Sandstone Falls

Sandstone Falls is one of West Virginia's most breathtaking natural spectacles — a wide, thundering series of cascades spread across the New River near Hinton, where the water doesn't so much drop as it unfurls across broad, flat rock formations in a dramatic curtain of white. Unlike a single-plunge waterfall, Sandstone Falls sprawls nearly 1,500 feet across the river, making it the widest waterfall in the entire New River Gorge region. Here, the New River — geologically one of the oldest rivers in North America — carves its way over ancient rock shelves, filling pockets and ledges with pools of rushing, aerated water that visitors have long claimed as their own swimming paradise.

The Setting and Landscape

You'll arrive via a well-maintained boardwalk that winds through riverside forest, offering sweeping views of the falls before you ever touch the water. In spring, the surrounding hillsides are draped in impossibly lush greenery and the river runs strong and powerful, its sound filling the whole valley. Summer softens the pace — wildflowers dot the banks, the air smells of wet rock and river mud, and the light catches the cascades in shimmering sprays. Come fall, the ridgelines above explode in amber and crimson, reflecting off the pools below in a scene that feels almost too vivid to be real. Even in winter, when the crowds disappear, Sandstone Falls takes on a serene, icy beauty worth experiencing. The diverse plant life along the banks and the wildlife — herons, kingfishers, river otters — make every season feel like a discovery.

What Swimming Is Like

The real draw for swimmers is the network of natural jacuzzi-like pools that form along the rock shelves at the base of the cascades. The New River's current pushes water continuously through these hollows, creating a churning, invigorating soak that feels like the river itself is massaging your back. The water is cool and clear in summer — refreshingly cold after hiking in the heat — and the flat rock formations make ideal spots to stretch out and dry off in the sun between swims. Because the falls are wide and graduated rather than a single vertical drop, you can find calmer pockets suitable for relaxed wading as well as livelier channels for those who want to feel the full force of the current. This is an unofficial swimming spot, so there are no lifeguards on duty; swimmers should exercise appropriate caution, especially when river levels are high in spring.

Plan Your Visit

Access to Sandstone Falls is easy — the boardwalk requires minimal hiking, making it accessible for families and visitors of all fitness levels. Toilet facilities are available on site, and there is no entrance fee. If you're making a longer trip of it, the nearby town of Hinton offers a charming window into local Appalachian history and culture, with shops and dining along its historic Main Street. Overnight options in the area are excellent: Bluestone State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park both offer camping and lodging within a short drive. Sandstone Falls sits within the broader landscape of New River Gorge National Park, so consider pairing your visit with other adventures in the gorge for a truly memorable West Virginia getaway.

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.

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.