New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Woodland Loop Trail
easy FamiliesQuick StopsNature Walks
0.6 mi Distance
Varies Estimated Time
loop Trail Type
What to Expect
This is about as gentle as New River Gorge gets — a quick woodland stroll that takes barely twenty minutes at a leisurely pace. The trail loops through a mixed hardwood forest of oak, hickory, and tulip poplar, with the canopy filtering light into a green cathedral during summer months. The path is well-trodden and mostly flat, winding over a soft dirt surface with occasional exposed roots. Don't expect dramatic gorge views or river access — this is a woods walk, pure and simple. What it lacks in spectacle it makes up for in accessibility: it's the kind of trail you hit when you've got thirty minutes between activities or want to stretch your legs after the drive in. Perfect for families with small kids, anyone recovering from yesterday's longer hike, or visitors who just want a quiet few minutes among the trees.
Trail Details
Distance 0.6 miles round-trip
Difficulty easy
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type loop
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Woodland Loop Trail
Pro Tips
Trail Tip
Pair this with a visit to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center area — knock out the Woodland Loop as a warm-up before tackling the Long Point Trail or Endless Wall, both of which start nearby and deliver the gorge views this trail skips.
Trail Tip
Late October transforms this loop into a tunnel of gold and crimson — the hardwood canopy here puts on one of the best fall color shows in the park without requiring any real effort to reach.
Trail Tip
Bring binoculars if you're a birder. The understory along this loop attracts warblers, woodpeckers, and the occasional pileated hammering away at a dead snag — easier to spot here than on busier trails.
