West
Virginia has some very viewable waterfalls.
Unfortunately, most are very difficult to reach except from the river
itself. Though Sandstone Falls is one of these, the National Park Service
has constructed a boardwalk to allow us to walk from the shore of the New
River to an observation deck below the falls. Now how's that for service?
Another
vantage point has been provided from WV-20 on the east shore of the New
River just south of the community of Sandstone. Stop here on your way to
view the waterfalls from the river below. You will have to continue south on
WV-20 to Hinton than come back on a county road on the west shore of the
river (and a beautiful drive it is!).
From
I-64 exit 139, follow WV-20 south, through Sandstone, to the Sandstone Falls
Overlook (see above paragraph). After you have enjoyed the aerial view of
Sandstone Falls, continue south on WV-20, through Hinton and across the New
River Bridge. Just on the west side of the bridge is County Road 26. Turn
right and, CAREFULLY and SLOWLY follow this one-lane road as it follows the
New River downstream to the waterfalls. It is about 8½ miles to the parking
area. You'll see the boardwalk leading to the islands in the middle of the
river from which you can view the waterfalls from below.
Photos and other information
about Sandstone Falls:
