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New River Gorge National Park is a hidden gem in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, USA. This National Park and Preserve is home to one of the world’s oldest rivers, the New River, and a dramatic gorge that is carved by the river over millions of years. The park is a beautiful and diverse place that offers an appealing natural landscape with many unique features and offers many outdoor activities.
The park is named after the New River Gorge Bridge, which spans the gorge and is one of the highest and most iconic bridges in the USA. The bridge is a symbol of the beauty and diversity of New River Gorge National Park. The bridge is 3,030 feet long and 851 feet above the New River, and it is a truly breathtaking sight. The bridge was completed in 1977 and solved the travel challenge by reducing a 40 minute drive down the narrow mountain road across one of North America’s oldest rivers to less than a minute.
The park is home to a variety of impressive scenery like lush forests, towering cliffs, deep gorges, gushing rivers and gorgeous waterfalls. From hiking to fishing, from camping to whitewater rafting, from mountain biking to wildflowers viewing, and rock climbing to wildlife watching, there is always something for everyone to enjoy.
These photos are from our visit to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia on May 26th, 2023.
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Quick Facts and Tips
- Best time to Visit: April to October
- April to May (Spring): Comfortable temperatures, wildflowers season, fewer crowds, however some trails may be muddy or remain closed. Considered as moderate in terms of hotel price and availability.
- June to August (Summer): Weather is warm and humid, expect more crowds, and considered as high in terms of hotel price and availability.
- September to October (Fall): Cooler temperature, best time for fall foliage.
- Fly Into
- Good Deals and Major International Airports
- West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW), Charleston, West Virginia which is about 70 miles northwest of the park.
- Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW), Beckley, West Virginia, which is about 50 miles southeast of the park.
- Both airports offer a variety of commercial flights, including flights from major airlines such as American, Delta, and United.
- Other Airports:
- Lewisburg (LWB) Airport, Lewisburg, West Virginia, about 36 miles north of the park
- Roanoke (ROA) Airport, Roanoke, Virginia, about 67 miles east of the park
- Tri-Cities Regional (TRI) Airport, Johnson City, Tennessee, about 123 miles east of the park
- Not as many options as Yeager Airport or Raleigh County Memorial Airport.
- Good Deals and Major International Airports
- Clothing:
- The weather in New River Gorge National Park can vary depending on the time of year, so pack accordingly.
- Summer: Casual t-shirts, shorts, tank tops, skirts/sundresses, capris, rain jackets, comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, light jackets or long sleeves for the cool morning and evenings
- Fall and Spring: Dress in layers. Pack comfortable pants/jeans, long sleeves, fleece and warm jackets, vests, scarf, hat, gloves, and comfortable hiking shoes
- Accommodations:
- Hotel pricing near New River Gorge National Park may vary depending on the season, location and availability. Summer is considered as most expensive, spring and fall as moderate and winter is usually cheapest. Book the appropriate hotels of your interest that fit your needs and budget best.
- Inside the Park: There is no lodging inside the park. But several cabins, campgrounds and backcountry sites are available.
- Outside the Park: Fayettle and Beckley are the closest towns to the park and have a variety of hotels, shops, restaurants. Hinton is close to the southern end of the park and has few hotels. Oak Hill is at the northeast of the park and has several hotels, resorts and also has a waterpark.
- What to expect
- Impressive view of the New river and its Gorge, great views of surrounding mountains and forests, gorgeous Waterfalls, seasonal Wildflowers
- Park is open year round. The visitor centers’ hours vary throughout the year, usually open from 9/10 am to 5pm.
- Entrance Fee: No Entrance Fee.
- How many days: 1-2 days.
- Be sure to check the Park Website for current updates on road closures and trails conditions before you head out. Check for the park’s hours of operation and parking restrictions.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. Carry rain gear/extra clothing.
- Weak/no cell phone signals inside the park. It is highly recommended to have maps downloaded or printed.
- Make use of the free park shuttle service which runs from May to October. The shuttles stop at all of the major trailheads and overlook the park. The shuttle runs every 30 mins during summer season and runs every hour during shoulder season. NO shuttle runs on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day.
- There are parking areas available near the visitor centers, trailheads, and overlooks.
- Visitors can also learn about the park’s rich history and culture at the visitor centers and museums.
- Starting early is the best way not only to beat the traffic, but also for the best lighting, more elbow room, increased chance of seeing wildlife, and avoiding the crowds.
- The trails are busy during the summer season. Bring plenty of water and snacks like granola bars/frozen fruits.
- Take caution and follow the posted signs while driving through the park for pullovers to take photos or to view wildlife. Avoid parking in unauthorized areas, such as in front of trailheads or in no parking zones.
- The Fayette Station road is narrow with multiple hairpin turns, so drive slowly. Avoid stopping in the middle of the road and use only pull-outs to stop and enjoy the views.
- Keep some extra time for stopping for photos, sights, unexpected wildlife encounters, detours, and for unplanned delays.
- It is better to inform your friends/family members about your plans, especially If you are planning on doing any hiking or camping. Stay on the trails and be aware of your surroundings.
- There is a lot to capture, so keep your camera ready. Make sure that the camera is fully charged and also keep a backup battery as well as memory cards.
- Few food stations are available inside the Park and offer a variety of food options, including snacks, drinks, and hot meals. There are few restaurants in the towns and communities near the park and offer a wider variety of food options, including sit-down dining, fast food, and casual dining.
- There are restrooms located throughout New River Gorge National Park.
- Places to go:
- New River Gorge Bridge, Fayette Station Road, Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, Kaymoor Mine Area, Thurmond Depot, Nuttallburg, Grandview Lookouts, Sandstone Falls, Big Ranch Falls
- Hikes to Take: Long Point Trail, Endless Wall Trail, Big Ranch Falls Trail, Kaymoor Miners Trail
- Best Thing To Do
- New River Gorge Bridge Boardwalk: Take a short and easy 0.6 mile boardwalk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the rugged canyon of the gorge below. The boardwalk has two vantage overlooks. The Canyon Rim Upper Bridge Overlook is just a short walk from the parking lot. To reach the Canyon Rim Lower Bridge Overlook, take the short boardwalk and descend 178 steps. The visitor center has exhibits, maps, a bookstore, restrooms, and water bottle filling stations.
- The New River Gorge Bridge Walk: Take a thrilling guided tour on the catwalk below the New River Gorge Bridge. Guests wear a harness and safety cable, then take a short walk to the bridge and board a shuttle to the catwalk. This unforgettable and onetime life experience tour costs you from $100 to $125. You can purchase tickets at Canyon rim Visitor Center or online at https://bridgewalk.com/
- Fayette Station Road: Take a scenic drive on Fayette Station Road for stunning views of the New River Gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. The 8-mile road is one-way, narrow with steep drop-offs and tight switchbacks, but it offers great close-up views of the bridge. There are a few pull outs and trailhead parking along the way.
- Tunney Hunsaker Bridge: Take a stroll on the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge for impressive views of the New River Gorge. The bridge is open year-round and there is a small parking lot on the right side of the road just before the bridge. It is a pretty and historic truss bridge over the New River that connects New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Fayette Town.
- Thurmond Depot Visitor Center: Visit the historic Thurmond Depot, a restored railroad depot serving as a park visitor center. Take a short walk to downtown Thurmond to see historic furnishings that bring the golden days of railroading back to life. Walk on the one-lane bridge for good pictures. Restrooms are available inside the visitor center.
- Grandview Overlook: Take a short walk on the paved trail to the Grandview Overlook from the Grandview Visitor Center. The overlook offers the most dramatic scenery and the broad view that spans over 1400 feet down to the New River. There are restrooms, picnic tables, and a gift shop at Grandview Visitor Center.
- Sandstone Falls: Embrace the cascading waterfalls at Sandstone Falls. More info here.
- Nuttallburg: Nuttallburg is a historic coal mining town and it was one of the first places to ship the smokeless coal that was in high demand in the late 19th to early 20th century. The site offers great views of the remains of the town’s buildings and structures such as the triple, coke ovens, the school and homesites. The Kenny’s Creek Road to Nuttallburg is a narrow, winding, and steep road with a mix of paved and gravel surfaces. Drive with caution and watch for oncoming traffic. Large vehicles and trailers are not advised.
- Best Hike to Take
- Long Point Trail: This is a 3-mile moderate out-and-back trail near Fayetteville with wildflowers, forest, and panoramic views of the gorge, river, and bridge. No facilities at trailhead, bring water and snacks, dress for weather. Be aware of the weather conditions and dress accordingly.
- Endless Wall: This 2.3 mile loop trail located at Lansing, West Virginia is generally considered an easy route. More info here.
- Kaymoor Mine Area: From the parking lot, you can see the remains of the old Kaymoor mine and the New River Gorge Bridge in the distance. Take a short walk along the access road to get a closer look at the mine ruins. The 1.6 mile out and back trail gives access to one of many abandoned historic coal mining sites in the Gorge
- Big Branch Falls: This 2 mile loop trail is considered as a moderately challenging route and offers a beautiful cascading stream with many waterfalls.
- Nearby Attractions
- Babcock State Park: Visit beautiful Babcock State Park and appreciate calm mountainous scenery that includes the Glade Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper’s mill. More info here.
- Hawk’s Nest State Park: Visit Hawks Nest State park just 10 miles north of New River Gorge Bridge to have a bird’s eye view of the rugged New River Gorge National Park and Preserve below. More Info here.
