Stone Cliff Trail

The Stone Cliff Trail can be accessed from the Stone Cliff trailhead. Parking is available at the trailhead itself. For detailed directions, it's recommended to check the official New River Gorge National Park & Preserve website.

Yes, the Stone Cliff Trail is dog-friendly. Dogs are generally permitted on trails within the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to pack out any waste.

The trail offers a pleasant experience throughout much of the year due to its heavy tree cover, which provides shade even on sunny days. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful, with vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Summer is also a good option, but be prepared for warmer temperatures. Winter hiking is possible, but check for ice or snow conditions.

No, there are no entrance fees or permits required to access the Stone Cliff Trail or other trails within the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The park is free to enter and enjoy.

The trail primarily follows an old road alongside the New River, offering a generally graded surface that stays close to the water. This provides easy access to the river at various points. You'll experience heavy tree cover, making for a shaded journey. While rated as moderate, it's generally considered accessible for most hikers.

The trail offers striking views of the New River, including both rapids and calmer sections. A significant highlight is the Stone Cliff Trail Overlook. Additionally, the trail leads to a rare eleven-acre patch of old-growth forest, featuring ancient chinquapin oaks, northern red oaks, bitternut hickories, and buckeyes, some estimated to be 100-200 years old or more.

While the underlying Stone Cliff Trail is often described as a 2.7-mile one-way path, this specific komoot tour is designed as a loop, covering approximately 9.3 kilometers (5.8 miles). This allows you to experience the diverse scenery and return to your starting point without retracing your steps entirely.

Yes, the Stone Cliff Trail is a multi-use trail and is open for biking in addition to hiking. Its graded surface, following an old road, makes it suitable for cyclists looking for a scenic ride along the New River.

This trail stands out for several reasons: it follows an old historical road, providing excellent and easy access to the New River, and it leads to a rare, accessible old-growth forest. This ancient woodland largely survived industrial logging, offering a unique glimpse into the region's pre-industrial natural state.

The Stone Cliff Trail is generally rated as easy to moderate. Its graded surface and river access make it suitable for beginners and families with children, provided they are comfortable with the distance. The heavy tree cover also provides a comfortable environment for a leisurely walk.

Yes, the route primarily follows sections of the Stone Cliff Trail itself for its entire duration, offering a focused experience along this specific path.