Big Branch Trail

Kirk Oler

2024-02

This is a beautiful wooded area with a small babbling brook. Big Branch Falls was a small trickle when I visited in mid August. The falls is about halfway through the two-mile long loop. This is one of the less scenic waterfalls in the New River Gorge area. Parking is across the street from the trail.Parking: Parking is located across the street at the Brooks Falls Roadside Park. This is a gravel and grass with space for about 40 two-axle vehicles. The lot may have vehicles with boat trailers which could occupy much of the parking.Fees: No feesRestrooms: There is a pit toilet at the parking lot.

Mickelle Santangelo

2023-05

Hiking from river to the top of a mountain and down, crossing streams on rocks and logs, very beautiful...steep! Watch out for thorns, ticks, and poison ivy. I brought my dog and I'm glad i didShe loved it, and i loved that she helped pull me up the steepest parts. I started the trail going to the rightIt's up up upThen starts to switch back and around. Then it follows and crosses the stream. Ample waterfalls, pools. Was grateful that at 2 points the were tiny signs with arrows making sure you don't veer off the trail. Definitely thought I'd lost the trail a couple of times. It's rugged! So worth it.Restrooms: Available at parking lot across the road from trailheadPicnic area: Available at parking lot across the road from trailhead. Beautiful spot. Right in the river.

Maureen Burgy

2023-05

We did this hike at 830am on a Saturday in mid June after a rainy Friday and we were the only people on the trail. This is a 2 mile loop trail that NPS labeled as strenuous. This may be moderate if you are more seasoned. If you turn left to start the loop, you will go uphill over rocky sometimes steep terrain with great waterfall views along a creek. Our kids (7, 5, 3) handled it mostly well with the youngest needing to hold a hand. It took us 2 hours with a mid way snack break and a couple other water breaks. Most of the trail allowed for 2 person wide walking. The tallest waterfall has a steep muddy walk down to the rocks which is worth it. Once you pass the halfway mark the trail is mostly smooth dirt but narrows at the end and runs close to the edge of the steep drop. This made me nervous with the kids. Make sure you take a snack or lunch to enjoy the view from the big rocks at the parking lot that edge right up to the New River. Very enjoyable trip!!! It is all shady on the hike but sunny at the rocks/parking lot and wear pants because there is a lot of poison ivy.

Lisa Cauthen

2023-07

Loved the half of the loop that followed the creek and had a little rock scramble. Lots of gnats & other bugs - wear repellent. lots of mud - wear boots.Parking: Parking is directly across the street from the trailhead.Fees: FreeRestrooms: Restroom in parking lot.

Christine Anderson

2022-05

I found this trail to be beautiful, but much harder than expected. Not for the novice hiker very steep!

Elijah S.

2023-07

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