New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Park Loop Trail
easy FamiliesFirst-TimersQuick Walks
1.1 mi Distance
Varies Estimated Time
loop Trail Type
What to Expect
The Park Loop Trail is the kind of walk you do while the rest of your group is still drinking their second cup of coffee. A short, gentle loop winding through second-growth forest near the park's main facilities, it offers a quiet taste of New River Gorge's dense Appalachian woodland without demanding anything from your legs. The trail is well-maintained and forgiving underfoot — think packed dirt and leaf litter rather than rocky scrambles. You won't find dramatic gorge views here, but the forest itself has personality: tall hardwoods, understory tangles, and the kind of birdsong that reminds you why you drove hours to get here. This is the trail for kids still finding their trail legs, for stretching out after a long drive, or for anyone who wants a genuine woods experience without committing to a half-day outing.
Trail Details
Distance 1.1 miles round-trip
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type loop
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Park Loop Trail
- 1
Use this as a warm-up before tackling Long Point or Grandview Rim — it loosens the legs and orients you to the park's forest character without burning anything you'll need later.
- 2
The trailhead sits close to park facilities, so this is one of the few loops where you can leave your pack behind — just pocket your keys and go.
- 3
Spring brings impressive wildflower activity to the forest floor in this part of West Virginia; an early May morning on this loop can turn up trillium, wild geranium, and mayapple all within the same short stretch.
