New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Church Loop Trail
easy History BuffsFamiliesQuick Detours
0.1 mi Distance
Varies Estimated Time
loop Trail Type
What to Expect
This is about as short as a trail gets — a quick detour off the Rend Trail that loops you past the remains of a historic church site tucked into the West Virginia woods. The whole thing takes maybe ten minutes, but there's something genuinely atmospheric about stumbling onto old foundations and remnants of a community that once thrived above the New River Gorge. The path is mostly flat and wooded, with dappled light filtering through hardwoods. Don't expect sweeping gorge views here — this is a quiet, contemplative stop, not a destination hike. Think of it as a historical footnote you walk through rather than read about. It's perfect for anyone already on the Rend Trail who appreciates the human stories layered into these Appalachian hollows.
Trail Details
Distance 0.1 miles round-trip
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type loop
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Church Loop Trail
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Access is via the Rend Trail, so plan this as an add-on rather than a standalone destination — the junction is easy to miss if you're moving fast, so keep your eyes open for the spur.
Trail Tip
Bring a camera with a decent macro lens or phone mode — the old church foundations make for compelling detail shots, especially when morning light catches the moss-covered stonework.
Trail Tip
Pair this with the full Rend Trail loop to make a proper outing of it; on its own, the Church Loop barely qualifies as a warm-up.
