About
Length (round trip)5 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain200 ft up
Typical time2 hr 30 min
TrailheadStone Cliff Beach, Thurmond Road
SurfaceFlat riverside path
Best seasonSpring for waterfalls and wildflowers, mid-October for fall colour. Bridge Day, the third Saturday in October, closes the bridge to traffic.
DogsLeashed / limited stretches
What you'll see 🌊 River or creek🌼 Wildflowers🦌 Wildlife

Labeled (6) on the Cunard, Thurmond and Stone Cliff Area Trails map Length 2.7 miles/4.35 km (One-way) Difficulty Easy to Moderate Trail type Hiking and biking Trail Description This moderate 2.7 mile trail follows an old road along the banks of the New River. Great views and easy access to the river are available along this trail. The endpoint of the trail leads to old-growth forest. Industry in New River Gorge cleared most forests in the area, but parts of Stone Cliff survived. Stands of trees from before industrialization are rare making this forest special. More information about old-growth forest is also available on the website on the Old-Growth Forests page. In April 2015, the Old-Growth Forest Network added Stone Cliff to its network forests. To reach the old-growth forest stand, visitors must hike off-trail up a steep slope from the endpoint of the trail. To reach the trailhead From U.S. Route 19 north of Beckley, take the Glen-Jean-Thurmond exit. Take an immediate left and go 0.5 miles to Glen Jean. Turn right and follow the signs for Thurmond (WV Route 25). Continue for 6 miles to a three-way intersection. Bear right and go 1.5 miles on this road. Take a right on the gravel road, just before the bridge crossing the New River. Continue past the boat launch to the parking area. The trail begins beside the picnic area.

Tips
One of the few genuinely level trails in a park defined by its gorge walls. Good fishing access and a swimming beach at the trailhead.
Location

Stone Cliff Beach, Thurmond Road

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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