Sandstone Falls | Hinton

Sandstone Falls is a striking natural landmark located along the New River within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia. Known for its dramatic cascades and rugged scenery, it is one of the largest waterfall systems on the river and a premier destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and adventurers seeking an immersive Appalachian experience.

Location and Setting

Sandstone Falls is situated near Hinton, in Summers County, where the New River cuts through the Appalachian Plateau. The falls are formed where the river flows over resistant sandstone bedrock, creating multiple channels, rapids, and drop-offs that span roughly 1,000 feet in width. The surrounding area is defined by steep hills, dense forests, and rocky riverbanks, providing a secluded and dramatic natural backdrop.

The falls are accessible via hiking trails and nearby parking areas, with vantage points offering sweeping views of the cascading water and the rugged gorge below.

Geological Features

Sandstone Falls is named for the sandstone ledges over which the New River tumbles. The river splits into numerous channels as it descends, producing a mosaic of rapids, small plunges, and shallow pools. Rock formations exhibit distinct striations, crevices, and boulders, creating opportunities for exploration and photography.

The surrounding terrain reflects the ancient Appalachian landscape, shaped by millions of years of river erosion and tectonic activity. Seasonal water flow can dramatically alter the appearance of the falls, with spring and early summer runoff creating roaring cascades, while late summer and fall often reveal more intricate channels and exposed rock patterns.

Recreation and Activities

Sandstone Falls offers diverse recreational opportunities:

Hiking and Viewing Trails: Trails lead to several lookout points, some equipped with railings or platforms for safe observation. Hikers can explore nearby paths that wind along the river, through forested slopes, and across rocky outcrops.

Photography and Nature Observation: The falls’ unique formation, combined with surrounding hardwood forests, attracts photographers and nature lovers. Seasonal changes, wildlife, and mist from the cascades provide dynamic visual experiences.

Fishing: The New River below the falls supports species such as smallmouth bass and catfish, making it a popular fishing destination. Anglers must exercise caution due to swift currents and rocky banks.

Whitewater Recreation: The channels around Sandstone Falls create rapids that are occasionally navigable by experienced kayakers and canoeists, though the area is considered challenging and requires skill and local knowledge.

Natural Features and Wildlife

The area around Sandstone Falls is rich in Appalachian flora and fauna. Mixed hardwood forests dominate the slopes, with maples, oaks, hickories, and sycamores providing color and shade. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, river otters, beavers, and a variety of songbirds and raptors. Seasonal wildflowers, moss-covered rocks, and ferns add texture and color to the landscape.

The soundscape combines the roar of cascading water with rustling leaves and birdcalls, creating an immersive natural environment that contrasts sharply with urban settings.

Visitor Experience

Visiting Sandstone Falls provides a sense of scale, power, and serenity. Standing at the overlooks, visitors can see the river spreading across the sandstone shelves, channels converging and diverging, and mist rising from turbulent pools. The rugged terrain invites exploration, but safety precautions are necessary near slippery rocks and swift water.

The combination of accessible viewing points and untamed natural areas allows visitors to experience both dramatic vistas and intimate moments with the river and surrounding forests. Seasonal light, reflections, and water levels make each visit visually unique, from vibrant summer greens to fiery autumn foliage.

Legacy and Significance

Sandstone Falls represents the geological and ecological richness of the New River Gorge, highlighting West Virginia’s rugged river landscapes and ancient rock formations. Its preservation within the national park ensures that the falls remain a protected natural treasure, accessible for recreation, education, and inspiration.

For visitors, Sandstone Falls is more than a waterfall-it is a window into the natural history of the Appalachians, a place to experience the river’s power, observe wildlife, and appreciate the enduring beauty of West Virginia’s highland riverscape.