New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve protects a dramatic Appalachian canyon carved by the ancient New River. Known for rugged cliffs, dense forests, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, the park is a premier destination for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and scenic exploration. The New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America, and the park offers a mix of outdoor adventure and rich Appalachian cultural history.
Park Data & Statistics
- State: West Virginia
- Established as National Park: December 27, 2020
- Original Protection: New River Gorge National River (1978)
- Park Size: ~72,808 acres
- Annual Visitors: ~1.7 million
- River Length in Park: ~53 miles
- Bridge Height: 876 feet above the river
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April–May)
Wildflowers bloom and rafting season begins.
Summer (June–August)
Peak season for rafting and climbing.
Fall (September–October)
Beautiful fall foliage along the canyon.
Winter
Quiet trails and scenic overlooks.
Best Photography Locations
- New River Gorge Bridge
- Endless Wall cliffs
- Sandstone Falls
- Canyon overlooks at Grandview
Camping & Lodging Options
Popular camping areas include:
Canyon Rim Campground
Located near the visitor center.
Grandview Sandbar Campground
Riverside camping with scenic views.
Numerous lodging options are available in nearby communities.
Indigenous / Cultural Significance
Before European settlement, the region was inhabited by Indigenous peoples including the Cherokee Nation and the Shawnee Tribe, who traveled through the Appalachian region.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
There is no entrance fee to visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Kaymoor mining ruins
- Quiet forest trails near Grandview
- Early morning wildlife sightings
- Sandstone Falls lesser-known viewpoints
Additional Resources (1)
• Official New River Gorge National Park Website (National Park Service) – Official park information, alerts, and visitor planning resources.
• New River Gorge National Park Maps – Download official park maps including trails and scenic drives.
• New River Gorge Hiking Guide – Trail descriptions and safety information.
• New River Gorge Current Conditions & Alerts – Weather updates and park alerts.
• New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting Guide – Information about rafting opportunities
Popular Hiking Trails
- Endless Wall Trail
2.4 miles – One of the park’s most famous hikes with incredible canyon views. - Long Point Trail
3.2 miles round trip – Scenic overlook of the New River Gorge Bridge. - Kaymoor Miners Trail
1.6 miles – Historic trail descending to an abandoned mining site. - Grandview Rim Trail
3.2 miles – Scenic overlooks along the canyon rim. - Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
0.25 miles – Easy walk to the park’s largest waterfall.
Top Scenic Viewpoints
- Long Point overlook
- Grandview Overlook
- Endless Wall viewpoints
- New River Gorge Bridge overlook
Beginner-Friendly Activities
- Walk Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
- Scenic overlooks along canyon rim
- Visitor center exhibits
- Easy hikes along rim trails
Nearby Getaway Towns
Fayetteville – Popular outdoor adventure town near the park.
Beckley – Larger nearby city with lodging and services.
Waterfalls, Lakes, or Natural Highlights
- New River Gorge canyon
- Sandstone Falls
- Endless Wall cliffs
- Appalachian forest landscapes
Scenic Drives
New River Gorge Scenic Drive
A winding drive along the canyon rim offering incredible views of the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding cliffs.
Maps & Navigation Resources
Visitors can use:
- Official NPS park maps
- onX Backcountry App
- AllTrails hiking maps
- Printed visitor center maps
- GPS navigation hiking apps
One Day Itinerary
Morning
- Visit Canyon Rim Visitor Center
- Hike the Endless Wall Trail
Midday
- Picnic overlooking the gorge
- Walk to Long Point overlook
Afternoon
- Visit Sandstone Falls
- Scenic drive along canyon overlooks
Evening
- Sunset views from Grandview
- Dinner in Fayetteville
Popular Flora
The park contains diverse Appalachian forest ecosystems.
Common plants include:
- Oak trees
- Hickory trees
- Rhododendron
- Mountain laurel
- Ferns and wildflowers
Popular Fauna
Mammals:
- White-tailed deer
- Black bears
- Bobcats
- River otters
Birds:
- Bald eagles
- Peregrine falcons
- Woodpeckers
Other wildlife:
- Salamanders
- Frogs and turtles
Advanced/Backcountry Activites
- Whitewater rafting on the New River
- Rock climbing on sandstone cliffs
- Long-distance hiking
- Mountain biking
Park History
The New River Gorge region has a long history tied to coal mining and Appalachian communities. The area was originally protected as a national river in 1978 and later redesignated as a national park and preserve in 2020 to protect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the gorge.
Visitor Tips and Safety
- Weather can change quickly in the mountains.
- Wear sturdy footwear for hiking rocky trails.
- Rafting trips require professional guides for many sections.
- Fall foliage season can bring large crowds.
Top 5 Bucket List Experiences
- Walk to the Long Point overlook
- Raft the New River rapids
- Photograph the New River Gorge Bridge
- Hike the Endless Wall Trail
- Watch sunset from Grandview
Fun Facts
- The New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America.
- The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the longest single-span steel arch bridges in the world.
- The park is a world-class rock climbing destination.
- Bridge Day is an annual festival where BASE jumpers leap from the bridge.
- The park protects over 50 miles of river canyon.
Additional Resources (2)
• Fayetteville West Virginia Visitor Guide – Regional travel information and services.
• AllTrails – New River Gorge Trails – Hiking maps and trail reviews.
• National Park Foundation – New River Gorge Overview – Conservation information and park highlights.
• West Virginia Tourism – New River Gorge Guide – Travel tips and visitor highlights.
• New River Gorge National Park Wikipedia Overview – Background on park history, geography, and recreation.