Mountain climbing the Magnificence Mountain Path in New River Gorge is a brief, straightforward stroll that delivers beautiful views with minimal effort. Tucked away off a gravel street in Edmond, the unmarked, roughly one-mile out-and-back follows a flat ridgeline by way of rhododendrons and hardwood forest to a collection of dramatic cliffside overlooks. Inside minutes, hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas of the New River far beneath. Although signage is minimal and cell service spotty, well-worn paths make it straightforward to navigate. It’s a peaceable, off-the-beaten-path gem excellent for a fast escape into the fantastic thing about the gorge.
Trailhead elevation 1,950
Do not miss exploring the ledges space
Mountain climbing Magnificence Mountain
It is my first night time again within the gorge, and I determine to finish the day with a go to to Magnificence Mountain—certainly one of my favourite locations to catch a sundown. The unofficial, unmarked trailhead sits on the intersection of Magnificence Mountain Highway and Buckhorn Highway, close to coordinates 38.045978, -81.024368. I present up two hours earlier than sundown to assert one of many three roadside pull-offs and start my stroll.
A few hundred ft in, the path splits. Left results in the primary cliffs, whereas the trail to the fitting winds towards a much less scenic—however nonetheless attention-grabbing—set of rocky ledges and overlooks.
With loads of time to spare, I head proper, following a worn path beneath energy traces for a few quarter mile. Simply earlier than a brief, rocky incline, I spot a slender spur path on the left and observe it just a few hundred ft to the ledges.
This space is roofed in graffiti—often not my factor—however right here it feels oddly charming. Stick-figure climbers, an enormous black Sasquatch, and goofy quotes are scattered throughout the stone.
I wander by way of the slender corridors of rock, finally rounding a bend to seek out one of many few spots with a partial view of the gorge. Like a lot of the world, it is closely graffitied, however nonetheless price a cease.
I spend a bit of time exploring, searching for a straightforward path to the highest of the ledges however come up brief.
The one different first rate overlook is in a shaded nook just under the ledges, providing a restricted downstream view. Neither spot compares to the view from the primary cliffs, so I backtrack to the cut up close to the beginning of the path.
From there, I observe the path left to the primary cliffs and settle in at my favourite spot: a broad, flat stone slab that juts out over the sting, tailored for sundown. I stretch out, plan my morning, and watch for the solar to sink.
It’s the proper setup. To my left, the gorge and river stretch into the space. To my proper, the silhouette of Infinite Wall fades into the night glow. Straight forward, throughout the gorge, rugged cliffs hint above the route of the Kaymoor Path towards its junction with the Lengthy Level Path.
A prepare rumbles by on the far facet, and the sound of the New River drifts up by way of the timber. I sit and revel on the skyline effectively past sundown, then head again to camp to settle in for the night time.
My first night time again within the gorge is a memorable one and I am excited for the times to return.
