Sandstone Falls Boardwalk — Attraction in Hinton

We visited on a Saturday morning in early April. We spoke to a Ranger at the Sandstone Visitor Center about doing the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk Trail and he gave us a couple tips on other overlooks to stop at along the way. Even though the falls are not very far away on the map you have to drive about 30 mins to get there since it's on the other side of the river and the closest bridge is through a small town (Hinton) south of the visitor center. The bridge was also under construction at the time we visited and it was only single lane going through with a temporary stop light. So each side has to take turns.

The parking lot for the trail head was nice and large. For being about 10AM there were quite a few cars already there. There are 2 separate trails you can take including the Island loop. We decided to do the Island Loop Trail clockwise and then circle back around to complete the trails. We did notice a lot of invasive plant species on the Island Loop trail probably more so than any other trail we had done in New River Gorge NP. We are assuming it's just because this was a easy access location and probably gets many more visitors than other trails. People probably tracking in seeds on their shoes. Also could be that the area floods periodically and the seeds are spread that way. There were a number of flowering native plants as well. Specifically we saw multiple bunches of bluebells.

The falls themselves were spectacular and well worth the visit. We took a bunch of pictures. We also noticed at the end of the boardwalk there are a set of stairs and the trail continues on. We were on a schedule and couldn't deviate from the plan much but it would've been interesting to see where the trail lead. There were a couple other groups who were down the trail as well so it looks to be a established trail and you aren't trailblazing. It was also nice that as we were leaving we saw the same ranger on the trail talking with folks that we had just spoken to at the Sandstone Visitor Center. It's not very common we see Rangers on the trail.

The parking lot also had pit toilet bathrooms. Normally my kids don't complain about them but they said these ones were particular bad smelling. I take that to mean these are much more well used than others we've been to.

Overall a great little hike through the woods and on a boardwalk. It's short enough we'd consider stopping by again in a different season just to see what it all looks like then. I don't think it took us more than 30 mins to do the island loop and...

The hike was very short and very accessible to people. You can park right there, walk along the boardwalk to the "falls". Mind you this is not a large waterfall, it is barley small waterfalls. However, with the trees and the river it is beautiful!!

We did the island loop, it was fine, but nothing exciting, it could be skipped. There is a little beach and you can go walk on the rocks by the water it is really pretty!

The only downside, is this is a good 30-45 minutes from the nearest welcome center...it is a far drive and it is on a dead end. If you are not short on time and do not want to spend an hour and a half driving, this is not for you. You will only spend maybe 20-30 minutes here to do everything. I am not sure we would go back.

Hinton is the local town, it is cute, and quaint. There is gas stations and a Kroger and a coffee shop.

Sandstone Falls has bathrooms, they were nasty and not taken care of at all, I would recommend going into Hinton if you can. Dogs are welcome, no...

What a beautiful, peaceful place🥰❤️ The largest waterfall on the New River, Sandstone Falls spans the river where it is 1500 feet wide. Divided by a series of islands, the river drops 10 to 25 feet.

Sandstone Falls marks the transition zone of the New River from a broad river of large bottomlands, to a narrow mountain river roaring through a deep boulder strewn V- shaped gorge. The falls form the dramatic starting line for the New Rivers final rush trough the New River Gorge to its confluence with the Gauley River to form the Kanawha River. Your journey to view the falls will require some driving time, but it will take you along two of the park's most scenic roads, Route 20 from I-64 at the community of Sandstone, ten miles upstream to the town of Hinton, then downstream eight miles along River Road, the park's only scenic riverside drive. Both these routes offer several overlooks, historic sites, natural areas, trails, and river...