Sandstone Visitor Center — Attraction in Hinton

We visited on a Saturday morning (9AM) when they first opened. There were only a couple other cars in the parking lot with us. The bathrooms are located outside adjacent to the visitor center and parking lot in a separate structure.

In between the two building there was a nice picnic table and area for kids to run around in if you were planning to do lunch here.

The exhibits are to the left when you walk in and they are much more newer and interactive than the ones at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. They also had a 3D topography map on a sand table so you can play with elevation changes and see what happens. The kids really enjoyed this. They watched eagerly on as the Ranger was setting it up.

If you walk straight when you enter there is a large theater room where they show a short film that is different from the one at Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

On the right when you walk in is the NPS store. It is about the same square footage as the one at Canyon Rim Visitor Center and from what we gather sold the exact same items. So no need to hit both to find different items. However the passport cancellation stamp here is different from the one at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. The stamp station is located in the NPS store on one of the bookshelves. I liked the separate station they had at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center as there wasn't as much room here to put your book down to stamp and can only imagine what it would be like on a more crowded day.

We spoke to a Ranger here 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 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 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 and that's what we did to see it all. It was also nice that as we were leaving we saw the same ranger on the trail talking with folks. It's not very common we see Rangers on the trail.

Overall it's worth a visit even if just to get information about trails or what to do. The exhibits where much nicer and focused more on environmental impacts of humans. You don't get the view of the Bridge like at Canyon Rim but it's a nicer and larger visitor center in general...

It may seem I have been giving a lot of 5 stars on this trip which is against usual mantra. But the truth is my rating is adjusted for many different dimensions of considerations and not all the same way.

This visitor center, is probably one on the less visited end of spectrum in amongst all NPS parks. While New River area is the latest addition to NPS, it is still relatively hard to access, nested in the mountains. The only thoroughfare is I64 which is under constant construction and not easiest to get to. And the relative desolation makes it less likely a byway destination... But it is not big enough to be a wholesome destination like South Dakota balck hills area, yellow stone/grand teton or Yosemite...

I'm giving it 5 stars to raise awareness as its remoteness and hard to get to location make it unique allowing preservation of the natural and cultural heritage...

The visitor center is nice,clean, with complete and interactive exhibits. It has ample parking, including for RVs, and outdoor seating areas for picnic. The occasional Amtrak special New River gorge rail service roars by below, reminding us we are not too far off...

Just a few miles from my home is one of the most beautiful National Parks, the New River Gorge. Above the New River just outside of Hinton, gracing a small shelf of land, is the Sandstone Visitor Center. It's design reflects all that is good about our environment, while highlighting through education the various egregious acts that harm our area's natural resources. In addition, the SVC tells the history of the river, the people who lived and worked the river and valleys, and the abundant wildlife of the area. I am reminded that we are all a part of the biodiverse life cycle here....something that can easily escape one's awareness if not reminded. The craftsmanship and thoughtful design contribute to a lofty airiness throughout the buildings. The natural grounds with their wildflowers and sweet smells are a gardener's delight. The only reason I deducted a star is due to the limited gift shop offerings. What they did have was great, but I had so hoped for a groovy sticker!...