There are so many beautiful overlooks in West Virginia, including many of the famed New River Gorge. But it’s always a thrill to stumble across a new one that gives you a unique glimpse of the Mountain State. That’s the case for many when they discover the Concho Rim Overlook. Not only is the Concho Overlook easy to get to – you can drive right to it or take a short, half-mile stroll – but it also provides a unique view of an impressive bend in the New River right at the fascinating old mining town of Thurmond, West Virginia.

As perhaps the oldest river in America, the New River winds through some of the most rugged mountain country in West Virginia.

Melinda James-Hancock/Alltrails

That’s especially true near the nearly abandoned town of Thurmond, West Virginia, where the New River makes a dramatic hairpin turn, and you can get an amazing view of this stunning bend in the river from nearby Concho Mountain.

John Given/Alltrails

Concho Rim Overlook (also known as Concho Overlook) is perched on Concho Mountain and located right next to ACE Adventure Resort. In fact, one way to get to the overlook is to begin at the Oather Trailhead located near the entrance to the ACE parking area.

Victoria Wickman/Alltrails

A shorter, simpler alternative is to drive County Road 17 to a small track that branches off to the right just before County Road 17 dead ends. Sometimes this unnamed side road off of Country Road 17 is gated, in which case you’ll need to take a very brief walk up to the overlook. At other times, the gate will be open and you can drive right to the platform.

Sarah Coleman/Alltrails

But the overlook itself is well worth the trouble of tracking it down. Built and maintained by ACE Adventure Resort, it’s the perfect New River Gorge vantage point in any season of the year.

Sara Treadwell/Alltrails

Corbin Long/Google Maps Looking out from the Concho Overlook, you can see some old buildings on the right side of the horseshoe curve made by the New River. These are part of the ghost town of Thurmond, which used to be a thriving coal town but is now nearly abandoned - as of 2010, only 5 people lived there.

You can also see train tracks following the river around the entire bend, and sometimes, you’ll even be treated to a view of a train itself!

Sara Treadwell/Alltrails

And since Thurmond lies to the west of Concho Mountain, if you can stay to watch the sunset, you’ll be in for a real treat. There’s a feeling of wildness to closing out the day in the company of such a rugged place with such a rugged history, both of which are true of this particular bend of the ancient New River.

Sarah Coleman/Alltrails

For more details, consider checking out what others have to say about Concho Rim Overlook on Alltrails and Google Maps. You may also be interested in learning more about the options available at the neighboring ACE Adventure Resort as well!

Melinda James-Hancock/Alltrails

John Given/Alltrails

Victoria Wickman/Alltrails

Sarah Coleman/Alltrails

Sara Treadwell/Alltrails

Corbin Long/Google Maps

Looking out from the Concho Overlook, you can see some old buildings on the right side of the horseshoe curve made by the New River. These are part of the ghost town of Thurmond, which used to be a thriving coal town but is now nearly abandoned - as of 2010, only 5 people lived there.

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