All About New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia
From whitewater rafting to scenic overlooks, New River Gorge National Park blends rugged adventure with Appalachian beauty.
Nestled in the heart of southern West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is one of the crown jewels of the Appalachian region and America’s 63rd national park. Known as America’s newest national park, this spectacular landscape protects one of the oldest rivers in the western hemisphere — the mighty New River. Stretching across thousands of acres of land through rural West Virginia, the park is filled with tall sandstone cliffs, lush forests, historic mining towns, rocky outcroppings, and endless recreational opportunities for first-time visitors and seasoned adventurers alike.
Whether you’re driving Fayette Station Road beneath the famous bridge, hiking the Endless Wall Trail, tackling trad climbing routes, or watching a video of white water rafters charging through Class III rapids, this special place offers a unique experience unlike anywhere else on the East Coast. Managed by the National Park Service as part of the national park system, the park combines natural beauty, cultural resources, African American heritage, and outdoor adventure into one unforgettable destination.
What to do at New River Gorge National Park
The Best Trails and Best Hikes at New River Gorge National Park
Endless Wall Trail
The Endless Wall Trail is one of the best places in the park for incredible views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the lower gorge. This scenic mile loop winds through surrounding forest before opening to dramatic sandstone walls and narrow cliffside overlooks along the rim of the gorge.
Long Point Trail
The Long Point Trail is a favorite short hike for first-time visitors. The trail leads to one of the most iconic viewpoints in North America, with panoramic views of the longest arch bridge in the western hemisphere — the famous New River Gorge Bridge.
Other Great Hiking Areas
- Castle Rock Trail
- Long Point Trail
- Kaymoor Miners Trail
- Grandview Rim Trails
- Glade Creek Trail
- Endless Wall Trail
- Lower Gorge overlook paths
Many trails pass historic sites from the late 1800s, including coal mining communities once inhabited by railroad workers, black coal miners, and European settlers.
Things to do at New River Gorge National Park
There are endless recreational opportunities throughout New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
- Whitewater Rafting: Experience everything from family-friendly floats to thrilling Class III–V rapids on the New River.
- Rock Climbing: Climb some of the best sandstone cliffs and trad routes on the East Coast.
- Scenic Drives: Explore the park's stunning overlooks and historic sites from the comfort of your vehicle.
- Fayette Station Road: Drive beneath the New River Gorge Bridge on this scenic historic route.
- Bridge Day: Watch BASE jumpers leap from the bridge during this annual October festival.
- Mountain Biking & Ziplining: Enjoy nearby mountain biking trails, canopy tours, and zipline adventures.
What to see at New River Gorge National Park
Points of Interest
New River Gorge Visitor Centers
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the primary hub for first-time visitors. Park rangers provide maps, trail recommendations, exhibits, and information about recreational opportunities.
Passport Book Stamp Location
Grandview Visitor Center
Located near the park’s Grandview area, this seasonal visitor center offers exhibits about the gorge, helpful park information, and easy access to some of the park’s most scenic overlooks and hiking trails.
Passport Book Stamp Location
Sandstone Visitor Center
Located near the south end of the park, the Sandstone Visitor Center focuses on the natural and cultural history of the region.
Passport Book Stamp Location
Thurmond Depot Visitor Center
Housed inside the restored historic train depot in the former railroad town of Thurmond, this visitor center features exhibits on the area’s railroad and coal mining history while serving as a gateway to explore one of the park’s most fascinating historic districts.
Passport Book Stamp Location
National Park Passport Book Stamp Locations
- Canyon Rim Visitor Center
- Grandview Visitor Center
- Sandstone Visitor Center
- Thurmond Depot Visitor Center
Tunnel View Trail was one of our favorites in the park
Sandstone Falls is one of the easiest to view
Doing the famous Bridge Walk was a highlight of our visit to New River Gorge
New River Gorge National Park Basics
104 Main Street
Glen Jean, WV 25846
Free
Eastern Time Zone
2020
Location, Phone Number, and Address
The park is located in the Appalachian region of southern West Virginia in the United States. You can reach the park by phone at 304-465-0508.
What are the Entrance Fees for New River Gorge National Park?
One of the best things about the park is that there are currently no entrance fees for general access.
Some activities like guided rafting trips, camping, or adventure tours may require separate fees through local outfitters.
What Time Zone is New River Gorge National Park in?
The park operates on Eastern Time (ET).
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit New River Gorge National Park is from late spring through fall, when the weather is ideal for outdoor recreation. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, cooler hiking temperatures, and excellent river levels for rafting, while summer offers warm weather perfect for water activities, rock climbing, and mountain biking, along with bustling visitor centers and nearby towns. Fall is especially popular thanks to the spectacular Appalachian Mountains foliage, comfortable hiking conditions, and the annual Bridge Day festivities. Winter is much quieter and provides peaceful views of the gorge, though some park facilities may operate on limited hours.
When did New River Gorge become a National Park?
The area originally became New River Gorge National River in 1978. In December 2020, it received new status as a national park and preserve, officially becoming America’s newest national park and America’s 63rd national park.
How Big is New River Gorge National Park?
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve protects approximately 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River.
Park Website
Always check the official park site for the most up-to-date information, hours, prices, and conditions.
Travel Tips for New River Gorge National Park
Driving Through New River Gorge National Park
The park stretches for miles of the New River through southern West Virginia, so driving is essential for exploring different regions.
Popular scenic routes include:
- Fayette Station Road
- Route 19 bridge corridor
- Grandview scenic drives
- Sandstone Falls area roads
- Thurmond historic district roads
Expect winding mountain roads, scenic overlooks, parking lots near trailheads, and numerous opportunities to stop for photos.
Where are the National Park Entrances?
There is no single main entrance. Visitors access different sections of the park through multiple entry points, including:
- Canyon Rim area
- Grandview area
- Sandstone Falls area
- Thurmond area
- Fayette Station Road access points
What is the Nearest City to New River Gorge National Park?
Nearby towns and gateway communities include:
- Fayetteville
- Beckley
- Oak Hill
- Hinton
- Summersville
These historic towns offer restaurants, lodging, outfitters, and small-town Appalachian charm.
What is the Nearest Airport to New River Gorge National Park?
The nearest airport is:
- Raleigh County Memorial Airport (Beckley)
Other nearby airports include:
- Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia
- Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg
Itineraries including New River Gorge National Park
Lodging Near New River Gorge National Park
Where to Stay
There are plenty of lodging options near New River Gorge National Park, ranging from cozy cabins and vacation rentals to full-service resorts and traditional hotels. Many visitors choose to stay in the towns of Fayetteville, Beckley, or Oak Hill, which provide convenient access to the park’s hiking trails, overlooks, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures. Adventure resorts throughout the area also offer cabin accommodations and activity packages that combine lodging with rafting, ziplining, and other popular recreational opportunities, making them a convenient base for exploring the gorge.
Campgrounds in the Area
For those who prefer to camp, New River Gorge National Park and the surrounding area offer a variety of options, including developed campgrounds, primitive campsites, RV parks, and adventure resorts with camping facilities. Camping provides a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the gorge while staying close to hiking trails, river access points, and some of the park’s most scenic areas.
What are the Closest National Parks to New River Gorge National Park?
Facts about New River Gorge National Park
The Plants and Animals of New River Gorge National park
The lush forests of New River Gorge National Park support an impressive variety of wildlife, making the park one of the most biodiverse areas in the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors may spot black bears, white-tailed deer, river otters, bald eagles, and wild turkeys while exploring the park’s trails, overlooks, and waterways. The diverse habitats found throughout the gorge provide critical shelter and food sources for countless species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
The park’s rich plant life is equally remarkable, with forests filled with rhododendrons, mountain laurel, towering hemlocks, and a mix of hardwood tree species. Fern-covered sandstone walls line many of the hiking trails, creating lush green landscapes throughout the gorge. The varied ecosystems found along the upper New River and within the lower gorge support this incredible diversity of plant and animal life, making the park a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
What is the Highest Point? What is the Lowest Point?
The highest point within the park boundaries reaches approximately 3,500 feet above sea level along the surrounding Appalachian Mountains ridges.
The lowest point is along the New River itself, which flows around 680 feet above sea level near the park’s southern sections.
New River Gorge National Park Fun Facts
- The New River is considered one of the oldest rivers in North America.
- The New River Gorge Bridge was once the world’s longest single-span arch bridge.
- The gorge contains some of the best rock climbing on the East Coast.
- Bridge Day is one of the largest BASE jumping events in the world.
- Coal mining and railroad history shaped many of the park’s historic sites and mining towns.
- The park protects important African American heritage tour locations connected to black coal miners and railroad workers.