Endless Wall Trail in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve combines forest scenery with dramatic views into the gorge. I hiked it during our visit and found the wooded stretches, rhododendrons, and Fern Creek crossing memorable, along with the overlooks.
Choose your route before starting. From Fern Creek Trailhead, an out-and-back hike to Diamond Point is approximately two miles roundtrip. The full trail runs 2.4 miles between two trailheads, so completing it requires a return plan.
This guide shares my firsthand experience, photos, and video, plus planning information to help you prepare. Rocky footing and exposed cliff edges deserve attention even on a shorter outing.
Key Facts about the Endless Wall Trail
The overlooks were the main attraction for me, but looking back at my photos reminded me how much I enjoyed the forest between them. Rhododendrons, rocky stretches, and the Fern Creek crossing added variety to the outing.
Plan for both the woodland terrain and the exposed viewpoints. Your chosen route determines the distance and how you return to your vehicle.
- Shorter route: From Fern Creek Trailhead to Diamond Point and back is approximately two miles roundtrip.
- Full trail: Endless Wall runs 2.4 miles between Fern Creek and Nuttall trailheads. This is not a closed loop.
- Return planning: Walking between the trailheads adds about 0.5 miles along Lansing-Edmond Road. NPS cautions that the road is narrow with little room for pedestrians. An out-and-back avoids this road walk.
- Difficulty: NPS lists the trail as easy to moderate. Expect uneven ground, rocks, roots, and elevation changes.
- Overlooks: Cliff edges are exposed. Stay well back and supervise children closely; choose the outing based on their abilities and your comfort with the terrain.
- Pets: Keep pets on a physical leash no longer than six feet, bring water, and pick up waste.
- Climbing access: Ladder routes provide access for rock climbers. They are not part of the standard hike; stay on the hiking route rather than using them for casual exploration (although I explored a few).
Planning Your Visit
Parking and facilities: Fern Creek and Nuttall are the two trailhead parking areas. NPS lists composting toilets at both. Park only in designated spaces, and have another hike in mind if the lots are full.
My visit: I hiked Endless Wall late on the last day of our trip. Rain arrived while I was walking, and I felt pressed for time. For a future visit, I would allow more daylight and flexibility so I could enjoy the trail without rushing.
Finding Diamond Point: Several overlooks impressed me before I reached Diamond Point. Other hikers and I wondered whether we had already found it, but the Diamond Point turn was marked when I visited. Use the official map and current signs to follow your route.
If I return: I’d enjoy seeing the gorge in evening light. I would plan around weather and daylight, carry a light, and leave enough time for the return hike.
Trail Location
Endless Wall Trail is near Lansing, West Virginia, in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Its two trailheads, Fern Creek and Nuttall, are on Lansing-Edmond Road.
Review the official NPS Endless Wall Trail information for directions and route details, and check current park alerts before leaving. Save or print the trail map so you can use it without cell service.
My Experience on Endless Wall Trail
An Outing on Our Last Day
Near the end of our visit to New River Gorge, I had an opportunity to explore Endless Wall. I drove to Fern Creek Trailhead late in the day and found available parking.
I was glad to experience another part of the park, but the late start left less flexibility when rain arrived. Next time, I would give this hike more time of its own rather than squeezing it in at the end of a busy day.
Through the Forest to the Gorge
From Fern Creek Trailhead, I enjoyed the wooded path, rhododendrons, and creek crossing before reaching the gorge-side section. The forest was an important part of the experience, even with the overlooks still ahead.
Rocks and roots called for attention along the way. Take time to watch your footing and enjoy the surroundings, especially when rain makes surfaces slick.
Overlooks and Climbing Access Routes
Several viewpoints along the gorge-side section caught my attention before I reached Diamond Point. Each offered a different perspective on the cliffs and river below.
Use the official map and posted signs to identify overlook paths. Avoid following unmarked tracks, and stay well back from cliff edges when stopping for a view or photograph.
I also noticed marked climbing access routes with ladders descending below the rim. These serve rock climbers and are separate from the standard hike. Enjoy the hiking trail and overlooks, and be careful if you descend the ladders for casual exploration. Remember, the ladders are for rock climbers.
Diamond Point
Diamond Point was a highlight of my hike, with broad views into the gorge and dramatic cliffs nearby. Only a handful of visitors came through while I was there, giving me time to appreciate the scenery.
That quiet spell was part of my visit, rather than something to expect at a particular hour. Plan your outing around weather, daylight, and your chosen return route.
Stay well back from the exposed edges and give other visitors space. If you started at Fern Creek Trailhead, Diamond Point can be your turnaround point for an approximately two-mile out-and-back hike.
I’d welcome another visit with more time to enjoy both the forest and the overlooks.
Watch My Endless Wall Trail Hike
Plan Your Endless Wall Hike
Endless Wall gave me memorable gorge views and an enjoyable walk through the forest. Choose your route before leaving, allow time for the return, and check current conditions. An out-and-back to Diamond Point from Fern Creek avoids the road walk between trailheads.
For help preparing, read our Hiking Over 50 guide and outdoor safety guide. Explore our Long Point Trail and Castle Rock Trail accounts for more firsthand experiences at New River Gorge.
Adventure Never Gets Old.
Scenic and aerobic!
Definitely!