The Lengthy Level Path in New River Gorge is a well-liked 3-mile round-trip hike that winds by means of forest, wildflowers, and rhododendron thickets earlier than ending at a rocky overlook with a spectacular view of the New River Gorge Bridge. The path is usually straightforward with a brief, steeper part close to the tip. The overlook provides a dramatic, unobstructed view of the bridge spanning the deep gorge, making it one of many park’s most iconic and rewarding hikes.
Trailhead elevation 1,961′
Do not miss the view of Infinite Wall to the east
Mountain climbing to Lengthy Level
It’s a sweltering afternoon within the gorge, with the warmth index pushing 110 levels as I pull into the Lengthy Level Trailhead. I down a bottle of water and hit the path instantly—sundown at Magnificence Mountain is looking, and I need to make sure I’m again in time.
The path begins off flat and simple, winding briefly by means of a shaded patch the place I spot a white-tailed deer grazing simply off the trail. On the 0.2-mile mark, I pause at a small platform with a few interpretive indicators that supply a fast glimpse into the gorge’s cultural historical past. One of many indicators notes that this precise spot was as soon as the positioning of New Camp, one in all two residential areas on the gorge rim for Kaymoor coal mine staff. I’d study rather more about Kaymoor’s historical past whereas mountain climbing the Kaymoor Miners Path tomorrow, however this served as a helpful reference level.
From there, the path gently winds by means of a traditional New River Gorge panorama: towering hardwoods, aromatic hemlocks, and thick rhododendron that present loads of reduction from the solar.
At 0.7 miles, I move the intersection with the Fayette Path, and at 1.3 miles, attain a motorcycle rack—that is the place cyclists have to show round.
Past that, the ultimate 0.2-mile stretch descends by means of rocky, rhododendron-lined tunnels towards Lengthy Level itself.
As I step onto the rocky outcrop, I’m greeted by open views and steep drop-offs on both aspect. The purpose is round 20 toes broad, loads of area to really feel safe, although dad and mom with youngsters could be sensible to maintain them shut.
100 toes farther alongside, I cease at a small break within the timber and spot Infinite Wall throughout the gorge—a path I’ll hike tomorrow morning at dawn.
Moments later, I arrive on the finish of Lengthy Level, face-to-face with the enduring New River Gorge Bridge—the longest single-span arch bridge within the Western Hemisphere. I’ve been right here many instances, however the view by no means will get outdated.
Close to the sting, shallow potholes carved into the rock are crammed with water and teeming with tadpoles. I settle into the sun-soaked stone, ready as the group slowly filters out. Earlier than lengthy, I’ve the place to myself—simply as I had hoped for.
After soaking within the silence, I start the haul again to the trailhead, many of the elevation acquire ready for me on the return. It’s a stable begin to the weekend—and now I’m off to Magnificence Mountain, hoping to catch a good looking sundown to cap off the day.
