Sandstone Falls
Swimming hole in Hinton, West Virginia · River
Sandstone Falls is a river swimming hole. It is at Sandstone Falls Boardwalk, River Rd, Hinton, WV. Fee notes: Free day-use boardwalk access (New River Gorge National Park & Preserve rules apply). Best season: Spring for full cascades.
Typical season: Spring for full cascades
About Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls is the widest waterfall on the New River near Hinton in West Virginia, protected inside New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. a top photo stop with wooden boardwalks and island viewpoints rather than a beach swim park. People still search “Sandstone Falls swimming,” but the powerful multi-channel river at the base is **hazardous** (current, drop-offs, cold water). Treat this listing primarily as a free **overlook and short-walk destination**. Park at the Sandstone Falls day-use area south of Hinton and use the boardwalks; obey all NPS closures and high-water warnings. No entrance fee for this day-use viewpoint. Combine with other New River Gorge stops rather than forcing a swim in the falls outflow. your best “swim day” will usually be a calmer designated site elsewhere in the gorge corridor.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- Sandstone Falls Boardwalk, River Rd, Hinton, WV 25951
- Water type
- River
- Water body
- New River
- Fee
- Free day-use boardwalk access (New River Gorge National Park & Preserve rules apply)
- Nearest town
- Hinton
- State
- West Virginia
- Coordinates
- 37.75830, -80.90200
- Best season
- Spring for full cascades; weekday mornings for thinner crowds.
- Access difficulty
- Easy boardwalk walking; stay behind railings.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Dogs allowed
- Yes
- Camping
- Not at the falls overlook; use park campgrounds elsewhere.
- Land manager
- National Park Service
- Activities
- Sightseeing, photography, short walks
- Facilities
- Parking, boardwalks, typically vault toilets at day-use lot.
- Listing last updated
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitSpring for full cascades; weekday mornings for thinner crowds.
- AccessEasy boardwalk walking; stay behind railings.
- FacilitiesParking, boardwalks, typically vault toilets at day-use lot.
- Camping nearbyNot at the falls overlook; use park campgrounds elsewhere.
Highlights & features
- Expansive river cascades
- Jacuzzi-like natural pools
- Boardwalk with scenic views
- Rich local history in nearby Hinton
- Diverse wildlife and plant life
- Wide cascading falls rather than a single vertical drop
- Natural jacuzzi-like pools
- Historical connection to Hinton and the New River Gorge National Park
How to get there
Drive River Road / WV routes to the Sandstone Falls boardwalk parking south of Hinton (Sandstone Falls area of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve).
1. From Hinton, follow signed routes toward Sandstone Falls / River Road recreation access.
2. Park in the designated NPS day-use lot (fills on peak foliage/summer weekends).
3. Walk the boardwalks to upper and lower viewpoints across the braided falls channels.
4. Stay behind rails — rocks near the river are slick and current is strong.
5. Do not attempt to swim directly under/below the main falls curtains.
Confirm NPS New River Gorge alerts for trail or boardwalk work before you go.
Plan your visit
Sandstone Falls works well as a day trip from Hinton. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Glade Creek Swimming Holes, West Virginia (about 8 mi away) or browse more West Virginia river spots in our directory. For the full list in West Virginia, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via a boardwalk trail from a free parking area. The swimming area is an unofficial, natural site with no lifeguards or on-site facilities. Visitors must navigate uneven, potentially slippery riverbank terrain.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Sandstone Falls?
Swimming in the New River immediately at the falls is dangerous due to current and hydraulics. Most visitors should stick to boardwalk viewpoints; choose calmer designated swim areas elsewhere if you want to get in the water.
Is Sandstone Falls free?
Yes — the Sandstone Falls day-use boardwalk area does not charge a separate entrance fee. Standard NPS rules and Leave No Trace apply.
How do you get to Sandstone Falls?
Hinton, follow River Road / park signs to the Sandstone Falls parking and boardwalk complex on the New River.
How long is the Sandstone Falls boardwalk?
Short accessible boardwalk segments lead to multiple overlooks — plan 30–90 minutes for photos and walking depending on how many spurs you take.
Are dogs allowed at Sandstone Falls?
Leashed pets are generally allowed in many New River Gorge day-use areas — keep dogs off slippery shoreline rock and pack out waste.
Is Sandstone Falls inside New River Gorge National Park?
Yes. It is a signature waterfall site within New River Gorge National Park & Preserve near Hinton.
Are there bathrooms at Sandstone Falls?
Vault/restroom facilities are typically available at the day-use parking area — confirm current status on NPS pages if you need accessible facilities.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
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Map & location
Culture & history
Located near Hinton, a town rich in railroad history and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Sandstone Falls connects visitors to West Virginia’s heritage.
Conservation
Part of the New River Gorge National Park, visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles to protect local wildlife and maintain the area’s natural beauty.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.