Summers: Waterfalls, Trails and History

The landscape along the New River, trails and viewpoints, as well as railroad and farming history, shape the travel experience in Summers. Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. The falls extend across a 1,500-foot stretch of river, where the river drops 10 to 25 feet. The broad river view offers a different perspective from the historic sites and exhibits, which are also part of trip planning.

Sandstone Falls and Trails Along the River

The drive to Sandstone Falls follows Route 20 and then River Road, the park’s only scenic road along the river. Along the way, there are viewpoints, historic sites, natural areas, hiking trails and river access points. The 0.5-mile Island Loop Trail runs across the first island at the falls. This offers different ways to explore: a drive along the river road, with its viewpoints and access points, and a specific loop trail on the island.

For county-level road planning, Summers County has an east-west connection via Interstate 64 and north-south connections to Interstate 77. This helps orient travelers looking to divide their time among nature, activities and historic sites.

Activities and Scenic Views

The Pipestem Adventure Zone offers 3D archery, miniature golf, disc golf and skeet shooting. The aerial tramway at Pipestem Resort State Park takes visitors over the rim and down into Bluestone Gorge, offering expansive views along the way. The two attractions offer different experiences: the Adventure Zone has several activities to choose from, while the tramway ride focuses on the gorge and its views.

Bluestone State Park lies at the confluence of the Bluestone and New rivers, above Bluestone Dam. The dam created a 2,040-acre lake. So, alongside waterfalls and the gorge, the confluence and dam offer additional scenic themes to consider for your trip.

Railroad and Farming History

The Hinton Railroad Museum features model trains, tools from the time of John Henry, the Steel Drivin’ Man, uniforms and historic photographs from the early days of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. A walking tour of the Hinton Historic District offers insights into the town’s railroad connections. John Henry Historical Park is in Talcott, West Virginia, at the site of the legendary contest between a man and a machine during construction of the Great Bend Tunnel. The park has interpretive signs, walking trails and a picnic shelter. John Henry Days includes live music, fireworks, vendor booths and a car show.

The preserved Trump-Lilly Farm offers a glimpse of life during the era of subsistence farming in Appalachia. It preserves the Lilly family’s home and farm, which the family owned into modern times. The road to the farm is unpaved, narrow and steep. In wet conditions or after heavy rain, a vehicle with high ground clearance or four-wheel drive may be required. Check current road conditions at the Sandstone Visitor Center.

Richmond-Hamilton Farm is a preserved example of the final stage of subsistence farming and its remnants. It is accessible from Route 20 via River Road; there is a parking lot and a vault toilet at the entrance. Both farms offer insights into the region’s agriculture, but with different focuses: Trump-Lilly Farm preserves one family’s home and farm, while Richmond-Hamilton Farm illustrates the development and remnants of this way of life.

Visitor Information and More to Explore

The Sandstone Visitor Center features interactive exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the New River and its watershed, as well as a 12-minute video program. Visitors can also get information there about the southern part of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and southwestern Virginia. The grounds include a native garden and an area maintained as native grassland.

Nearby is the Three Rivers Avian Center, a West Virginia wildlife shelter for injured and endangered wild birds. Its work includes rehabilitating birds of prey, protecting ecosystems and providing environmental education programs. A log cabin offers another glimpse into local history: it was built in 1770 as a home for Colonel James Graham, the first settler of Lowell, and his family.

If you’re looking for a vacation rental, you can start by considering which experiences are most important for your trip: waterfalls and trails, activities and scenery, or railroad and farming history. Then you can compare accommodation locations with the destinations you want to prioritize. This way, your search starts with the itinerary you want, not just with a type of accommodation.

Discover More Places

Explore Hinton, Bluestone River and Jumping Branch.

Discover more destinations: McDowell County, Mineral County, Raleigh, Pocahontas County, Marshall County.

Back to the main travel overview: West Virginia.