America’s #1 Hike: The Endless Wall Trail

What’s the best National Park day hike in America? It’s right here at home in West Virginia. In 2015, USA Today readers voted the “Endless Wall Trail” of the New River Gorge National River as the #1 National Park day hike. A panel of experts picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. The trail beat out prestigious contenders from other National Parks across the U.S such as Cadillac Mountain - Acadia National Park, Kilauea Iki Trail - Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hoh River Trail - Olympic National Park, Ramsey Cascades - Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Narrows - Zion National Park, Bright Angel Trail - Grand Canyon National Park, Angels Landing - Zion National Park, Upper Geyser Basin - Yellowstone National Park, and Highline Trail - Glacier National Park. Wow, what a list! 

View from Diamond Point

Those of us in West Virginia know how beautiful our state is, but it’s quite an honor to be recognized by readers across the United States. If you’d like to hike the Endless Wall Trail, you can start from either of two trailheads on the Lansing-Edmond road. The Fern Creek parking area (GPS: Lat. 38.06298, Long. -81.05682) is at a dip in the road about 1.25 miles from its junction with US 19. The trail follows a gentle, forested path along Fern Creek for about a half a mile where upon you cross Fern Creek on a nice foot bridge and begin a short ascent to the cliff tops. Upon reaching the top of the grade, you’ll see a sign marking the Fern Point Overlook. Take this side trail for a fine view of the New River Gorge.  

Idol Point--Endless Wall Trail

As you continue on the Endless Wall Trail, look for slightly worn paths to the right. These mark access points to other stony clearings and ledges that overlook the gorge. There are many such points, and all are worth your time, for each one gives you a different perspective of the New River Gorge as well as the massive sandstone cliffs that rim it. The cliffs range from 60 to 130 feet in height and are often sheer vertical to overhanging. They are unprotected in that there are no fences or ropes to prevent one from getting too close to the edge. So these overlooks aren’t for small children or for those who are afraid of heights. But if heights don’t bother you that much and you’re careful, you can really see the gorge as few people do.

Cliffs along the Endless Wall

Diamond Point is about 1/3 of a mile from Fern Point. In my mind, it’s one of the premier viewpoints of the New River Gorge. I can honestly say that the view is breathtaking because the first time my wife Phyllis and I stepped out onto the rocky ledge overlooking the gorge, I gasped. I think you’ll be impressed, too. Diamond Point juts out into the gorge like a promontory. It offers a sweeping, almost 270 degree panorama, of the New River Gorge. It’s a great place to sit and admire the handiwork of the mighty New River, which at this point has carved a canyon nearly 1000 feet deep.

View from the Miner's Ladder

View from the Miner's Ladder

More about the Endless Wall Trail in future posts.