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. You can easily spend several days in the park alone but there is so much else to do around the area that is worth checking out. There are so many amazing state parks, cute towns, scenic overlooks and more.
epic surrounding state parks
Babcock State park
Babcock State Park is located on the eastern portion of the New River Gorge NP. It is known for its iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill. The park is 4, 127 acres in size and offers camping, hiking, birding, fishing, boating and biking. The Glade Creek Grist Mill is fully functioning a replica of a historic grist mill and one of the most photographed mills in the world. You can visit the mill. You are also permitted to fly a drone in the park between hours of 1-3PM. Some of the most popular trails include Island-in-the-Sky and Bowley Lake.
Hawks Nest State Park
Hawks Nest State Park is located just north of the New River Gorge NP. This state park is about a 18 minute drive from Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Here you can take in some incredible overlooks of the New River from 750 feet above. Make sure to go down the Lovers Leap Overlook for epic views. This park is where you can purchase tickets for boat ride on the river. You used to be able to take a tram down but they are repairing that so if you do the boat ride they will shuttle you by vehicle down. This park also has a lodge and The Overlook Restaurant with views of the river below.
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park commemorates the 1861 battle at Carnifex Ferry during the Civil War. This battle was a crucial Union Victory during the war. The park is one of the oldest state parks and is a popular place for Civil War reenactments. It has the Patterson Trail which is a 2 mile loop that gives some amazing views overlooking the Gauley River. This state park is about 25 minutes north of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. On the way there you can stop at the Overlook of Long Point of Summersville Lake and the Summersville Dam.
Other nearby State Parks
The Bluestone State Park and the Pipestem Resort State Park are both located south ofthe New River Gorge National Park. The Bluestone State Park offers a lake, hiking trails and camping. Pipestem Resort State Park has lodges, golf, and loads of outdoor recreation.
surrounding cities and towns
Fayetteville
This historic town is the jumping off place for those visiting New River Gorge National Park. It is known for its outdoor adventure offerings due to its location but it also offers vibrant art scene, local eateries and cultural charm.
Summersville
Summersville is a city located around the Summersville Lake which offers boating, fishing and hiking. There are cliffs perfect for rock climbing. It has a lot of hotel options and places to eat. It is 22 miles north of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center of New River Gorge Park so serves as another great place to stay while visiting the area.
Hinton
Hinton was established in 1873 by John “Jack” Hinton and is located 11 miles south of the Sandstone Visitor Center in the southern part of the New River Gorge National Park. There is a charming historic district, the Ritz Theatre and the Hinton Railroad Museum.
Other unique things to do
John Henry Park
John Henry Park is located near Talcott, WV southeast of the New River Gorge National Park. It is a great addition to check out while visiting Sandstone Falls. It is a 35 minute drive from the Sandstone Falls Visitor Center. This park celebrates the legend of John Henry where he challenged the steam drill at the Great Bend Tunnel.
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. Rock climbing is available in New River Gorge but also in the Summersville area. 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.
Waterfalls
There are several amazing waterfalls in the surrounding area. Dunloup Falls is a hidden fall on the road to Thurmond historic town. There is a roadside pull off to this beautiful waterfall and boasts cascades of 20 feet. Cathedral Falls is located north of the park near the town of Gauley Bridge and is also a quick pull off from the road. It drops 60 feet over rocky ledge and is one of the highest waterfalls in West Virginia. Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall in New River Gorge National Park but to get to it takes a little bit of a drive from the Sandstone Visitor Center so make sure to take that into account when visiting.
Concho Rim Overlook
This epic overlook is not actually park of the National Park but looks into it. It is on the western side of the park. It is a 25 minute drive from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Since it is on private land is sometimes can be closed for private events. It can be accessed down a gravel road. There is a wonderful platform that overlooks the river and Thurmond below.
Visit New River Gorge and everything around
New River Gorge National Park should definitely be on your list of top West Virginia destinations. But don’t stop there! Make sure to allot time for the surrounding areas. You will absolutely love your time visiting this incredible outdoor paradise!
