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When I heard that New River Gorge was going to be named America’s 63rd national parkland, I was thrilled. This stretch of deep, beautiful river gorge has long been one of the best-kept secrets of the Appalachian Mountains region of America. With the national park designation, more people would discover this incredible place.
Renowned for its spectacular whitewater rafting, challenging rock climbing pitches, and beautiful vistas, the park is a playground for outdoor adventure travelers. Whether you are an avid hiker, climber, whitewater enthusiast, or just a nature lover looking to enjoy the park’s beauty, there is something for everyone.
An All-You-Need New River Gorge National Park Guide
In my park guide, I will provide you will all of the information that you will need to plan a fun and memorable trip to visit the park. I explain the best way for travelers to get to the park from outside the state or outside the country.
I also outline the best times to visit the park and highlight the top things to see and do while you are there. Finally, I also give you my suggestions on the best things to see and do outside of the park while on your trip. With this information in hand, it will be easy to plan a trip to the park that you will remember for a lifetime.
New River Gorge Guide Navigation Menu
How to Get to New River Gorge National Park
The stunning New River Gorge National Park is located in the Southwest portion of the state of West Virginia. It is aptly named the New River Gorge National Park because it protects the deep gorge around the New River as it flows through the Appalachian Mountains.
The park spans over fifty miles and comprises three unique sections visitors can enjoy. The first section is the area around the Canyon Rim and the New River Gorge Bridge in the park’s North. This is one of the most popular places to visit in the park. This is also where you will go to do the Bridge Walk or to do some rock climbing within the park.
Further South is the Thurmond Historical District. Here, you will find a city that has been largely untouched since its glory days as a coal town in the early 1900s. If you love history, it is worth visiting. Finally, in the South of the park, you will find the Sandstone Falls area. With numerous waterfalls and hiking trails, it is another popular spot for outdoor adventurers to visit.
For those planning to visit other nearby attractions, I have included a table with the distance and drive time to other popular cities and attractions in the area. As you can see, there is a wealth of incredible things to see and do in the general vicinity of the park.
| City\Place | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park | 21 miles | 0hrs 23min |
| Gauley River National Recreation Area | 26 miles | 0hrs 41min |
| Shenandoah National Park | 169 miles | 3hrs 03min |
| Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | 217 miles | 3hrs 25min |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | 216 miles | 3hrs 29min |
| Columbus, Ohio | 215 miles | 3hrs 43min |
| Richmond, Virginia | 251 miles | 4hrs 03min |
| Harper's Ferry, West Virginia | 270 miles | 4hrs 21min |
| Cincinnati, Ohio | 255 miles | 4hrs 24min |
| Louisville, Kentucky | 299 miles | 4hrs 51min |
| Washington, D.C. | 303 miles | 4hrs 55min |
| Mammoth Cave National Park | 355 miles | 5hrs 41min |
Top Things to See in New River Gorge National Park
The New River Gorge National Park is a very large park that is full of incredible things to see and do. With miles of great trails, tons of challenging climbing pitches, and amazing whitewater, the park is a magnet for outdoor adventure travelers. If you are starting to put together an itinerary for your visit and want some ideas on what to see and do, you are in luck. I have listed my top things to see and do in the park below.
The Canyon Rim
By far, the top destination at the park is the Canyon Rim area. It is here where you will find the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and the two main viewpoints to see the New River Gorge Bridge. There is an upper and lower viewpoint that visitors can use to view the bridge, and both have spectacular views. The Canyon Rim area is also where you will find the Bridge Walk headquarters and many of the park’s most popular trails.
Trail Details
For more details on the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Out-and-Back |
| Distance: | 0.5 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 88 feet |
| Time Required: | 30 minutes |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
Do the Bridge Walk
What better way to experience the sheer size and beauty of the New River Gorge Bridge than to walk underneath it. These guided tours take you along the entire 3,030-foot length of the bridge on a catwalk that sits 25 feet below the bridge’s surface.
The tours typically take 2-3 hours and include extensive safety measures. For instance, the catwalk is 2 feet wide with a substantial railing and all visitors are fastened to the bridge with a safety cable. If you aren’t afraid of heights, this tour is absolutely can’t-miss!
You must book your tickets in advance because the tours sell out fast. For more information, visit the Bridge Walk website.
The Grandview Overlook
There are a lot of spectacular viewpoints in the park, but the grandest of them all is undoubtedly from the Grandview area’s main viewpoint. Perched 1,400 feet above the river, you can grasp just how mammoth and beautiful the New River Gorge really is. From this viewpoint, you can also see the active railway in Quinnimont, which was first used to ship coal out of the gorge in 1873.
The Turkey Spur Overlook
Another incredible viewpoint that can’t be missed in the Grandview area is the amazing Turkey Spur Overlook. This viewpoint has a fun platform system with walkways that you can climb into to get amazing views of the river and the gorge below. You almost feel like you are in the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse as you are perched up high above the trees overlooking the gorge.
The Tunnel Trail
The Tunnel Trail is located in the Grandview area of the park and is one of the most popular hikes among visitors. Not only is it a fun hike that takes you around, over, and through many beautiful rock formations, but it is also a fairly easy hike. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker or overly fit to do this hike, which has increased its popularity.
Trail Details
For more details on the Tunnel Trail hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Distance: | 0.5 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 108 feet |
| Time Required: | 30 minutes |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
The Endless Wall Trail
In my humble opinion, the best hike in the park by far is the incredible Endless Wall Trail. Located in the Canyon Rim area, this moderate 3.2-mile hike offers some of the most spectacular views of the New River Gorge. Not only is the hemlock forest you hike through magical, but the payoff from the Diamond Point viewpoint is amazing.
When you reach the viewpoint and see the sheer sandstone cliff extend off into the horizon, you will understand why the trail is called the Endless Wall Trail. And if you’re lucky, you will get to see rock climbers tackling the cliffside during your hike.
Trail Details
For more details on the Endless Wall hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Loop |
| Distance: | 3.2 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 318 feet |
| Time Required: | 1 hour |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
The Long Point Trail
By far, the most popular feature in the New River Gorge National Park is the New River Bridge. One of the best ways to get stunning views and pictures of the bridge and the surrounding landscape is on the Long Point Trail. Located in the Canyon Rim area of the park, the Long Point Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes. The long view down the length of the gorge to the bridge is simply breathtaking.
Trail Details
For more details on the Long Point Trail hike, including the distance, elevation gain, and difficulty level, please see the trail stats and trail map that I included below.
| Trail Type: | Out-and-Back |
| Distance: | 3 miles |
| Elevation Gain: | 344 feet |
| Time Required: | 1-1.5 hours |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
Babcock State Park
In addition to the national parkland, there are also several beautiful state parks in the New River Gorge area. One of the most popular of these state parks is the Babcock State Park. Located roughly 20 miles to the North of the bridge, the park features the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill.
This breathtaking mill is one of the most photographed features in the Appalachian region and is worthy of visiting the park on its own. However, the park is also a great place for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking.
Sandstone Falls
There are a bunch of beautiful waterfalls in the park, but the stunning Sandstone Falls are the largest. Located in the Sandstone region of the park’s far South, the Sandstone Falls span 1,500 feet across the New River. The Sandstone Visitor Center is a great place to get acquainted with the natural and cultural history of the New River, as it features several wonderful exhibits.
To see the falls, there are several viewpoints along the river on Route 20 that you will want to stop at. I have included a map below that you can use as a reference.
Go Kayaking or Rafting on the New River
The final thing that I would recommend doing when visiting the park is to get out on the water and do some kayaking or whitewater rafting. The New River is the star of the show in the park and there is no better way to experience its beauty and power than to do some rafting or kayaking.
If you are interested in a tour, I have provided some highly-rated options you can book in my Activities in the New River Gorge National Park Area section of this guide below.
New River Gorge National Park Resources
Download the Detailed Park Map
When planning any trip, you can never have too many resources. In addition to the information I have provided you in this guide, I have linked to several other official resources from the US National Parks Service below to plan your trip.
- Operating Hours and Seasons
- Fees and Park Passes
- Permits and Reservations
- Park Maps
- Camping Info
- Visitor Centers
- Thurmond
- Nuttallburg
- Grandview
- New River Gorge Bridge
- Waterfalls
- Things to Do in the Park
- Park Safety Tips
Best Times to Visit New River Gorge National Park
One of the most important decisions you will need to make when planning your trip to the park is when to visit. Because of its elevation, you will see very different weather conditions in the park throughout the year. If you are starting to plan your trip and want advice on when to visit, you are in luck. I included some important information in my guide below.
Visiting New River Gorge in the Spring
In the spring, the trees start to bud throughout the park and the air is full of the sweet aroma of honeysuckle. The water also begins to rise on the New River, with the water levels typically reaching their highest in April. This marks the beginning of the incredible whitewater rafting season in the park. Keep in mind, that the Grandview Visitor Center and Thurmond Depot Visitor Center both open on Memorial Day.
Visiting New River Gorge in the Summer
The summer months are the perfect time to visit New River Gorge National Park. With warm days to enjoy the water and cool nights that are comfortable for camping, the weather is perfect. Not to mention, the nearby city of Fayetteville has an incredible 4th of July celebration, so visiting the park over the Fourth can be a lot of fun.
Visiting New River Gorge in the Autumn
As autumn sets in the park, the leaves start to change to a breathtaking combination of reds, yellows, and oranges. This makes the fall one of the most popular times to visit the park. The autumn is also Gauley Season and the park has some of the biggest whitewater of the year.
And if you are looking for some extra adventure, make sure you visit the park during Bridge Day to base jump off the New River Gorge Bridge. Also, you will want to keep in mind that the Grandview Visitor Center and Thurmond Depot Visitor Center both close for the year on Labor Day.
Visiting New River Gorge in the Winter
Just because it’s winter it doesn’t mean that the adventure stops in the park. When rafting season ends, ski season begins. The park turns into a winter wonderland and people flock to the mountains to enjoy the nearby ski resorts and to snuggle up in cozy mountain cabins. Nearby, the city of Fayetteville throws a Winter Wonderland of Lights, which is absolutely spectacular to see in person!
Average Temperature (°F)
For more information on the average temperatures you can expect in the park throughout the year, please refer to the chart I included in my park guide below.
Average Precipitation (Inches)
For more information on the average amount of precipitation you can expect in the park throughout the year, please refer to the chart I included in my park guide below.
Average Snowfall (Inches)
The park gets a fair amount of snowfall during winter. For more information on the average snowfall you can expect in the park throughout the year, please refer to the chart below.
Average Number of Visitors
If you want to avoid crowds, you may be interested in the average number of visitors to the park annually. I have included a chart that outlines this information for you to review below.
Other Things to See in the Area
If you are planning an extended trip to the New River Gorge area and are looking for other things to do, you are in luck. I have included some recommendations on other nearby attractions for you to review in my guide below.
Shenandoah National Park
The park is widely considered to be one of the most breathtaking national parklands East of the Mississippi River. The park showcases miles of incredible alpine hikes, breathtaking viewpoints, and the renowned Skyline Road that runs the length of the park. Best of all, it is only a three-hour drive from New River Gorge National Park. This makes it easy to add to your trip for the ultimate national park getaway.
Gauley River National Recreation Area
Located in the area of nearby Summersville, West Virginia, this 25-mile stretch of the spectacular Gauley River National Recreation Area is known for its epic whitewater. If you love whitewater rafting, this is a must-add stop to your itinerary.
Harper’s Ferry Battlefield
If you are going to visit West Virginia, you would be remiss if you didn’t stop to see one of the area’s iconic Civil War Battlefields. If you are into history, there is no better way to learn than to see for yourself. From September 12 to 15, 1862, the legendary commander Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson besieged the 13,000-man Union garrison at Harpers Ferry. This resulted in the largest surrender of American soldiers until World War II.
Where to Stay Near New River Gorge National Park
Campgrounds
When visiting the national parks and monuments of the United States, it is an incredible experience to camp out during your visit. Some of the best campgrounds in America can be found inside the country’s national parks and monuments and the surrounding areas.
This is especially true of the New River Gorge, which has some great campsites in the area. If you are interested in camping out during your visit, I have included a map of some area campgrounds for you to review in my park guide below.
Hotels
If camping is not your speed, you need not worry as there are a variety of good hotels for you to choose from in the area as well. The city of Beckley, West Virginia is very close to the park and has a wide range of great hotel options to choose from. Beckley is only a 22-minute drive from Sandstone Falls and a 32-minute drive from the New River Gorge Bridge.
If you are starting to plan your trip and are looking for accommodations, you are in luck. I have included a map and a list of recommended hotel and motel options for you to review in my New River Gorge National Park guide below.
Activities in the New River Gorge National Park Area
If one thing is for certain, it is that there isn’t a shortage of amazing things to do near the park. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and rock climbing are just some of the many amazing activities near the park. This includes the renowned Bridge Walk, which is one of the most popular activities amongst visitors.
| An Activity You Might Be Interested in: |
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| New River Gorge National Park Bridge Walk |
One of the best ways to enjoy the park and the surrounding area is to book a tour or enjoy an activity. If you are interested in taking a tour or doing an activity during your visit, you are in luck. I have included some highly-rated tours for you to review in my guide below.
New River Gorge National Park Photo Gallery
In addition to being the newest national parkland in the United States, it is also one of the country’s most breathtaking parks. There is a stunning view seemingly around every corner in this incredible park. If you would like to see more of the photos that I captured during my visit, I have included a gallery in my park guide below.
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We visited this park last summer–it’s beautiful there, and there are so many things to do! You didn’t mention the hiking trails along the abandoned mines. We did both the Nuttallburg and Kaymoor trails–I preferred the Nuttalburg trails but both are interesting, especially if you enjoy history. We made a side trip one day to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and I highly recommend touring that, as well, if you are in the area.
Your photos brought back fun memories. Thanks!
Thank you so much for the comment and the suggestions! I didn’t get a chance to explore the trails to the old mines when I visited. Will need to check those out next time I’m there!!