Sandstone Falls Overlook
4.5(643)google
4.7(16)yelp
WaterfallRiverScenic LookoutPhoto Spot
Overview
Perched high along the scenic mountain ridges, the Sandstone Falls Overlook provides travelers with a commanding, dramatic view of the largest waterfall on the New River. From this elevated vantage point, visitors can appreciate the vast scale of the river as it spans 1,500 feet across, dropping dramatically over a series of rugged sandstone ledges. It offers a spectacular landscape viewing opportunity, especially during sunrise and sunset when the water glows brilliantly against the canyon foliage.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration45-90 minutes
Best TimeExceptional during the high-water months of May and June or late autumn in October. Slating your arrival from 3:00 PM to sunset is recommended; the low-angled late sun hits the 1,500-foot-wide ledge-style drop of Sandstone Falls head-on, turning the cascading rapids into sheets of shimmering gold.
Getting ThereSet on a high ridge overlooking the southern reaches of the park with no transit links. From I-64, take Exit 139 onto WI-20 S. Drive south past the visitor center for about 10 winding miles, and look for the green overlook signage. Turn right into the gravel pull-off loops which offer free parking right on the ridge edge.
Travel Tips
- The mountain route via WV Route 20 to the overlook is steep, winding, and unlit, making night driving hazardous. Note that this hilltop location offers only a distant panoramic view; it provides no physical access to the riverbank.
- If your goal is to walk the waterfront boardwalk near the falls, do not navigate here. You must set your GPS to 'Sandstone Falls Boardwalk' down in the gorge instead; the two sites are a 45-minute drive apart on opposite sides.
- This overlook is an unstaffed day-use area with zero public restrooms or drinking water stations. Before heading up for photography, stop in the nearby historic town of Hinton to use facilities and restock supplies.
Reviews
Positive
- The elevated mountain-road overlook offers an exceptional aerial panorama of the New River plunging over wide sandstone ledges.
- Equipped with a secure pull-off bay and detailed info plaques, it is a perfect road-trip stop to admire river geography.
- The viewing area is completely free; sunsets paint the entire river basin in spectacular golden hues that feel like a fine oil painting.
- Surrounding flora and forests are pristine with zero commercial development, allowing visitors to breathe pure Appalachian calm.
Heads up
- The overlook sits very high up and far back from the water; the falls look quite small from here, lacking close-up aquatic impact.
- The mountain access highway features steep grades and blind curves, posing severe driving hazards during winter icy stretches.
- This is strictly a basic roadside platform; there are no hiking trails heading down to the riverbanks, and no public restrooms.
- The wooden platform lacks shade structures or canopies, resulting in scorching heat exposure during midday summer hours.