Mountaineering the Countless Wall Path in New River Gorge is an unforgettable mix of rugged Appalachian magnificence and jaw-dropping cliffside panoramas. As you wander by way of a forested panorama, patches of lush rhododendron and wildflowers give solution to dramatic overlooks dangling above the river. The path weaves throughout uncovered sandstone ledges the place sheer drop-offs reveal the river a whole bunch of toes under. Whether or not you’re chasing golden-hour mild or just soaking in present stopper views, the Countless Wall Path balances peaceable woodland strolling with thrilling views, making it a must-hike within the gorge.
Trailhead elevation 1,768′
Water from a small stream midway to Diamond Level
Do not miss the quite a few overlooks earlier than Diamond Level
Mountaineering Countless Wall to Diamond Level
It’s one other scorching and humid morning within the gorge once I arrive on the Fern Creek Trailhead. I’ve hiked the Countless Wall Path many occasions earlier than, however at the moment’s totally different—I am right here to catch dawn at Diamond Level. With no time to waste, I hit the path straight away.
The trail begins off straightforward, winding gently by way of a thick forest of towering hardwoods, aromatic hemlocks, and dense rhododendron for the primary three-quarters of a mile.
Round a pointy hairpin flip, the path dips barely and crosses Fern Creek over a slim wood footbridge.
From there, the terrain turns a bit rockier because it closes in on the overlook.
Close to the 1.5-mile mark, I attain the signed spur path and comply with it a brief distance to Diamond Level—simply in time. The sky is already beginning to glow, so I make my solution to my typical spot to absorb the present.
I’ve bought the overlook all to myself, and the one sounds are distant birdsong and the faint rush of the New River almost 1,000 toes under. I scan the other facet of the gorge, hoping to identify the Kaymoor Miners Path, but it surely’s tucked away within the timber.
Because the solar breaks the horizon, I stroll over to the other finish of the overlook, the place the final of the morning fog nonetheless clings to the timber.
Ultimately, I return to the primary path and begin the hike again—however this time, I make a degree to discover a few of the different overlooks I’d by some means skipped on earlier visits. Whereas Diamond Level will get all of the dawn glory, these lesser-known spots are almost as gorgeous, and I’m glad I didn’t cross them up once more.
With one remaining view behind me, I end exploring the overlooks and head again to the trailhead, prepared for breakfast and a exercise on the Kaymoor Miners Path. One other hike to Diamond Level is within the books—and this one was distinctive.
