New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Big Buck Trail
easy FamiliesQuick DetourBirding
0.9 mi Distance
Varies Estimated Time
roundtrip Trail Type
What to Expect
Big Buck Trail is one of those quick forest walks that rewards you with a surprising amount of peace for minimal effort. The path winds through a hardwood canopy typical of the New River Gorge region — oaks, maples, and tulip poplars filtering the light into something cathedral-like on a good afternoon. At under a mile roundtrip, this is less of a hike and more of a stroll, but the forest floor here is lush with ferns and wildflowers in spring, and the birding is genuinely excellent if you slow down enough to notice. The trail surface is mostly packed dirt with occasional roots, nothing technical. This is the kind of trail you take when you want to stretch your legs between bigger adventures in the Gorge, or when you just need twenty minutes of quiet woods without committing to a full send. Perfect for families with young kids or anyone who wants forest time without the workout.
Trail Details
Distance 0.9 miles round-trip
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type roundtrip
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Big Buck Trail
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Pair this with nearby Long Point Trail or the Endless Wall for a full day — Big Buck works perfectly as a warm-up or cool-down between the Gorge's more demanding routes.
Trail Tip
Spring mornings here are prime for spotting warblers and woodpeckers migrating through the Appalachian corridor — bring binoculars if you have them, the canopy is active from late April through May.
Trail Tip
The trail sees very little foot traffic compared to the Gorge's marquee hikes, so if you're looking for solitude without driving to a remote trailhead, this delivers.
