Sandstone Falls

Summers County, West Virginia

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Summers County, West Virginia
Access status: Short accessible national park boardwalk to river falls
The walk: 0.2 mile one way on the boardwalk trail (NPS trail listing); the NPS trail description says the boardwalk is 0.25 mile
Ground & access: Short, accessible boardwalk with bridges and observation decks. The islands can flood at high water.

National Park Service: Sandstone Falls Boardwalk

Sandstone Falls, WV
Photo credit
Photo: Antony-22, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River, spanning about 1,500 feet across. Islands divide it into parts that drop 10 to 25 feet. From the west end of the WV Route 20 bridge in Hinton, follow narrow River Road (WV Route 26) downstream along the river to Sandstone Falls; the unpaved parking area is on the right. The accessible boardwalk crosses a short bridge onto the first island, with a view of the lower falls, then a second bridge onto a low island with views of the main falls and observation decks. Return the same way. An aerial view is also available from the Sandstone Falls Overlook on Route 20, 600 feet above the river.

Plan your visit

Sandstone Falls parking area on River Road (WV Route 26) below Hinton, then the accessible boardwalk and bridges across the islands below the falls

The National Park Service lists the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk as 0.2 mile one way, and its trail description calls it a 0.25-mile boardwalk. The separate Island Loop Trail on the first island is half a mile.

Short, accessible boardwalk with bridges and observation decks. The islands can flood at high water.

Where to start

Unpaved parking area on the right side of River Road at the Sandstone Falls day use area. River Road is single lane in places; drive slowly. Vault toilets.

Timing & water

Not stated.

Before you go

No entrance fee: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve does not require an entrance pass.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore West Virginia

Waterfall location

Summers County, West Virginia.

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