Explore Southern West Virginia: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Showcasing and preserving many of the special places across southern West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the newest national park, encourages visitors to explore the area’s cultural heritage while offering amazing recreational opportunities. As expected from the park’s name, the 70,000 acres surrounding the wild and scenic New River include some of the most popular sights and activities. The park is arguably most famous for its world-class white-water rafting; however, with over 100 miles of hiking trails, over a thousand rock climbing spots, dozens of historic sites, and amazing views, there is something for everyone to enjoy while exploring this beautiful and unique part of America’s Appalachia.

Things to Do

• The New River Gorge Scenic Loop provides access to many of the park’s points of interest, which include hiking trailheads, overlooks, and historic sites. The 83-mile auto route is not your typical scenic road— the route is a series of national interstates, local highways, and back country roads. The drive could take as little as a few hours or as long as a weekend by extending your travels through the local communities.
• Stop at the visitor centers to get oriented with the area and formulate a plan to customize your national park experience. The Canyon Rim and Sandstone visitor centers are open year-round, while Grandview and Thurmond operate seasonally. The park’s films and exhibits highlight the area’s flora and fauna, as well as provide insight into the historical significance of the area.
• The naturalistic landscapes and sites across West Virginia are sought after by photography enthusiasts. A few of the most popular places to capture are New River Gorge Bridge, the Grandview Overlook, and the former railroad center of Thurmond.
• The park is famous for white water rafting, offering adventurers the opportunity to experience the beautiful landscapes from a slightly different perspective. Trips ranging from mild (Upper New River Canyon) to wild (Lower New River Gorge) can be organized with local tour operators and last from a few hours to a few days. Many of the popular rafting companies are located in the charming small town of Fayetteville and operate tours from April to October. For the most experienced enthusiasts, the class II-V rapids along the Upper Gauley River will test your skills.
• Day hikes are one of the best ways to view the historic sites within the park. For instance, there are multiple trails that lead to the former coal mining community of Nuttallburg. Considered one of the most complete industrial sites in the United States, guided interpretive tours are offered by the National Park Service. Alternatively, drive to Thurmond to explore the historic buildings at the center of the former railroad transportation center.
• Avid rock climbers on the east coast are well aware that the park has over 1,400 documented rock climbs. A majority of the routes trace along the sandstone gorge walls and are recommended for advanced climbers.
• Attend the famous Bridge Day event, taking place on the third Saturday in October and best known for allowing pedestrians to traverse the New River Gorge Bridge on foot. West Virginia’s largest one-day festival and the largest extreme sports event in the world also features food and crafts vendors, BASE jumping, local music, and more.

Travel Tip: The park offers four seasons of adventure and provides visitors with a different experience depending on the timing of your visit. The summer months can be extremely busy, so consider visiting during the spring to observe migrating birds and local wildlife and during the fall to experience the spectacular foliage with the changing of the seasons. Don’t be discouraged if your trip includes some low clouds moving across the valleys and canyons. Some of the most stunning photos are taken when the clouds fill the low-lying areas and hover over the treetops.