Mid-Atlantic Region
NEW RIVER GORGE
NATIONAL PARK
Welcome to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, an awe-inspiring landscape in the heart of West Virginia. Known for its rugged canyon, dramatic sandstone cliffs, and the powerful New River, this park offers a wide range of outdoor adventures from hiking and climbing to some of the best whitewater rafting in the United States.
Did You Know?
- Designated a national park in December 2020, making it one of the newest in the system
- Despite its name, the “New River” is believed to beone of the five oldest rivers on Earth
- The New River Gorge Bridge is the largest single-span arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere and is made of a special type of steel that never needs painting.
My Personal Experience
I had just completed my quest to visit all 62 national parks in summer 2020 when Congress redesignated New River Gorge as a national park in December of that year. When I found out, I had to go and my wife and I visited over Memorial Day weekend 2021.
We stayed in Beckley, West Virginia, and combined our visit with Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center sits right by the iconic bridge. We took the short walk to the overlook but didn’t dare attempt the Bridge Walk. You need to book a guided tour anyway. Standing there and looking into the gorge gives you a real sense of scale. It’s impressive and a bit intimidating.
There are also access roads down into the gorge where you can launch boats or kayaks. We didn’t have ours at the time, and even now I’m not sure we would bring them. Parts of the New River are serious whitewater probably better suited for guided trips. Next time, we’ll likely focus more on hiking, biking, and exploring the area’s rich coal mining history.
Basic Facts
Address:
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
104 Main Street
Glen Jean, WV 25846
Operation Hours and Seasons:
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Visitors:
Approximately 1 million per year (2022
Entrance Fees:
Entrance to the park is free. Some activities may have associated fees.
Website:
nps.gov/neri
Map:
nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/maps.htm
Additional Information:
For additional local information, visit newrivergorgecvb.com.
Best Time to Visit
New River Gorge is a park you can visit year-round.
- Winter: Quiet and uncrowded, but limited activity options
- Spring: Wildflowers and waterfalls at their best
- Summer: Ideal for rafting and climbing, but warm and humid
- Fall: Peak foliage with excellent hiking conditions
Recommended Time
1 Day: A solid introduction. Visit Canyon Rim, enjoy views of the bridge, and complete 1–2 hikes such as Long Point or Endless Wall. Add a short scenic drive if time allows.
2-3 Days: The ideal visit. This allows time for multiple hikes, scenic drives, and at least one major activity such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, or biking. You can also explore areas like Grandview and Sandstone Falls. Extend your stay to add guided tour or explore nearby national park units.
Getting There
The closest town is Fayetteville, West Virginia. From Fayetteville, drive east on US-19 for about 5 miles to reach the park entrance.
Weather
New River Gorge has a humid Appalachian climate with noticeable seasonal variation:
- Spring (March to May): 50s–70s°F (10–25°C), wildflowers and flowing waterfalls
- Summer (June to August): 80s–90s°F (27–32°C), humid with afternoon storms. Enjoy water-based activities like white-water rafting.
- Fall (September to November): 60s–70s°F (15–25°C), ideal hiking weather and vibrant foliage
- Winter (December to February): 30s–50s°F (0–10°C), quieter with occasional snow and nights often drop below freezing.
Expect humidity in summer and rapidly changing conditions in the gorge. Temperatures along the river are often noticeably warmer than at the rim overlooks.
Hiking
The park offers a great mix of short scenic trails and steeper routes into the gorge.
Easy:
- Canyon Rim Boardwalk – 0.6 mile round trip: A short walk with stairs leading to one of the best views of the New River Gorge Bridge.
- Sandstone Falls Boardwalk – 0.25 mile boardwalk: An easy stroll to the park’s largest waterfall, with multiple cascades across the river.
Moderate:
- Long Point Trail – 3.2 miles round trip: A relatively moderate hike leading to one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, where the New River Gorge Bridge appears dramatically framed by the surrounding cliffs.
- Endless Wall Trail – 2.4 miles loop: Frequently ranked among the best hikes in the United States, this trail follows dramatic sandstone cliffs and offers numerous viewpoints into the gorge below.
Strenuous:
- Kaymoor Miners Trail – 2 miles round trip: A steep descent featuring hundreds of stairs leading to historic coal mining remains and offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s industrial past.
- Big Branch Trail – 2 miles round trip: A rugged trail leading into the gorge with a more secluded feel and fewer crowds.
White-water Rafting
The New River offers some of the best white-water rafting in the country, with rapids ranging from Class I to Class V. Guided rafting tours are available for different skill levels.
Rock Climbing
The park is a premier rock climbing destination, featuring over 1,400 established routes on the sandstone cliffs. Climbers of all skill levels can find suitable challenges.
Fishing
The New River is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, with abundant populations of smallmouth bass, catfish, and other species. A West Virginia fishing license is required.
Scenic Drives
- Fayette Station Road: A steep, winding drive into the gorge and back up; great for experiencing elevation changes and historic river crossings.
- African American Heritage Driving Tour: Highlights cultural and historical sites tied to the region’s coal mining heritage.
Best Viewpoints
- Canyon Rim Overlook: The park’s signature viewpoint, offering classic views of the New River Gorge Bridge spanning the canyon below.
- Grandview: One of the most spectacular overlooks in the park, providing sweeping views of the river as it winds through the gorge.
- Sandstone Falls: The park’s largest waterfall and one of the best places to experience the power and beauty of the New River.
Wildlife Viewing
New River Gorge supports a surprisingly diverse ecosystem, with forests, river corridors, cliffs, and wetlands providing habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys are commonly seen along roadsides and open areas, while black bears and foxes inhabit the park’s more remote forests. Along the New River and around Sandstone Falls, visitors may spot bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, and other water-loving birds. Early morning and late afternoon generally provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Photography
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a paradise for photographers.v
- Bridge & Overlooks: Sunrise and sunset provide dramatic lighting on the gorge and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.
- Waterfalls: Sandstone Falls and numerous smaller cascades are especially photogenic after periods of rain.
- Fall Foliage: The surrounding hardwood forests create spectacular fall colors, making the gorge one of the premier fall photography destinations in Appalachia.
- Bridge Day: Each October, photographers can capture BASE jumpers and rappellers participating in one of the world’s most unique sporting events.
Morning fog occasionally fills the gorge, creating dramatic scenes and adding depth to landscape photographs.
Horseback Riding
The National Park Service does not provide any guidance for stock use within the park’s boundaries. It is important to call the park and check current regulations before visiting.
Guided horseback riding tours are not offered directly within park boundaries, but several outfitters near Fayetteville and surrounding areas provide guided trail rides on private land adjacent to the park.
General Aviation
One public use airport close to the National Park offers reliable rental car options
Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) in Beckley, WV:
- 10 miles from Grandview, 30 miles from Canyon Rim
- Longest runway 6,750 ft paved
- 100 LL available
The park is located in mountainous Appalachian terrain. Expect downdrafts, turbulence, and shifting winds, especially in warmer months. Density altitude can become a factor in summer. Weather can change quickly, including fog and low ceilings in valleys. Morning fog is common along river valleys, particularly during spring and fall, and may delay VFR departures or arrivals.
Nearby Attractions
- Bluestone National Scenic River: Protects a quiet, undeveloped section of the Bluestone River and offers a more secluded experience than New River Gorge.
- Gauley River National Recreation Area: Famous for world-class whitewater rafting, particularly during the controlled fall water releases.
- Babcock State Park: Home to the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of the most photographed landmarks in West Virginia.
- Hawks Nest State Park: Offers impressive overlooks of the New River Gorge and several short hiking opportunities.
Important Tips
- Activity Planning: This is an adventure-focused park. Book rafting, climbing, or guided tours in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Terrain & Safety: Trails into the gorge are often steep. Plan for the return climb and carry sufficient water.
- Weather Awareness: Summer heat and humidity can be intense, while storms can develop quickly. Check forecasts before heading out.
- Water Activities: The New River includes serious whitewater. If inexperienced, stick to guided rafting trips.
- Driving Conditions: Gorge access roads are steep and winding. Drive carefully and allow extra time.
- Wildlife & Respect: Follow Leave No Trace principles and maintain safe distances from wildlife.
- Bridge Walk: The popular Bridge Walk requires advance reservations and guided participation. Book early during weekends and peak travel seasons.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is one of the most adventure-oriented parks in the eastern United States. Whether you’re hiking along dramatic cliffs, rafting powerful rapids, or simply enjoying views of the iconic bridge, this park delivers a rugged and exciting contrast to the more serene landscapes of the Mid-Atlantic.
