I’ve learned a valuable lesson. If I ever again visit 10 waterfalls in two days (not going to happen!), I need to take notes. Most of the smaller falls have run together in my mind but Sandstone Falls is unforgettable. Located on the New River Gorge National River, it’s a scenic destination that I’ve wanted to visit for a long time.

Our first stop was at the Sandstone Visitor Center which serves as the southern gateway to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. A short video about the New River is available there for viewing and the helpful staff gave me several good suggestions about trails to hike and places to visit in the nearby town of Hinton. I was impressed to see that the visitor center has a native landscape which includes lots of milkweed and it is actually designated as a monarch butterfly way-station.

Arriving at Sandstone Falls, we followed a boardwalk trail to an overlook of the stunning falls. Spanning the entire river, multiple waterfalls dashed over and between massive boulders. The roar of the water was loud enough that conversation was difficult. This made it easier to enjoy the mesmerizing rush of water. Being just a few steps beyond normal, I lost track of time and life’s small problems receded while I was surrounded by such an awe inspiring panorama.