Endless Wall Trail packing checklist | Camp Check [Skip to content](#content) [Camp Check](/) [Map](/)[About](/about) Show more details [← Back to map](/) · [Search spots](/#all) Trip details · Endless Wall Trail # Endless Wall Trail packing checklist * Activity**Day hike** * Park**New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, WV** * Nearest**Old Rag Circuit, 152 mi** A 2.4-mile trail along the rim of the New River Gorge, through forest and across Fern Creek to cliff-edge views at Diamond Point, with the New River almost 1,000 feet below. Most people walk out to Diamond Point and back for about 2 miles. Cliff edges, small lots that fill, fall hunting season, cold, wet weather, roots and rocks, and no drinking water at the trailhead are the main things to plan for. ## Trip details Distance 2.4 mi (3.9 km) one way between the Fern Creek and Nuttall trailheads. Most hikers go about 1 mi to Diamond Point and back from Fern Creek, about 2 mi round trip. Walking the whole trail and 0.5 mi back along the road makes a loop of about 3 mi Elevation gain 427 ft gain and 545 ft loss over the full trail, with an average slope of 7.9% Route From the Fern Creek Trailhead, the trail runs through forest, crosses Fern Creek, then zig-zags along the cliff edge to Diamond Point, the most popular turnaround. It continues along the rim to the Nuttall Trailhead. The trail makes a horseshoe, so you can start at either end Difficulty Easy to moderate (park rating), with many roots and rocks. The full loop takes about 1 to 2 hours Trailhead Fern Creek Trailhead, 1.3 mi down Lansing-Edmond Road, which leaves US 19 just north of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. The Nuttall Trailhead is 1.8 mi down the same road. Vault toilet. No drinking water Fees and permits Free. The park has no entrance fee and sells no passes Hours The park is open year-round. Canyon Rim Visitor Center, the closest, is open 9 am to 5 pm daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day Pets Allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet Best season April to early November. Start early to get a parking spot (our pick) ### Source * [NPS New River Gorge: Endless Wall Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/endless-wall-trail.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: trail run at Endless Wall](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/trail-run-at-endless-wall.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: hiking](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: hiking safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/safety.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: fees and passes](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/fees.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: operating hours](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hours.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: pets](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/pets.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: hunting](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hunting.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: snakes](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/snakes.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: camping and wildlife](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/camping-and-wildlife.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: heat and cold illness](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/heat-and-cold-related-illness.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: spiders and insects](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/spiders-and-insects.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: lightning](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/lightning.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: driving on park roads](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/driving-on-park-roads.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: weather](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/weather.htm) * [NPS New River Gorge: maps](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/maps.htm) "Our pick" seasons are our own call. ## Packing list Reset Ready to go: **0%** · you have 0 of 18 ### Before you go * **Check conditions and closures.** Look at [NPS New River Gorge: current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) the day before. As of Oct 26, 2026, no alert is listed for the Endless Wall Trail or Lansing-Edmond Road. Elsewhere in the park, the Rend Trail is closed, the upper Kaymoor Miners Trail is closed Monday to Thursday through Nov 19, and the Burnwood group campground and Burnwood Trailhead restrooms are closed until mid-November. * **Check the weather.** Mountain weather is unpredictable here. Skip the hike if thunderstorms are forecast, and expect cold rain in late fall. [NPS New River Gorge: weather](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/weather.htm) * **Go early.** The Fern Creek lot is small and often full. Never park on the road, or you may be towed. Use the Nuttall lot or come back another time. [NPS New River Gorge: Endless Wall Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/endless-wall-trail.htm) * **Tell someone your plan.** Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to be back. In an emergency call 911. Canyon Rim Visitor Center: 304-574-2115. [NPS New River Gorge: safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/safety.htm) * **Dress for hunting season.** Hunting is allowed in parts of the park in fall. Wear blaze orange. [NPS New River Gorge: hunting](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hunting.htm) * **Know when to turn back.** Turn back if a storm is building, if the rock is icy or slick, if anyone in your group is struggling, or if you won’t finish before dark. This list is a starting point, not a guarantee. Conditions change, so adjust it for your trip and your group. We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. [Details](/about#affiliate) Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there’s a product suggestion when we have a good match. ### Trip-specific: permits and hazards 1. **Cliff edges with a 1,000-foot drop**The trail zig-zags along the top of the gorge’s sandstone cliffs, with the New River almost 1,000 feet below. The park asks you to use caution near cliff edges, stay on the trail, and take extra care at overlooks like Diamond Point. Keep children close and stay back from the edge, especially when the rock is wet or covered in leaves.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS New River Gorge: Endless Wall Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/endless-wall-trail.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: hiking safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm) 2. **Small lots, and no parking on the road**The Fern Creek Trailhead lot is small and frequently fills. Don’t park on Lansing-Edmond Road, or your car may be towed. The Nuttall Trailhead lot, half a mile farther down the road, is the other option. The trail is busy and narrow, so the park suggests going early to avoid crowds. If you walk the road to close the loop, it is narrow with little room to walk, so watch for cars.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS New River Gorge: Endless Wall Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/endless-wall-trail.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: trail run at Endless Wall](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/trail-run-at-endless-wall.htm) 3. **Hunting season: wear blaze orange**Hunting is allowed in parts of the park under West Virginia rules, though not in some park areas or within 500 feet of heavy-use areas. The park recommends blaze orange clothing during hunting season.Need itHave it ![Hot Shot Men’s Thinsulate Cuff Knit Hat, Blaze Orange](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51uccCiO6IL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Hot Shot Men’s Thinsulate Cuff Knit Hat, Blaze Orange $9.99 on Amazon Hunting is allowed in parts of the park, and the park recommends blaze orange during hunting season. A blaze orange knit hat also keeps you warm on a cold fall morning. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010FZIBA/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS New River Gorge: hiking safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: hunting](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hunting.htm) 4. **Cold, wet fall weather and storms**Mountain weather here is unpredictable and is cooler and wetter than the lowlands. October averages a high of 62°F and a low of 39°F, and November 52°F and 30°F, with frequent rain. The park says to carry rain gear for sudden thunderstorms, and to seek shelter at the first sound of thunder. Know the signs of hypothermia: uncontrolled shivering, clumsiness and slurred speech.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS New River Gorge: weather](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/weather.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: hiking safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: lightning](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/lightning.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: heat and cold illness](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/heat-and-cold-related-illness.htm) 5. **Roots, rocks and wet leaves**The trail has uneven ground with many roots and rocks, and it crosses Fern Creek. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Fallen leaves can hide roots and make rock slick in late fall.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS New River Gorge: trail run at Endless Wall](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/trail-run-at-endless-wall.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: Endless Wall Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/endless-wall-trail.htm) 6. **Ticks and poison ivy**Ticks live in the park and can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. The park suggests a 10 to 30% DEET repellent and checking for ticks every 2 to 3 hours, and to learn to recognize poison ivy, which grows in the park.Need itHave it ![Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent 20% Pump Spray 4 oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61P44lekEDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg) Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent 20% Pump Spray 4 oz $10.99 on Amazon A 20% picaridin repellent the maker says works against ticks and mosquitoes. If you prefer DEET, the park suggests a 10 to 30% product. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015KG5NK/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS New River Gorge: spiders and insects](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/spiders-and-insects.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: hiking safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm) 7. **Snakes and black bears**Copperheads and timber rattlesnakes live in the gorge. The park lists them as active from late April to mid-October, so you’re less likely to see one now, but never put your hands or feet where you can’t see, and back away from any snake. Snakes are protected here. Black bears are occasionally seen. Keep your distance, never feed them, and keep your food with you.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS New River Gorge: snakes](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/snakes.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: camping and wildlife](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/camping-and-wildlife.htm) 8. **Narrow park roads, early ice**Park roads are narrow, with blind curves and possible rockfall. In cooler weather, shaded areas and bridges can ice up before the rest of the road, and deer or turkeys can step onto the road at any time. Lansing-Edmond Road to the trailheads is narrow, so drive slowly.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS New River Gorge: driving on park roads](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/driving-on-park-roads.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: Endless Wall Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/endless-wall-trail.htm) 9. **No fee, and pets on a leash**The park charges no entrance fee and doesn’t sell passes. Dogs are allowed on the trail on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Pick up after your dog and keep it back from the cliff edge. The trail is for hiking only, with no bikes.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS New River Gorge: fees and passes](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/fees.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: pets](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/pets.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: Endless Wall Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/endless-wall-trail.htm) ### The Ten Essentials [(NPS)](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm) 1. **Water: about 1 liter per person**There is no drinking water at the trailheads, and stream water can carry Giardia, so carry what you need. For the 2-mile walk to Diamond Point and back, we suggest about 1 liter each, and 1.5 to 2 liters for the full 3-mile loop or a warm day. Fill up at a visitor center, which has water fountains and bottle fillers.Need itHave it ![Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz (Gray, Black Lid)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/715SE6ZgTjL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz (Gray, Black Lid) $16.99 on Amazon Holds about 1 liter. Fill it at a visitor center, since there is no drinking water at the trailheads. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PLU912/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS New River Gorge: pets](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/pets.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: hiking safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm) 2. **Food and extra food**Bring snacks, and lunch if you plan to linger at the overlooks, as the park suggests. Pack out all food and trash, and never feed wildlife.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS New River Gorge: hiking safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: camping and wildlife](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/camping-and-wildlife.htm) 3. **Navigation: map and compass**The park says to bring a trail map, which you can get at any visitor center, and that a compass or GPS is a good idea. The Endless Wall Trail is easy to follow, but download or print the map before you go in case you lose signal.Need itHave it ![Suunto A-10 Compass](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61SgLIozPML._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Suunto A-10 Compass $24.00 on Amazon The park says a compass or GPS is a good idea along with a trail map. A simple baseplate compass doesn’t need a battery or signal. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TRB49PK/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS New River Gorge: hiking safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: maps](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/maps.htm) 4. **Headlamp**Fall days are short, and the full loop takes 1 to 2 hours plus time at the overlooks. A headlamp gets you back to the car if you stay for sunset. Your phone isn’t a headlamp.Need itHave it ![Petzl Tikka Headlamp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sDmxdaMIL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Petzl Tikka Headlamp $34.95 on Amazon For an early start to get a parking spot, or a late walk back from Diamond Point on a short fall day. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDLSGR92/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS New River Gorge: trail run at Endless Wall](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/trail-run-at-endless-wall.htm) 5. **Sun protection**Most of the trail is in the forest, but the overlooks along the rim are open rock. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.Need itHave it ![Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, 6 oz (2 pack)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KsaIMGD7L._SL1000_.jpg) Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, 6 oz (2 pack) $13.86 on Amazon The rim overlooks are open rock with little shade. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQXX9US/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS New River Gorge: Endless Wall Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/endless-wall-trail.htm) 6. **Insulation and rain layer**The park says to always pack a sweater or jacket, a warm hat, rain gear, and extra dry clothes and socks. With fall lows near 39°F and frequent rain, bring a fleece or insulated jacket and a waterproof shell. Avoid cotton, which stays cold when wet.Need itHave it ![FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/613vT-iXDWL._AC_SL1500_.jpg) FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket (men’s) $23.47 on Amazon The park says to carry rain gear because sudden storms can happen at any time. This jacket packs small. Wear a warm layer under it. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKCZOZC/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) ![Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain 2.0 Fleece](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71pAXIBZX4L._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain 2.0 Fleece $45.48 on Amazon A warm men’s fleece for fall days, when lows run near 39°F. Wear it under the rain jacket. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076R6NSI/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) ![Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71arDJlYYZL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece $45.48 on Amazon A warm women’s fleece for fall days, when lows run near 39°F. Wear it under the rain jacket. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NX8C7E/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS New River Gorge: heat and cold illness](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/heat-and-cold-related-illness.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: hiking safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking-safety.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: weather](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/weather.htm) 7. **First aid kit**For scrapes, blisters and sprains on a rooty, rocky trail. Learn the park’s snakebite advice: stay calm, keep the person quiet, and get medical help even if there is no reaction yet. In an emergency, call 911.Need itHave it ![Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Tk3JSPj0L._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 $31.95 on Amazon For scrapes and a turned ankle on a trail full of roots and rocks, and blisters on the road walk. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV6PDY9R/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS New River Gorge: snakes](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/snakes.htm) · [NPS New River Gorge: safety](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 8. **Fire starter and emergency shelter**An emergency bivvy and a lighter can keep someone warm if they’re hurt and have to wait for help on a cold, wet day.Need itHave it ![SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81xGw29aTYL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) SOL 90% Emergency Bivvy $25.49 on Amazon Holds in body heat if someone is hurt and has to wait for help on a cold, wet fall day. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NC9BLQ5/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS New River Gorge: heat and cold illness](https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/heat-and-cold-related-illness.htm) 9. **Knife or repair kit**For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad.Need itHave it ![Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sHi+R6qwL._AC_SL1000_.jpg) Opinel No. 08 Stainless Folding Knife $16.79 on Amazon For quick gear fixes, cutting tape or trimming a blister pad. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UGYWTO/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 26, 2026, and may have changed. ## Photos ![The New River winding through a deep, forested gorge, seen from Diamond Point on the Endless Wall Trail](/photos/endless-wall-trail-1.webp) Photo: [National Park Service](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_view_from_Diamond_Point_on_the_Endless_Wall_Trail_is_one_of_the_most_spectacular_viewpoints_in_the_park._\(d2ed428b-da0b-4036-bed6-ea83f8979cf3\).JPG) · [Public domain](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/) · Wikimedia Commons ![Whitewater rafts running a rapid on the New River, seen from high above at Diamond Point](/photos/endless-wall-trail-2.webp) Photo: [National Park Service](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:In_addition_to_spectacular_scenery,_the_overlook_at_Diamond_Point_is_a_great_place_to_view_whitewater_rafters_nearly_900_feet_\(23517764-412f-4a93-8605-524a17c25df3\).JPG) · [Public domain](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/) · Wikimedia Commons Coordinates **38.0631°N 81.0569°W** Park **New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, WV** Time now **UTC --:--:--** [](/spots/old-rag)[](/spots/linville-falls-erwins-view)[](/spots/ledges-trail)[](/spots/alum-cave-trail)[](/spots/elkmont-campground)[](/spots/chapel-loop)[](/spots/endless-wall-trail) Use two fingers to move the map **Affiliate disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate, Camp Check earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are affiliate links and don't change your price. **AI disclosure:** Pages are drafted with AI help and checked by a person against the linked NPS/USFS sources and live Amazon listings. Conditions, prices and stock change, so check before you go and before you buy. **Map data:** Elevation from [Terrain Tiles on AWS](https://registry.opendata.aws/terrain-tiles/) (Mapzen/Tilezen), built from USGS 3DEP and NOAA ETOPO1 data, among others. [About](/about) · [Sitemap](/sitemap.xml)