New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is nestled in the heart of West Virginia. This stunning park is a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From its ancient river winding through lush forests to its towering cliffs perfect for climbing, New River Gorge offers an unparalleled escape into the wild. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
New River Gorge National Park Overview
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a part of the United States National Park Service, was established in 1978 to protect and preserve the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. In 2020, it was redesignated as a national park and preserve, spanning 53 miles (85 km) from just downstream of Hinton to Hawks Nest State Park near Ansted.
This park is not only stunning in its natural beauty but also rich in cultural history. It offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. One of the main attractions of the New River Gorge is its world-class whitewater rafting, particularly from the Cunard put-in to the Fayette Station takeout. Additionally, the area is renowned as one of the premier climbing destinations on the East Coast.
The New River itself begins in North Carolina, flowing north through Virginia before reaching the rugged mountains of West Virginia. It eventually joins the Kanawha River, which then flows into the Ohio River. This river system provides a vital lifeline for the surrounding ecosystems and supports a diverse array of plant and animal species.
Visitors to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can explore its scenic beauty, engage in thrilling outdoor adventures, learn about its rich history, and appreciate the importance of preserving such natural wonders for future generations to enjoy.
Things to do in New River Gorge National Park
One of the greatest aspects of New River Gorge National Park is the sheer variety of activities available.
Whitewater
The New River offers a variety of rapids, from mild ones in the upper parts to more challenging whitewater rapids downstream. Trips are available year-round, with the main season being from April to October.
The section of the river between Hinton and Thurmond has Class I, II, and III rapids suitable for intermediate paddlers, featuring long pools and moderate rapids.
Further downstream from Thurmond, the river becomes narrower and includes technical Class III and IV rapids. This section is only recommended for advanced and expert paddlers. The New River is known for its power and beauty, usually having enough water for paddling.
Whitewater rafting comes with inherent risks. Before embarking on a trip, participants must acknowledge and take responsibility for the potential dangers, including the risk of loss of life. It’s important for all members of the group to understand these risks, take responsibility for their own safety, and have the necessary skills and experience for a safe journey.
Hiking Trails
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a diverse selection of trails, including peaceful forest paths, stunning overlooks, and historic sites. The trails are well-marked and maintained by the park service, as well as within state park lands, and some undeveloped or abandoned roads.
The trails range from 0.25 miles to 7 miles in length one way, and can be combined for longer hikes. The difficulty level varies from easy, flat walks to more challenging steep terrain. Visitors can get trail recommendations and maps at Canyon Rim, Grandview, Sandstone, and Thurmond visitor centers.
Biking
The stunning scenery and the range of bike routes with varying levels of difficulty make the New River Gorge a top choice for mountain biking in the eastern United States. You can easily find bike shops, trails, outfitters, and guided tours in the area.
Currently, regular bicycles are allowed on specific trails in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, while electric bikes (Ebikes) are only permitted on the Stonecliff Trail.
Climbing
More than 1,400 rock climbs have been set up in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, making it a highly sought-after climbing destination in the United States. The cliffs in the gorge are composed of extremely tough sandstone, varying in height from 30 to 120 feet. The rock formations have distinct features, offering numerous crack and face routes for climbers. The majority of climbing routes in the area cater to experienced climbers, with most routes graded 5.9 and above, while sport routes typically fall within the 5.10 to 5.12 range.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular pastime on the New River due to its diverse fish population, making it a great spot for warm water fishing. By respecting the river and taking safety measures, anglers can have a wonderful fishing experience.
There are public access points along the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve at various locations such as Tug Creek Beach, Brooks Falls, Hellems Beach, and Sandstone Falls. Private property access requires permission from the landowner.
Hunting
In Southern Appalachia, hunting holds much more significance than just being a sport. It is a deeply rooted tradition passed down through generations. Nowadays, hunting has evolved into a family activity where experienced hunters not only teach the skills of hunting and shooting but also instill a love and respect for nature, wildlife and overall experience. New hunters must familiarize themselves with rules, regulations, and safety precautions.
Certain areas within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, such as Grandview, Camp Brookside, Sandstone Falls, and Lower Gorge, have restrictions on hunting. Additionally, hunting near heavily visited areas like campgrounds, day-use spots, and visitor centers is not allowed within 500 feet. According to West Virginia state hunting laws, it is illegal to discharge a firearm within 500 feet of schools, churches, residences, or other places where people gather socially.
Scenic Drives
Exploring New River Gorge National Park and Preserve by car involves navigating roads that alternate between running along the edge of the gorge and following the river, with some routes winding up and down between the two. Scenic overlooks along the rim provide stunning views of the gorge’s sandstone cliffs and the river below. Down at the river’s edge, there is limited flat terrain but a chance to observe the New River and its diverse flora and fauna.
Backpacking
While there are almost 100 miles of trails available in this park, the majority of them are short and more suitable for day hikes. Factors such as historical sites, steep terrain, and private property can complicate the planning of a backpacking trip within the park boundaries. The trails that are recommended for overnight backpacking trips at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are Glade Creek Trail, Kates Plateau Trail, and Polls Plateau Trail.
Guided Activities
There is a lot of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to discover independently, but if you prefer guided tours, ranger-led programs are available.
Whether you’re visiting for a short time or an extended stay, park rangers are ready to assist you in learning about, enjoying, and preserving the newest national park.
Various ranger-led programs are available each week during the summer season. Visit any of the four visitor centers at New River Gorge to find out about the daily activities happening.
Sunsets and Night Sky Viewing
As the day winds down, find a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the gorge. The park’s relatively low light pollution makes it an excellent place for stargazing, where you can marvel at the night sky in all its glory.
The ideal spots for observing the stars and taking photos of the night sky are places that are dark and have expansive views. Some locations may have thick tree covers or bright safety lights that can interfere with your experience.
Here are some recommended locations that provide good opportunities for stargazing and astrophotography:
New River Gorge Bridge Overlook at Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Lower parking lot on Fayette Station Rd
Grandview Main Overlook
Meadow Creek Campground
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
Places to stay in New River Gorge National Park
After a day full of adventure, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest. Fortunately, New River Gorge National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every preference.
Camping
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has 8 basic campgrounds. These campgrounds offer different types of sites, including walk-in sites for tents only and drive-in sites for RVs, campers, and tents. Walk-in sites require a short walk from the parking area to the tent site, while drive-in sites have their own parking spots next to camping pads suitable for various sizes of RVs and campers. Each site is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
All campgrounds are situated on maintained gravel or dirt roads in somewhat secluded areas within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. They are located several miles away from gas stations, grocery stores, and other markets.
National Park campgrounds include:
Stone Cliff Beach
Army Camp
Grandview Sandbar
Glade Creek
War Ridge/Backus Mountain
Brooklyn
Thayer
Meadow Creek
Hotel and Resort
If you prefer more comfort, there are numerous hotels and resorts in the surrounding area.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Beckley East (2-star)
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Beckley East is the latest addition to the hotels in Beckley and is the only one of its kind. This 64-room hotel is completely smoke-free and offers amenities such as a heated indoor pool, fitness room, complimentary continental breakfast and more. Conveniently situated just a short drive from Winterplace Ski Resort, as well as various dining options and shopping venues.
- Address: 1001 S Eisenhower Dr, Beckley, WV 25801-6731
- Price Range: From $75 – $101/night depending on the season and demand
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Dunbar, WV (2-star)
Located near I64 in southern West Virginia, the Country Inn Suites by Radisson, Beckley, WV is an ideal spot to take a break from traveling and relaxing. The hotel is conveniently close to many dining options and just under two miles away from Tamarack, where you can find a wide variety of unique handmade gifts.
- Address: 2120 Harper Road, Beckley, WV 25801
- Price Range: From $124 – $150/night depending on the season and demand
The Resort at Glade Springs (3-star)
The Resort at Glade Springs is a comprehensive destination resort that provides guests with a memorable mountain getaway. It offers a range of accommodations, meeting spaces, outdoor activities, and recreational options for guests to relax and unwind in a natural setting. Located in Southern West Virginia, the resort offers a complete package of outdoor adventures and top-notch golf, skiing, tennis, and spa services that exceed expectations and provide excellent value for visitors.
- Address: 255 Resort Dr, Daniels, WV 25832-9046
- Price Range: From $192 – $251/night depending on the season and demand
Dining
Eating well is part of the adventure. While the park itself has limited dining options, nearby towns like Fayetteville and Beckley offer a range of restaurants and cafes.
The Dish Cafe
The Dish Cafe offers a diverse range of delicious dishes with fresh ingredients and unique flavor pairings. They prioritize using locally sourced fruits and vegetables, grass-fed beef, and hormone-free pork and poultry. The restaurant was founded by a team of partners who aimed to provide nutritious food options for a community that is increasingly interested in the health advantages of natural, whole foods.
- Address: 1466 Ritter Dr, Daniels, WV 25832-9356
- Open time: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Prices range: $5 – $20
Cafe One Ten
Cafe One Ten is a popular spot among the locals. They have a signature dish – a massive homemade patty topped with crispy bacon and melted cheese. The combination of flavors was absolutely delicious, and it’s no wonder why this dish is a favorite among customers.
- Address: 110 Main St W, Oak Hill, WV 25901-2935
- Open time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Prices range: $5 – $20
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Indulge in your preferred dishes from the comfort of your home with curbside pickup. Check out Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen’s menu online and place your order for takeout. Alternatively, visit the restaurant to savor traditional American comfort foods in a cozy atmosphere that resembles home. Don’t miss out on their popular dishes like the signature Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, freshly baked Honey Butter Croissants, or the slow-smoked Baby Back Ribs, all offered at reasonable prices suitable for families.
- Address: 4291 Robert Byrd Hwy, Beckley, WV 25801
- Open time: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Planning Your Trip to New River Gorge National Park
To make the most of your visit, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
Visiting Time
Spring in the New River Gorge brings vibrant colors and mild temperatures, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Summer is ideal for whitewater rafting, zip lining, and enjoying festivals. Fall offers stunning views of colorful foliage and comfortable conditions for hiking and rock climbing.
Winter may not be the busiest time to visit, but it has its own charm. The gorge becomes a tranquil winter wonderland covered in snow, perfect for those seeking solitude. Hiking trails are peaceful and offer a chance to appreciate the gorge’s beauty without the usual crowds. Winter is also great for birdwatching, with many species visiting during the colder months.
Spring in New River Gorge National Park
Summer in New River Gorge National Park
Fall in New River Gorge National Park
Winter in New River Gorge National Park
Transportation
The most convenient way to explore the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is by driving on US Route 19. Having a car allows you to easily access different spots within and around the park. The newest national park in America can be conveniently reached from interstates 64, 77, and 79, as well as from US Route 60 Midland Trail Scenic Highway.
Raleigh County Memorial Airport in Beaver also offers some flights. If you fly into either of these airports, you will need a rental car or taxi to reach the park.
For those traveling by train, Amtrak’s closest stations are in Thurmond and Prince. From these stations, you can take a taxi to your final destination in the New River Gorge area. The New River Transit Authority has introduced the New River Gorge shuttle, providing a convenient way to move around the area without worrying about parking.
New River Gorge National Park Map
Conclusion
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure. Whether you’re rafting down the ancient New River, hiking along breathtaking trails, or simply soaking in the stunning views, this park offers something for everyone. Plan your trip today and discover why this national park is quickly becoming a favorite destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
New River Gorge National Park Photos
Q&A for New River Gorge National Park
Spring and fall are ideal for mild weather and beautiful scenery. Summer is great for water activities, and winter offers a peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
Yes, the park offers a variety of guided tours and ranger-led programs that provide educational experiences about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Absolutely! The New River is famous for its world-class rapids, offering options for all skill levels, from calm floats to challenging Class V rapids.
Some popular trails include the Endless Wall Trail, Long Point Trail, and Kaymoor Miners Trail, each offering unique views and experiences.
While the park itself has several campgrounds, nearby towns offer a range of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in the New River, with opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye, and more.
The closest major airport is Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV, about an hour’s drive from the park. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the area.