Sandstone Falls Overlook. West Virginia 20, Shady Spring, WV 25918

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.