Are you ready to embark on off-the-beaten-path adventures that reveal the hidden gems of West Virginia? While Adventures on the Gorge is renowned for its exhilarating activities and stunning landscapes, the surrounding areas offer even more unique experiences for those willing to venture a little further. From secluded hiking trails to hidden waterfalls, this guide will help you discover the lesser-known treasures near Adventures on the Gorge.
Less Traveled Hiking Trails
Chasing Waterfalls
One of the things we love most about West Virginia is its wild and wonderful waterfalls. With an abundance of rivers and cliffs, waterfalls are a common sight throughout the New River Gorge, if you know where to look for them! If you’re hoping to chase some waterfalls during your stay, here are a few we recommend checking out.
Cathedral Falls is a 60-foot waterfall located near the town of Gauley Bridge. This waterfall is only a short hike from the parking area, making for a quick addition to your vacation itinerary.
Just a few miles down the road from Cathedral Falls, Kanawha Falls offers an astonishing view of several waterfalls that span across this wide section of the Kanawha River. The falls are visible from the parking lot, but kayaks or stand-up paddle boards can be used to explore the area further.
At Babcock State Park, visitors frequent the Grist Mill, an iconic West Virginia landmark located along Glade Creek. The Grist Mill (pictured above) and the falls at Glade Creek are accessible from the Grist Mill parking lot. There are over 20 miles of trails at Babcock State Park, making it a great location to explore off the beaten path trails.
Mill Creek Falls is a more remote waterfall that offers a pleasant hike along the Mill Creek Rail Trail. Located near the town of Anstead, this trail is perfect for hikers and bikers alike. This trail leads from Anstead to the New River, where you can explore Hawks Nest Lake or take a ride with New River Jet Boats. If it happens to rain during your trip to the New River Gorge, waterfall hikes are a great addition to your itinerary as they will be fuller after a little rain.
Off-the-Radar Climbing Spots
Rock climbing is a very popular past time in the New River Gorge and climbing areas, known as crags, can get crowded quickly. To avoid waiting in line to try a more popular climb, visit some of our recommended off-the-radar climbing spots.
Cotton Club has a variety of traditional climbing and sport climbing routes and is far less frequented that it’s popular neighbor – Cotton Top. Parking for this crag is located at the Cotton Hill Fishing Access parking lot and the hike takes about 10 minutes to the first crag. The cliff line continues with routes ranging from 5.8-5.11c. Those willing to venture a little further will find Land of the Lost, a remote crag located past Cotton Club.
Another up-and-coming climbing spot is Needleseye Park located in Oak Hill. This area has a well-established trail and features a combination of boulders and short routes ranging from beginner to expert in difficulty.
Finally, Piney Creek Watershed located in Beckley, WV has a wide range of easy and moderate rock climbs. Both trad routes and sport routes can be found at Piney Creek, with grades ranging from 5.6-5.11. Piney Creek also features a ground level anchor station, with two sets of anchors and rap rings, which serves as a resource for beginner climbers to practice their anchor cleaning skills. When popular climbing areas such as Kaymoor and Bubba City start to fill up, we recommend visiting a more off-the-radar climbing spot like Needleseye Park or Piney Creek Watershed to beat the crowds.
Experience an AOTG Favorite
While exploring off-the-beaten-path adventures, don’t miss out on fan-favorite trips at Adventures on the Gorge. Experiences like rafting and ziplining are guest favorites for a reason and your trip to the New River Gorge wouldn’t be complete without a few adventures to remember it by.
Whitewater rafting on the New River is one of the most popular adventures for visitors, with trips on the Upper New River for children as young as 6 and trips on the Lower New River for kids 12 and older. Experienced rafters looking for an extreme and intense whitewater trip will find it during weekends in September and October on the Gauley River.
Ziplining is another popular choice for families visiting the gorge. Our TreeTops Canopy Tour takes you across ziplines, swinging bridges, and floating staircases in the beautiful, wooded forests of the New River Gorge National Park. For an exhilarating ziplining experience, check out our Gravity Zipline, home to the 3,150 foot Adrena-line that reaches speeds of up to 65 mph! The excitement of ziplining combined with the breathtaking scenery make for an adventure to remember.
While staying at Adventures on the Gorge, you’ll also have access to comfortable accommodations, delicious dining options, and easy access to both the resort’s top adventures and the hidden gems of West Virginia.
Your Hidden Adventure Awaits
Embark on off-the-beaten-path adventures and discover the hidden gems near Adventures on the Gorge. From lesser-known hiking trails with secluded waterfalls to quieter climbing crags, there’s so much more to explore in the New River Gorge in addition to our popular attractions. Plan your stay at Adventures on the Gorge to enjoy a perfect blend of thrilling activities and peaceful retreats in one of the most beautiful regions of West Virginia.