Sandstone Falls Overlook.
West Virginia 20, Shady Spring, WV 25918
About the Business
Sandstone Falls Overlook is a must-visit tourist attraction located in Shady Spring, West Virginia. As the largest waterfall on the New River, Sandstone Falls spans an impressive 1500 feet wide and drops 10 to 25 feet over a series of islands. This natural wonder marks the transition zone of the New River, where it transforms from a broad river with large bottomlands to a narrow mountain river rushing through a deep boulder-strewn gorge. The falls serve as the starting line for the New River's final rush through the New River Gorge to its confluence with the Gauley River, forming the Kanawha River.
To reach the falls, visitors will enjoy a scenic drive along Route 20 from I-64 at Sandstone to the town of Hinton, followed by a drive downstream along River Road. Along these routes, visitors can explore overlooks, historic sites, natural areas, trails, and river access points. The Sandstone Visitor Center at exit 139 on I-64 serves as an excellent starting point for the journey, offering exhibits on the New River watershed, water resources, and the natural and cultural history of the upper New River Gorge.
The walk to Sandstone Falls begins at the day use area, where visitors can cross bridges and boardwalks spanning the two islands below the falls. The first island offers views of the lower falls, a half-mile Island Loop Trail, and a unique botanical ecosystem known as the Appalachian riverside flat rock plant community. The second island provides views of the main falls and a floodplain forest community.
Sandstone Falls was formed by the powerful flow of the New River eroding the soft conglomerate rock layer beneath the hard sandstone layer. Over time, the falls continue to advance upstream, making it a dynamic geological environment. A visit to Sandstone Falls offers a rare opportunity to experience a scenic riverside drive, witness the beautiful falls, and observe the New River's transformation into a whitewater gorge as it descends through the Appalachian Mountains.
Please note that the river around Sandstone Falls has been the site of several drownings, so it is important to wear a life jacket when near the water. Join Park Ranger Richard Altare on an exploration of Sandstone Falls and the Upper Gorge, and learn about the rare and endangered ecosystem found in this area. Fishing is also a popular activity on the New River, making Sandstone Falls Overlook a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Photos
Reviews
"This was a wonderful stop with a great view of the fall. I loved the view! You must walk down a fairly steep walk down to the over look. Because in the fall the leaves can be abit slipper. There is a pit toilet in the parking area."
"Beautiful area but a lot of mountain driving to get in and out of it. 30 to 40 minutes each way with construction in the town bringing two way traffic to one lane."
"Park at overlook and take a short walk down to the wall below for stunning views of the falls. I suggest stopping on your way to the falls for a glimpse of what you are about to see."
"Nice park but does NOT count towards the WV waterfall trail! You must go to the actual falls for it to count or accept. Still a nice view and surprisingly you can hear the falls at such a distance. Bathrooms available and a easy walk."
"Sandstone Falls is a beautiful place to visit. The sound of the water falls seems to calm the soul. The road to the falls used to be pretty rough. We had heard the road had been paved to the parking area, so we decided to take a short motorcycle ride. Road is in great shape. Parking lot could use a little work. Drive the bike through an unseen crater (pothole for a car) hiding in the shade of the trees around the lot. Lots of people fishing and enjoying the river. Swimming, kayaking, and picnicking are all available. Worth a visit for those who live here or travelers passing through."
People Also Viewed
-
Mountainaire Luxury Cabin948 Twin Flower Ct, Capon Bridge, WV 26711, United States
-
Chester City Park375 W Carolina Ave, Chester, WV 26034, United States
-
Mason-Dixon Park79 Buckeye Rd, Core, WV 26541, United States
-
Hunter Truck - Wheeling1 W Alexander Rd, Valley Grove, WV 26060, United States
-
Harman's Luxury Log Cabins10042 N Fork Hwy, Cabins, WV 26855, United States
-
Laurel Hollow ParkCo Hwy 66/24, Newell, WV 26050, United States
-
Royal Oak Farm Inc554 Gas Valley Rd, New Cumberland, WV 26047, United States
-
Mountain Creek Cabins384 Cougar Ln, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, United States
-
Country Roads Cottage LLC16413 N Preston Hwy, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, United States
-
Tyrone RoadBrookhaven, WV 26508, United States
-
Big Sandy Creek33 Haydentown Dr, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, United States
-
Muddy Creek ParkN Preston Hwy, Albright, WV 26519, United States
-
Possum Tail Farm1771 Oak Grove Rd, Terra Alta, WV 26764, United States
-
Bear Paw Farms24909 Seneca Trail, Thomas, WV 26292, United States
-
Rowlesburg ParkRowlesburg, WV 26425, United States
-
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge6263 Appalachian Hwy, Davis, WV 26260, United States
-
Black Bear Resort247 Lodge Dr, Davis, WV 26260, United States
-
Jodie's Cozy Vacation rentals in Davis wv429 Henry Ave, Davis, WV 26260, United States
-
Just Far Enough Getaway1768 Hoy Rd, Augusta, WV 26704, United States
-
Bear Cub Mountain Cottage211 Bear Cub Rd, Great Cacapon, WV 25422, United States
-
MAS Ventures WV LLC73 Cann's Neck Ln, Great Cacapon, WV 25422, United States
People also searched for
- Water Park
- Historic Buildings
- Travel Agency
- Public Pools & Water Park
- Appalachian Mountains
- Botanical Ecosystems
- Conglomerate Rocks
- Conservation Areas
- Fall Views
- Fl Floodplain Forests
- Gauley River Confluence
- Geological Formations
- Hard Sandstone
- Historic Sites
- Kanawha River Origin
- Natural Wonders Of West Virginia
- Nature Lovers
- New River Gorge
- Outdoor Adventures
- Overlooks
- River Access Points
- River Walks
- Riverside Dreams
- Riverside Drives
- Sandstone Falls Overlook
- Sandstone Formation
- Scenic Drives
- Soft Rocks
- Trails
- Water Resources Management
- Waterfall Tourism
- Whitewater Rapids
- Wildlife Observation
List of local businesses, places and services in West Virginia
⭐ business help 🔍 services ☎ phones 🕒 opening times ✍️reviews 🌍 addresses, locations 📷 photos