Sandstone Falls

We were in the area of the New River Gorge National Park for our weeklong vacation.  We wanted to see everything that the area had to offer.  We had a list of things that we definitely wanted to see.  But we also had a list of places that would be ‘nice’ to see if we were able to work it into our week. The Sandstone Waterfalls were one of the items on the it would be nice to visit list. 
Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall in the New River Gorge National Park.  It has a drop of about 15-20 feet.  This waterfall spans the width of the New River, a width of 1500 feet and is divided by some islands.  Located in the southern region of the New River Gorge National Park, Sandstone Falls would be easily to overlook.  Many people associate the New River Gorge National Park with the New River Gorge Bridge and that would be an apt description.  However, this National park offers so much more.  There is hiking, abandoned towns, history and multiple waterfalls.  The park is spread out over quite a few miles making some of the points of interest quite a distance away.  The drive from the New River Gorge Bridge to Sandstone Falls took about an hour.  It was a drive through gorgeous mountains and the last portion of the drive will take you along the edge of the New River.  There are some places to pull off and take in the view of the river. We did this and as always the power of the New River blew our minds.  One could just sit on the edge of the river and let the rumbling sounds of the rushing water soothe all worries.  

Viewing the New River from the Pull off access Point

The parking lot at Sandstone Falls is adequate and we had no difficulty finding a parking spot.   We could hear the rumble of the falls and we were ready to get our first glimpse of natures glory.  So we headed off to the trailhead.  This trail is actually a boardwalk that will carry you across channels and over islands to various overlooks.   It is a super easy hike and just what we needed after the awesome but intense hike down and back up Kaymoor Miners Trail to the abandoned coal mine. The boardwalk is handicap accessible and is only a quarter of a mile long, making it something that can be completed and enjoyed by anyone with any skill level. The level boardwalk was recently redone and was awesome!    Periodically along the boardwalk path there were larger areas that offered vantage points where we could stop and see various areas of the Sandstone Waterfalls.  We stopped at each area and took in the beauty.  It is awe inspiring and we allowed the nature to wash over us at each overlook.  

The Awesome Power of Sandstone Falls

​Along the boardwalk there are steps down onto the islands so that a visitor can actually access the waters edge.  Of course we went to the rivers edge.  We did not get into the water, but there have been multiple accidents here at the falls over the years, so use precaution.   One of the areas that allow you to step off of the boardwalk is the Island Loop Trail.  

This easy 1/2 mile hike is a fun jaunt

Island Loop Trail
I would highly recommend this trail if you are in the area.  This trail will take you on journey around one of the island at the Sandstone Falls.  This one half mile  trail is level,  there will be little to no inclines.  There will be some rocky areas, but they are easily navigable.  What you will get in return is close up view of the river and a walk through an island that once had a grist mill and was farmed.  Sadly, we could see no evidence of that history and instead you can see how nature is reclaiming the island.  It was still an amazing hike because of that abundant nature.   The beavers were doing their job quite well as we saw quite a bit of evidence of their hard work and we could even spy a beaver dam in on of the channels between islands.  

You almost got it done Mr. Beaver!

​A drive to Sandstone Falls might be a bit longer than you are planning but if you are visiting New River Gorge, the trip is well worth it!   For us, it was the perfect recovery day after a few intense days of hiking. The easy boardwalk made it an enjoyable retreat to a powerful piece of nature.