liked New River IPA, a well balanced IPA with hints of pine and orange. Pete liked Mountain Momma Pale Ale, an American-style pale ale with citrus and earthy notes and a smooth finish. 

  • Arrowhead Bike Farm
  • The Handle Bar at Arrowhead Bike Farm

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