New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is located in southern West Virginia. It is known for its rugged canyon formed by the New River. It also boasts the New River Gorge Bridge which is one of the world’s longest single-span arch bridges. This national park offers incredible whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking which is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Things to do in New River Gorge
Visit the visitor centers
New River Gorge National Park has several amazing visitor centers. The main one is the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in the northern aspect of the park. There you can go down stairs to viewpoints of the bridge. The Sandstone Visitor Center is located in the southern aspect and its nearby Sandstone Falls. There is also a small visitor center at the Grandview location which is open 12-5 PM. Seasonally, there is a visitor center at Thurmond.
Drive the scenic Fayette Station Road
The Fayette Station Road is a 7.5 mile one way road that brings you down the gorge to the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge. You can walk on the bridge for epic views of the New River Gorge Bridge. A downloadable audio guide provides information and history during the drive.
Explore historic Thurmond
Thurmond was a once thriving coal mining and railroad town. Now essentially a ghost town visitors can explore the historic buildings, railroad depot and lean about the history. There is a seasonal visitor center and guided walks.
Hiking
There are over 100 different trails. Some of the most iconic include the Endless Wall and Long Point Trail. There are also several trails to various waterfalls and old coal mining points of interest.
visit Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River and it spans 1500 feet and drops between 10 to 25 feet vertically. You can visit this waterfall in the southern aspect of the park. There is a boardwalk and small island loop easy trail at the waterfall. There are also vistas from above on the drive to the falls.
Adventure Sports
The New River Gorge is packed with awesome adventure sports. If you are into rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking this park is for you! Whitewater rafting on the New River or the Gauley River is one of the biggest draws for adventure seekers. There are several commercial operators to get quotes for your adventure. The New River rafting is generally open from April through October while rafting on the Gauley River is typically in September and October. Also if you are an adrenaline junkie Bridge Day which occurs one weekend in October offers the opportunity to base jump from the New River Gorge Bridge.
Visit surrounding state parks
There are several amazing State Parks located around New River Gorge. The iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill is located in Babcock State Park which borders New River Gorge NP and also has Boley Lake and lots of hiking trails. Hawks Nest State Park is to the north of New River Gorge and has epic views but also is where you can catch a boat tour on the New River. The Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park near Summersville has the Patterson Trail with great views of the Gauley River and is a great historic site. Bluestone State Park on the Bluestone Lake is just south of New River Gorge National Park.
Explore Nearby towns
Summersville, WV is north of the national park and has the Summersville Lake with hiking trails, the Carnifex Ferry State Park, Summersville Dam and has some rock climbing experiences. Fayetteville is a cute town just outside of the northern part of the park. There are several great restaurants there. There are also a few cool breweries you can check out like Free Folk and Bridge Brew Works. Hinton, WV is located near the Sandstone Falls and has a cute downtown.
Visit New River Gorge
New River Gorge National Park should definitely be on your list of top West Virginia destinations. You will absolutely love your time visiting this incredible area!
