The formerly designated National River was established on November 10, 1978. It was redesignated as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve early in 2021. It covers almost 73,000 acres in West Virginia, in the Appalachian Mountains, along the New River – which despite the name, is actually one of the oldest rivers in the world! It is a popular park for its recreational opportunities, including whitewater rafting (with everywhere from Class 1 to III in the upper part of the river, to the more challenging Class III to Class V rapids in the Lower Gorge) and canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing and hunting, and more.
History of New River Gorge National Park
In 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed legislation establishing the New River Gorge National River to conserve and interpret the outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values of the area. On December 27, 2020, it was redesignated as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, further solidifying its importance and ensuring its protection for future generations.
What towns are closest to New River Gorge?
The towns closest to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve include:
Fayetteville: This charming small town is located at the northern end of the park and serves as a popular gateway for visitors. It offers various amenities, including restaurants, shops, and lodging options. Fayetteville is approximately 31 miles (about 50 kilometers) from New River Gorge
Beckley: Situated to the east of the park, Beckley is a larger city that provides additional services and attractions, such as museums and cultural sites. Beckley is approximately 23 miles (about 37 kilometers) from New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and the drive typically takes around 28-30 minutes by car.
Hinton: Located to the west of the park, Hinton offers access to the southern end of the New River Gorge and has various accommodations and dining options.
Lansing: This town is also nearby and provides access to the southern part of the park, with amenities like campgrounds and outfitters for outdoor activities.
Best Way to get to New River Gorge
The best way to get to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is by car. The park is easily accessible via major highways, including Interstates 64, 77, and 79, as well as U.S. Route 60 (Midland Trail Scenic Highway). The closest major airport is West Virginia International Yeager Airport in Charleston, which is about 70 minutes east of the park. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to reach the park.
How many days do you need in New River Gorge National Park?
To fully appreciate and explore New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a visit of 2 to 3 days is ideal. This allows you to experience a variety of activities and take in the park’s stunning landscapes.
Camping in New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers several primitive campgrounds for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the main campgrounds:
Army Camp Campground: Located in the central to southern part of the park, this campground is right along the New River and offers a beautiful riverside setting.
Glade Creek Campground: Situated near the Grandview Visitor Center, this campground provides easy access to scenic overlooks and hiking trails.
Meadow Creek Campground: This campground is also located along the New River and offers a peaceful environment for camping.
Grandview Sandbar Campground: Known for its sandy riverbank, this campground is perfect for those who enjoy a more secluded and natural camping experience.
Arrowhead Bike Farm: While primarily a bike farm, this location also offers camping options for visitors. This unique lodging option offers campsites, RV hookups, and even German cuisine at their onsite restaurant.
Rifrafters Campground: Another riverside campground that provides a tranquil setting for campers.
Little Beaver State Park: Located nearby, this state park offers additional camping options for those looking to explore the area further.
Meadow Creek Campground: Although it doesn’t have hookups, it can accommodate larger RVs and is right off I-64 near Sandstone Visitor Center.
Hotels near New River Gorge
Hotels in Fayetteville
Quality Inn: Located just off Route 19, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and is within a short drive from the park.
Hotels in Oak Hill
ACE Adventure Resort: This resort offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins and safari tents, along with activities like whitewater rafting and ziplining.
Adventures on the Gorge: Perched on the rim of the New River Gorge, this resort provides world-class cabins, vacation homes, and a main lodge, along with guided tours and outdoor adventures.
Hotels in Lansing
Opossum Creek Retreat: Located in nearby Lansing, this retreat offers both contemporary and rustic cabins, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Country Road Cabins: These deluxe cabins provide the comforts of home with the remoteness of the wilderness.
Hotels in Hinton
Cabin on Coney Island: Accessible via boat, this island cabin offers a relaxing paradise for fishing, boating, and floating.
About the New River
The New River in West Virginia is one of the oldest rivers in the world, flowing through the U.S. states of North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia before joining the Gauley River to form the Kanawha River at Gauley Bridge. The New River Gorge, carved out over millions of years, is a stunning natural wonder, featuring sandstone cliffs, whitewater rapids, and lush forests. The river is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and mountain biking. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers visitors a chance to explore this breathtaking landscape and enjoy its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Things to Do at the New River Gorge
Here are some of the top things to do at the park:
Outdoor Adventures
Whitewater Rafting: The New River is famous for its world-class whitewater rafting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter, you can enjoy thrilling rapids and stunning scenery. Guided trips are available through local outfitters.
Hiking: Explore the park’s diverse landscapes on foot. Popular trails include the Endless Wall Trail, Long Point Trail, and Grandview Rim Trail. Each offers unique views and experiences.
Rock Climbing: The park’s sandstone cliffs provide excellent opportunities for rock climbing. With over 1,400 established climbing routes, it’s a paradise for climbers of all skill levels.
Fishing: The New River offers great fishing opportunities, with species like smallmouth bass, rock bass, and catfish. Enjoy a relaxing day by the river while casting your line.
Camping: There are several primitive campgrounds in the park, such as Army Camp, Glade Creek, and Grandview Sandbar. Camping allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the gorge.
Scenic Drives and Overlooks
Fayette Station Road: Take a scenic drive along this historic road, which offers breathtaking views of the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. Stop at various overlooks for photo opportunities.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center: Visit the visitor center for information about the park, exhibits, and stunning views from the observation deck.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Thurmond Ghost Town: Explore the historic town of Thurmond, once a bustling coal town. The preserved buildings offer a glimpse into the region’s past.
Nuttallburg: Discover the remains of the Nuttallburg coal mining complex and town. Take a self-guided tour to learn about the area’s mining history.
Wildlife Watching
Bird-Watching: The park is home to a variety of bird species. Bring your binoculars and enjoy bird-watching along the trails and riverbanks.
Wildlife Observation: Keep an eye out for other wildlife, such as deer, foxes, and even the occasional black bear.
Hiking in or near New River Gorge
Endless Wall Trail: This easy to moderate trail is about 3.2 miles long and offers stunning views of the gorge along the cliff edge. It’s a great option for a scenic hike.
Long Point Trail: Another easy trail, this 3-mile hike ends at Long Point view, providing beautiful vistas of the gorge and the New River.
Diamond Point Overlook via Endless Wall Trail: This moderate 2.1-mile hike takes you to Diamond Point via the Endless Wall Trail, offering lush forest views and stunning overlooks.
Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock: A moderate 3.1-mile hike showcasing some of the most stunning river views. The trail includes stairs leading up to the overlook.
Castle Rock Trail: This 1.1-mile loop features close-up views of towering rock walls and offers great views of the New River.
Nearby Hiking Options
Glade Creek Trail: Located near the Grandview Visitor Center, this trail offers peaceful forest walks and scenic overlooks.
Sandstone Trail: This trail provides access to historic sites and beautiful river view
Fishing in New River Gorge
Fishing in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a popular activity. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing experiences, targeting species such as smallmouth bass, rock bass, and catfish1. The park offers several access points along the river, providing opportunities for both shore fishing and boat fishing. Guided fishing trips are also available through outfitters, which can enhance the experience with expert knowledge and equipment. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, the New River Gorge offers a fantastic setting to enjoy a day of fishing amidst stunning natural scenery.