Are there fees or permits required for Sandstone Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Sandstone Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Sandstone Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Sandstone Falls.

Live Conditions · 2,540 ft³/s · About average

Sandstone Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Sandstone Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Sandstone Falls.

West Virginia

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 2 other waterfalls also named Sandstone Falls, see below

Private Land Owner 1 PCON · PVT

Photo Credits (5)

DFChurch CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.3 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Sandstone Falls

Sandstone Falls is a dramatic, multi-cascade set of rapids and drops on the New River that stretches roughly 1,500 feet across the channel, offering sweeping riverscape views and plenty of photographic angles. The falls’ broad, broken ledges create a series of cataracts rather than a single vertical drop, making the site especially scenic from several vantage points along the shore. The property is privately held and managed by Private Land Owner 1 (designation: PCON; manager listed as PVT), so visitors should be mindful of posted access information and respect the land.

The Setting

Sandstone Falls sits at 1,289 feet within Private Land Owner 1, fed by the New River, in the foothills of West Virginia.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Access to Sandstone Falls takes you along an approximately 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of cumulative elevation gain; the hike is rated moderate. The final approach to the river features a well-maintained boardwalk and multiple viewing platforms that provide close, safe views of the cascades, while the approach trail is a mix of natural tread with some moderate grades. There is no USFS trail name or number provided for this route; expect a moderate-grade, unpaved trail leading to the preserved boardwalk viewpoints.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Sandstone Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Sandstone Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The falls are beautiful year-round, but spring and early summer are particularly popular due to higher water flow. Fall offers vibrant foliage, while winter provides a serene, less crowded experience.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Stay on designated paths and viewing platforms to avoid slippery rocks and strong currents. Exercise caution near the water, especially with children.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Moderate

2,540 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

1.3k 1.6k 3.3k 8.4k

Based on 66 years of record

1.99 ft

Water depth at gauge

69°F

Cool

Refreshing for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 69 degrees F, good for a quick swim.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

NEW RIVER AT HINTON, WV

USGS 03184500

6.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 6,273 sq mi

Altitude: 1,355 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NEW RIVER AT HINTON, WV (10 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

2540 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

2540 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

2428 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

2495 cfs

8/10

Thu

Moderate

2754 cfs

8/10

Fri

Moderate

3095 cfs

5/10

Sat

Moderate

2946 cfs

6/10

Sun

Moderate

2832 cfs

6/10

Best window: Wed — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Hinton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 18 feet through Sandstone Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 1,290 feet.

Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 72 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Sandstone Falls near Hinton, West Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Sandstone Falls near Hinton, West Virginia, showing about 18 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,290 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 18 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Sandstone Falls is located near Hinton, West Virginia, within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Visitors can access the falls via River Road, which leads to a parking area and boardwalk.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the falls, which provides easy access to the boardwalk and viewing platforms.

Elevation

1,289 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.758452° N, -80.905368° W

Land Management

Private Land Owner 1 PCON

Managed by PVT

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and enjoy the falls with fewer crowds. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views, and wear comfortable shoes for walking on the boardwalk.

Where to Stay

3 Mi to New River Gorge NP! Rafting and Hiking Hub

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

BLUESTONE LAKE PICNIC SHELTER

8.7 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Bluestone Lake Picnic Shelter is a day-use area near the shores of Bluestone Lake in southern West Virginia. The 2,040 acres of water provide boaters, water skiers and fishermen with plenty of recreational opportunities. With a capacity of up to 100 guests and dozens of activities and amenities, the day use area is a hot spot for large gatherings and outdoor fun. It is very popular among Little League Baseball groups and fishermen.Recreation The New River is the best warm water fishery i

Book on Recreation.gov