Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Big Branch Trail

3.9 (8 Ratings)
A springtime must in the New River Gorge, sporting bountiful wildflowers and waterfalls.
1.8
mi
Distance
709
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.83mi
Distance
709ft
Elevation Gain
687ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
1,874ft
High Point
1,342ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The Big Branch Trail is a must-do springtime hike in New River Gorge. Heading south from the parking area, climb moderately through wildflower-blanketed forest, hiking along numerous streams and waterfalls before passing an abandoned farmstead. Continue up the hill knowing the reward of beautiful New River Gorge views await you at the top. After soaking up your surroundings and a magnificent view, head back down, completing this loop through intermittently steep sections of trail before arriving back at the parking area.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Sandstone Falls Loop

Hike Route

Sandstone Falls Loop

Fall Colors
easy
0.97 mi
+20 ft
Glade Creek Trail

Hike Route

Glade Creek Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
10.84 mi
+802 ft
Little Bear State Park Loop

Hike Route

Little Bear State Park Loop

Lake
moderate
5.96 mi
+602 ft
Grandview Rim Trail

Hike Route

Grandview Rim Trail

Views
easy
1.35 mi
+299 ft
Grandview Rim Loop

Hike Route

Grandview Rim Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
2.84 mi
+737 ft
Manns Creek Gorge Trail

Hike Route

Manns Creek Gorge Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
4.48 mi
+764 ft
Contributors
Hunter R