Description: This is a very easy 2.5 mile shuttle hike with extremely spectacular views. I was quite surprised that I was rewarded so richly with a minimum amount of effort. This hike can also be done as an out and back (stopping at one of the many overlooks and then re-tracing your steps) or as a 3.5 mile loop if you use a section of Rt82 to close it. Beware of the latter. The road is narrow with low shoulders. Folks still travel it at a very high rate of speed.

Google Custom Directions to the Fern Creek Parking Area

Google Custom Directions to the Endless Wall Parking Area

Note: If coming from the opposite direction on Rt82 reverse the direction of the hike.

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Printable/Downloadable Map

View 3-D Map

Zipped National Geographic. TOPO! GPS and Universal GPX Files

GPS Text File for Non-TOPO! Users

Trail Notes: Start at the Kiosk. Through most of the hike you will be following orange blazes on your right. I am not sure if these are intended to be blazes or boundary markings. Since the trail hugs the property line for about 2/3 of the hike they serve the same purpose. First you will walk through a Rhododendron tunnel and cross a stream on a well constructed bridge. You will then climb over a small hill and arrive at a junction with a rock climber�s access trail to the left. Turn right.

From here its just a matter of following the well-worn main trail back to the Fern Creek parking area. You will pass many overlooks along the way. Some are right on the main trail, others are on short spur trails and yet more are on longer spurs, some of which might loop back to the main trail. If you reach a dead end or are not sure where a side trail is going, retrace your steps to the main trail. Some of the vistas are signed and others are not but be assured if a trail heads west it is probably going to take you to a grand overlook.

At the last signed overlook spur the trail will turn away from the ridge, descend to cross Fern Creek on a bridge and finish the hike in a splendid, cool Hemlock forest.

Printable/Downloadable Directions and Trail Notes

Critique This Outing

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Name: Carol Branscome Hike: Endless Wall Shuttle
Date: 7/26/07 Rating: 4.5

Critique: Rating is for the views. Views of the New River Gorge are spectacular as are the rhododendron thickets. Did this as an evening stroll starting at the Fern Creek Parking Area and ending at the Endless Wall Parking Area. Hike is highly recommended if in the New River area.

From the Endless Wall Parking Area it is a half a mile all downhill via the road to the Fern Creek Parking Area. The road has a paved single lane down the middle. What appears to be gravel shoulders are really high speed passing lanes when meeting other cars. One member of our group hiked down the road, very cautiously, to retrieve the car taking about 10 minutes.

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