Sandstone Falls
- Hike
- 0.5 mi
- Road
- Paved
- Dogs
- Allowed
Sandstone Falls is a waterfall on New River in Raleigh County, West Virginia. Reaching it is a 0.5 mi hike. Flow season is not on file yet.
Closures and warnings
NPS: the river around Sandstone Falls has been the site of several drownings; always wear a lifejacket when in or near the water. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Flow note | Largest waterfall on the New River; spans about 1500 feet of river width, divided by islands, dropping 10 to 25 feet. |
|---|
Access
| Hike | 0.5 mi |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | From I-64 Sandstone exit 139 via WV Route 20 to Hinton, then River Road downstream about 8 miles to the Sandstone Falls day-use area. |
| Parking | Sandstone Falls day-use parking at the boardwalk trailhead; Sandstone Visitor Center at I-64 exit 139 is the common trip start. |
| Fee | No entrance fee (New River Gorge National Park and Preserve). |
| Managed by | National Park Service (New River Gorge National Park and Preserve) |
| Picnic sites | Yes |
|---|---|
| Note | Boardwalk and bridges across islands below the falls; Island Loop Trail on the first island. |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is Sandstone Falls open?
NPS: the river around Sandstone Falls has been the site of several drownings; always wear a lifejacket when in or near the water. As of September 28, 2026.
How long is the hike to Sandstone Falls?
It's a 0.5 mi hike. The road in is paved. From I-64 Sandstone exit 139 via WV Route 20 to Hinton, then River Road downstream about 8 miles to the Sandstone Falls day-use area. Parking: Sandstone Falls day-use parking at the boardwalk trailhead; Sandstone Visitor Center at I-64 exit 139 is the common trip start.
Is there a fee at Sandstone Falls?
The fee is No entrance fee (New River Gorge National Park and Preserve).
When is Sandstone Falls flowing?
Largest waterfall on the New River; spans about 1500 feet of river width, divided by islands, dropping 10 to 25 feet.
What facilities are at Sandstone Falls?
Picnic sites. Boardwalk and bridges across islands below the falls; Island Loop Trail on the first island.
What are the rules at Sandstone Falls?
Dogs are allowed.
Nearby
Nearby
Camping nearby
Public land
Just outside: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (under 0.1 mi) .
Sources
3
- https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/the-sandstone-falls.htm (accessed September 30, 2026; backs manager / waterfall.flowNote / waterbodyName / parking / amenities boardwalk / roadNote, hazardNote drowning / lifejacket, waterfall.ephemeral false, access.roadSurface scenic riverside drive, access.amenities Island Loop Trail, waterfall drop range 10 to 25 feet, access.hikeDistanceMi)
- https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/fees.htm (accessed September 30, 2026; backs access.fee)
- https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/pets.htm (accessed September 30, 2026; backs rules.dogs)
More: West Virginia waterfalls