Since New River Gorge National Park became a National Park, I have longed to explore this intriguing river gorge. Carved by the ancient New River over millions of years, the dramatic, mile-deep canyon is breathtakingly beautiful. Yet the park’s allure extends far beyond the iconic gorge-you must venture deeper into the surrounding forests to see what lies along the river’s banks. This secluded oasis, brimming with cascading waterfalls, serene creeks, and a diverse array of flora and fauna, proved a veritable paradise for nature enthusiasts.
In the rugged Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, New River National Park‘s sheer scale captivates the senses. The park runs along 53-miles of the New River. Additionally, the park preserves over 70,000 acres of natural landscape. The unparalleled beauty as you gaze out over the plunging canyon walls is a geological marvel. I must say, our first glimpse of the canyon took our breath away. The valley, shrouded in a layer of mist, appeared otherworldly.
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Getting to New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park’s location in southern West Virginia. It is a great destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. We did this as a part of our East coast road trip. Driving is the best way to get around the New River Gorge National Park. There is no public transportation within the park itself. Charleston WV, approximately 70 miles northwest of the park, is the closest major airport.
- From the North: If you’re coming from the north, take I-79 south to US-60 east. Follow US-60 for about 30 miles to Hinton, WV. From Hinton, take WV-20 north for about 10 miles to the park entrance.
- From the East: If you’re coming from the east, take I-64 west to US-219 north. Follow US-219 north for about 30 miles to Beckley, WV. From Beckley, take US-19 north for about 20 miles to the park entrance.
- From the South: If you’re coming from the south, take I-77 north to US-19 north. Follow US-19 north for about 70 miles to the park entrance.
- From the West: If you’re coming from the west, take I-64 east to US-60 east. Follow US-60 east for about 100 miles to the park entrance.
Know Before You Go Information for Visitors
- Operating Hours: This park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. New River Gorge has four different Visitor Centers. The main Canyon Rim and Sandstone are open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The seasonal New River Gorge Visitor Centers (Thurmond Depot and Grandview) are open daily in the summer. To find out more about other facilities, visit the park’s official website or contact them directly.
- Entrance Fees: An entrance pass is not required to access New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. There may, however, be charges associated with certain activities, such as whitewater rafting and the famous bridge walk.
- Best Time to Visit: New River Gorge National Park is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. Summer (June-August) is the peak season, with warm weather and heavy crowds. Fall (September-November) offers beautiful fall foliage, with the leaves typically peaking in late October. The weather is also comfortable for hiking and rock climbing. Spring (April-May) is a great time to visit for wildflowers and pleasant weather. The crowds are smaller than in the summer. Winter (December-March) is the least crowded time to visit, and you can enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Accommodations: The New River Gorge National Park itself doesn’t have any lodging options within the park boundaries. For comfortable lodging, several hotels and motels are in nearby towns like Fayetteville, Beckley, and Hinton. If you are campers, try the national forests or state parks surrounding the New River Gorge National Park, which has many sites. We stayed at Rifrafters Campground during our stay. Conveniently located 2-miles from the park.
Start Your Day at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Our first stop was the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, a modern structure that seamlessly fits into the landscape. Inside, a set of windows brings in natural light and frames the canyon’s mesmerizing vistas. Reading the interactive displays, we learned about the resilient communities that have called these mountains home for generations.
The true highlight, however, was the outdoor observation platform. A short, easy hike (0.1 miles) led us to a lookout point offering sweeping vistas of the winding river and the impressive New River Gorge Bridge. Gazing out from the rim of the gorge, it was impossible not to be awestruck by the panoramic views.
Top Must-Do Activities in New River Gorge
There’s so much to do in this national park you’ll never run out of fun activities to try! Packed with thrilling adventures and serene natural wonders, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve promises endless entertainment and engagement for every type of visitor – from adrenaline junkies to nature enthusiasts.
1. Take a Scenic Drive through New River Gorge National Park
If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy way to enjoy the gorge and river, the Fayette Station Road is perfect for you. The morning sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as we started our scenic drive. This 8-mile one-way route takes you from Canyon Rim Visitor Center down to the bottom of the gorge and then back up the opposite side. The winding Fayette Station Road hugs the edge of the breathtaking gorge. Pull-outs allowed us to take pictures while soaking in the natural beauty of this special place. It’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the marvelous landscape at your own pace. For a more expansive experience of the gorge, the Gorge Rim Road is an 83-mile loop that includes all the key park sites. It is definitely the way to go if you have the time.
Note: Before descending into the Gorge, download the National Park’s audio tour of historic Fayette Station Road. This winding, centuries-old route offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s past and features many points of interest along the way.
2. Exploring the Multitude of Trails in New River Gorge National Park
This park has an extensive network of trails to explore. Some meander through the vibrant forests, whereas on other trails you’ll encounter stunning rock formations with impressive cliffs that drop steeply to the roaring whitewater of the New River below. One of the most popular trails is the Endless Wall Trail. This 3.2-mile loop I would consider easy to moderate, with some steep sections and a bit of uneven terrain. We started at the Fern Creek parking area off Lansing-Edmond Road. We did the entire loop to Diamond Lookout returning via the roadway. The parking area at Fern Creek is small and frequently fills up. Luckily, on this fall day we only met a few other on the trail.
Stunning Views: Long Point Trail
We rarely see people on our early morning hikes, but there were a plenty of people out today enjoying the fall colors. The Long Point Trail is an easy 3-mile and is dog friendly. Mosquitos weren’t too bad, so I suggest using bug spray. Yellow jackets about a half mile in, but they didn’t bother us. At the end, towards the lookout, the trail has more rocks and roots. The views are breathtaking. It’s essential to stay hydrated while hiking, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Snacks such as granola bars or trail mix will provide energy to keep you going when you are on the trail. On the return trip, it felt cooler on the way out than it did going in. A breeze was blowing. There’s just nothing like a breeze? Definitely keep the bugs away.
Grandview Rim Trail was a stunning 3.2-mile trek along the edge of the gorge, ending at Turkey Spur Rock Overlook. The trails are well-maintained, but there are some rocky sections that require sturdy hiking shoes. Perfect for hikers of all skill levels, it is easy to navigate. At Grandview overlook there are 180 degree views of the river gorge. You can see where all the abandoned villages used to be.
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk and Island Loop Trail
The Sandstone Falls Boardwalk and Island Loop Trail (0.7 miles, easy) guided us to the spectacular Sandstone Falls, the biggest waterfall in West Virginia. From a close vantage point, I marveled at the might and beauty of the falls as the roaring water flowed down the sandstone cliffs. It was a breathtaking view. Being a passionate fan of waterfalls, I am always intrigued by all waterfalls.
As we strolled along the riverbank, pausing occasionally to sit on boulders or fallen logs, we marveled at the river’s ever-changing beauty. In some sections of the river you see the gentle, meandering stream in others experiencing the roaring rapids finally settling in the serene, lake-like grasslands. Each segment of the river possessed its own unique charm.
3. Turn Back the Clock: Journey to Nuttallburg Mine Site
Note: Getting to the mine is 8-miles on one lane road. Keeneys Creek Road is an extremely narrow winding with lots of blind curves. You might have to back up if you meet someone coming the opposite direction. Having a high-clearance vehicle is definitely a plus.
The drive to the Nuttallburg Mine is an adventure in itself. The single lane road is a bit hair-raising for most of the 8-miles in. There were moments when I thought we were lost, but we persevered. Once you reach the town-site, the trail is a 1.4-mile out and back. Industrialist John Nuttall established the town in the late 1800s. He realized the potential in the rich coal deposits of this secluded area in West Virginia. Nuttallburg soon transformed into a lively center of activity, featuring rows of simple homes for workers, a company store, and the towering coal tipple that still looms today over the landscape.
Although the town flourished for many years, the eventual downturn of the coal industry led to its decline and abandonment by the mid-20th century. Today, wandering through the eerie remains of what had once been a thriving community. The decaying brick structures, rusted equipment, and crumbling buildings serve as poignant reminders of its history. Nature has begun to reclaim the area, with weeds and underbrush enveloping much of the site. It creates a sense of desolation, yet also a haunting beauty. Meandering through this ghost town, inviting, I could envision the lives of the miners and their families who lived here. I realize it was so worth the trip just to get here.
Today the mine stands as a reminder of the region’s industrial past. The old buildings and machinery (primarily the tipple) gave us a glimpse into what life was like for miners in the early 20th century. The interpretive signs give you great information. Exploring here was like stepping back in time.
4. Thurmond Station: Uncovering the Rich History of New River Gorge
Thurmond used to be a busy town, thanks to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway. Here you can still see old train station, coal towers and houses that tell the story of its past. It was one of our favorite destinations. Thurmond Station offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s storied past. The station once served as a crucial stop for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, facilitating the transport of coal and other goods.
Today, it remains a flag stop for Amtrak trains, allowing visitors to hear the echoes of trains and imagine the chatter of miners as they explore the unique architecture. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the station’s enduring legacy.The Visitor Center also features informative displays that provide valuable context for the coal industry and Thurmond’s pivotal role within it.
I must say, for me, this experience provided a touching insight into the rise and fall of America’s coal industry. For me, it highlighted both its significant impact and the enduring strength of the human spirit amidst economic challenges. Be sure to make a quick stop along the road to take photographs of Dunloup Creek Falls. Great gem right off the side of the road.
Explore More Historical Sites in New River Gorge
The New River Gorge area is full of history, with lots of other cool places to check out.
- Fayette Station was a really important spot for trains back in the day and you can still see parts of the old bridge and interpretive signs tell you all about it.
- The historic Kaymoor coal mine site is 0.5 miles on the Kaymoor Miners Trail. Strenuous, the trail drops 900 feet in elevation via 821 wooden steps. It is a neat way to see what one of the largest coal mines used to look like, including the old mine structures (coke processing and ovens). Just remember, you have to go back up the trail all 821 steps.
- Gauley Bridge got its name from an old bridge that was built there a long time ago. It shows off some impressive early 20th-century engineering. Gauley River National Recreation Area is worth a look see if you have time in your itinerary.
5. Thrill-Seekers: Whitewater Rafting and Rock Climbing
The New River in the eastern U.S. offers world-class whitewater rafting, making it a thrilling adventure for adventurers of all skill levels. With a diverse array of Class III-V rapids, the river caters to both beginners and experienced rafters, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for this exciting water sport.
This park offers exceptional rock climbing experiences. While on the Endless Wall Trail, we observed adventurous climbers tackling the vertical sandstone walls. There are over 1400 climbing routes designed to challenge climbers of all abilities as they scale the impressive sandstone cliffs.
6. Walk the Catwalk Under the New River Gorge Bridge
Have you ever imagined strutting down a runway like a supermodel? Now, you can take it a step further by stepping onto the thrilling catwalk beneath the famous New River Gorge Bridge. Soaring 876 feet above the rushing New River, this impressive steel arch bridge stretches an incredible 3,030 feet across the stunning gorge, making it the second-longest bridge in the U.S., just behind Spain’s Puente Nuevo.
Walking along the narrow walkway high above will definitely challenge your courage, but the catwalk tour offers an exhilarating experience that lets you see this architectural wonder from a whole new angle. I could not do it. However, my brave other half had no problem doing this thrilling adventure with Bridge Walk. He loved it! I, on the other hand, sat on a bench this morning and waited. I took some inspiration from watching a woodpecker high in one of the tallest trees. Hammering away, I am happy at the moment.
7. Fishing the New River
The New River and its vast network of tributaries provide anglers with a wealth of exceptional fishing opportunities. This makes this river a premier destination for avid fishermen. Meandering through the stunning Appalachian Mountains, the New River boasts cool, crystal-clear waters that are home to a wide variety of game fish. Although this river fishes very much like the Shenandoah River, we elected to use Adventures on the Gorge as our guide service today. Among the highlights of the New River are the spirited smallmouth bass, and the robust bottom dwelling catfish. The smallmouth bass, known for their striking bronze sides and tenacious nature. With their striking bronze sides and tenacious nature, the smallmouth bass are always ready to pounce on various lures and live bait, and they can be found hiding in the river’s deeper areas and around submerged rock formations.
On the other hand, catfish in this river reach remarkable sizes. They navigate these dark waters, hunting for baitfish and crustaceans, offering an exhilarating challenge for anglers equipped with specialized gear and strong tackle. The river’s countless tributaries offer anglers prime fly-fishing opportunities. The deep, shaded pools are teeming with elusive rainbow, brook, and brown trout, inviting skilled casts.
Note about Tackle: To effectively fish for smallmouth bass in the New River Gorge, you’ll want to choose your fly tackle carefully. A 7 to 9-weight fly rod, ideally around 8 feet in length. Use a weight-forward floating line for general fishing, which helps with casting larger streamers and poppers. A 9 to 12-foot tapered leader, with a 10-15 lb test for the butt section, tapering down to 8-12 lb test for the tippet. Today we used mainly steamers: Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers, and Deceivers in colors like olive, white, and black are great for imitating baitfish.
8. Babcock State Park: A Natural Haven
And even though it’s not part of the national park, Babcock State Park has the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, a historic mill that’s great for pictures and learning about old-fashioned technology. It is worth the side trip, especially if you do the 83-mile loop. The mill is still operational, demonstrating the traditional process of grinding corn into meal. Visitors can watch the mill in action and learn about the milling process. You can actually purchase a freshly ground bag of cornmeal. Don’t forget your camera—the mill’s picturesque setting is a favorite among photographers.
Final Thoughts: Exploring The Beauty Of New River Gorge National Park
I loved the outdoor adventures. Most days, we walked down to the river during the early mornings. Our life feels really full and happy right now. The New River Gorge was a treasure trove of experiences, catering to all tastes. Peaceful, meandering paths wove through dense woodlands, leading to the thrilling sound of rushing waters. Its natural beauty was breathtaking year-round – the fiery colors of fall and lush greenery of summer alike left visitors awestruck. When planning a trip, be sure to savor the serene vistas and excitement of outdoor adventures. As the sun dipped below the horizon, bathing the gorge in a warm, golden light, I knew I had enjoyed a day to remember. This remarkable destination had truly delighted all my senses. Be sure to make this park a part of your next road trip.
Have you been to the New River Gorge National Park? What did you think of it? What was your favorite activity there? If you have not been there, do you want to go?
Jessica powers
Great info loved this park!
Travel the Parks
Thank you we enjoyed the park too!