🏔 Wilderness
Long Point Trail Camp (New River Gorge NP)
About This Permit
Long Point is the best backcountry overlook camp in New River Gorge National Park — a 3.2-mile trail leads to a dramatic sandstone promontory with a 270-degree view of the New River Gorge and the iconic arch bridge, 1,000 feet below. The backcountry permit required here is far less competitive than more famous parks, making it accessible for East Coast hikers who want a real wilderness overnight with minimal permit hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I see from Long Point?
Long Point offers a 270-degree panorama of the New River Gorge, including the New River Gorge Bridge — the longest single-arch steel bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The river is 1,000 feet below. On a clear day, you can see climbers on the sandstone cliffs along the gorge rim.
How do I get a New River Gorge backcountry permit?
Backcountry permits are issued through recreation.gov or at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Demand is much lower than western parks and permits are generally easy to obtain. Maximum group size is 10.
Is New River Gorge good for rock climbing?
Yes — the gorge has over 1,400 established routes on New River sandstone, one of the best sport climbing areas in the East. The Bridge Area and Endless Wall are the most popular sectors. The park sees significant climbing traffic on fall weekends.
Key Facts
- State
- WV
- Season
- April – November
- Quota
- 10 people/night
- Trailhead
- Long Point Trailhead, Grandview area, New River Gorge NP
- Entry Point
- Long Point overlook and backcountry camp
- Difficulty
- 2/5(Moderate)
Get an SMS the moment a cancellation opens — we scan every 60 seconds.
Set an Alert for This Permit