The Best Places for Engagement Photos in the New River Gorge
The New River Gorge National Park is now the newest National Park in the United States. It was first established as a National River in 1978 but since has upgraded its status to National Park in 2020. I live right in the heart of this beautiful place and it’s my absolute favorite thing to photograph weddings, elopements, and engagements in this area. The New River Gorge has become of the most visited places in the United States and a huge destination location for couples. To make your life easier, I’ve created a list of my favorite locations that are perfect for engagement sessions. Keep reading to plan your engagement session!
The Endless Wall Trail | Diamond Point
Endless Wall is of my favorite hikes and overlooks at the New River Gorge. It has one of the prettiest hikes to the overlook with a magical hemlock grove, a cute little bridge, and gorgeous foliage. From the Fern Creek Parking lot, the hike is about 20-25 minutes long to the Diamond Point overlook without stopping, but stopping along the way for photos is definitely recommended. This hike is one of the most scenic hikes in the New River Gorge National Park and also one of the most popular ones so a weekday or early morning engagement session is highly recommended.
Long Point Trail
Long Point Trail is a 2.9 mile hike round trip and is home to the iconic view of the New River Gorge Bridge. If you’re looking for a gorgeous view of the bridge with canopied trails along the way, then Long Point is your place. This hike is around 30-35 minutes one way, so I suggest bringing a pair of hiking shoes to hike in and changing out of them at the overlook. This a pretty popular spot, so a weekday, morning time, or off-season date will be your best bet for less people.
Beauty Mountain
Beauty Mountain has to be my FAVORITE overlook in the entire New River Gorge National Park. Parking is limited for this spot, but the first overlook is a mere 30 seconds from where you park. If you’d like to explore more, the Ram’s Head trail is about 15 min and has the best views of the river and the gorge. Views and trails are vast and beautiful for Beauty Mountain.
Grandview Overlook
The Grandview Overlook is part of the New River Gorge over on the Raleigh County side of the National Park. It’s about 30-40 minutes away from the Fayetteville side. This accessible overlook is perfect gorgeous photos and also has surrounding trails to explore as well to create variety during your engagement session.
Bridge Buttress
In my opinion, the Bridge Buttress overlook is the BEST view of the New River Gorge Bridge. It’s one of the most inconvenient hikes to maneuver though. To reach the overlook, there is a bit of a rock scramble where you use a rope provided by the National Park, to pull yourself up a slanted rock. From the beginning of the Bridge Buttress Trail, it’s only about 5 minutes to the overlook but if you’re not willing to make the journey, i’d pick another location. Below the overlook is just as great for photos too! Bridge Buttress is a great climbing location in the gorge and the walls and trails create amazing photos as well.
Grist Mill in Babcock State Park
While this location is outside of the New River Gorge National Park, it’s not far at all! Located about 20 minutes from Fayetteville, Babcock State Park is home to the gorgeous Grist Mill. This scenic location has much to offer from breathtaking waterfalls, the iconic mill, and covered trails.
Fayette Station
Fayette Station is the perfect spot if you’re looking for photos by the river while still getting some views of the bridge. Fayette Station is in the heart of the New River Gorge and is also a great spot to watch rafters hit their final rapid. I love taking photos at Fayette Station and it’s definitely the perfect spot for a half hour engagement session.
The New River Gorge National Park is home to so many gorgeous views and locations. I hope this list of my favorites helped you in narrowing down your search for the perfect engagement session location in the Fayetteville area. Interested in scheduling a session with me? Let’s chat.
