The New River Gorge in West Virginia is the newest national park in the United States. This little-known location wasn’t on my radar for a long time, but I’m glad I found it. This park is worth visiting if you like outdoor recreation, history and spectacular views.
I’ve been to 29 national parks and there are the types that are closed off like a theme park and those that are part of the community that you might drive through on your way to someplace else. This is the latter. New River Gorge National Park has several different access points along 53 miles following the course of the New River. The closest airport is in Beckley, West Virginia and the nearest big city is Roanoke, Virginia, about two hours away. You’ll likely do some driving to get to the park, but most of it is tree-lined and hilly, making it a nice trip, especially during fall colors.
What is Special about New River Gorge
Driving through the park, many of the trails and scenic areas intersect with the New River along the gorge making the drive a breathtaking pleasure trip in nature.
The New River formed the gorge. New River is between 10 and 360 million years old, making it the second oldest in the world, according to the National Park Service. This rugged, whitewater river flows from south to north and carved the deep canyons of the gorge. It passes through three states and is among the oldest rivers in North America. The canyon reaches 1,600 feet at maximum depth, making it the third deepest gorge after the Grand Canyon and Yosemite Valley. New River Gorge received National Park status in 2020. It encompasses over 72,000 acres in southern West Virginia.
Today, the New River Gorge is a popular destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking, climbing, and fishing. The park is also home to various wildlife, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and black bears.
New River Gorge Bridge
Canyon Rim Visitor Center, near the middle of the park, is a good place to obtain maps and information about park recreation. It’s also the best area for views of the New River Bridge. A balcony in the center includes large chairs for admiring the scenery and several trails lead toward the bridge from here.
The New River Gorge bridge, at 3,030 feet, is the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. This steel arch bridge spans the gorge’s deepest point and is the most popular attraction in the park and the location from which many trails begin or end.
The bridge is for cars, not pedestrians, so the best way to see it is from the gorge.
History in New River Gorge National Park
In addition to its natural beauty, New River Gorge National Park is also rich in history and culture. As I drove or walked, I saw old stone walls and buildings throughout the park. This area and the Appalachian people who lived here were part of the coal, railroad, and timber industrial revolution. Many people made their livelihoods here and you can still see remnants of farmsteads, churches, schools, and homes.
This urban park requires some driving as you move through the various community and historic sites, including Quinnimont and Kaymoor coal mining towns.
Things to Do Around New River Gorge
This national park has more outdoor recreation activities than most. Whitewater rafting, hiking, climbing and kayaking are popular pastimes along the gorge.
Hiking: The park has over 100 miles of hiking trails, from easy to strenuous, but most are relatively short. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Kaymoor Trail, the Endless Wall Trail, and the Long Point Trail.
The New River Gorge is home to several large and small waterfalls, including:
- Sandstone Falls: This is the largest waterfall in the park, spanning 1,100 feet across the New River.
- Cathedral Falls: Find them near Glade Creek, surrounded by cliffs and forest after a 1.5-mile hike.
- Wolf Creek: These falls are 30 feet tall in a dense forest about 0.5-mile after the trailhead.
- Fern Creek: The upper 20-foot waterfall is along a 1.5-mile hike, while the lower 10-foot waterfall is a quarter mile further.
- Kaymoor Falls: This 20-foot waterfall is on Craig Branch Creek via a 1.5-mile hike.
Biking: The park has over 30 miles of paved bike trails and over 100 miles of unpaved bike trails. The park also offers a variety of bike rentals.
Climbing: The New River Gorge has over 1,400 climbing routes made of hard sandstone ranging from 30 to 120 feet tall. Several local companies offer guided climbs.
Fishing: The New River is home to various fish, including trout, bass, and catfish. The park offers a variety of fishing permits, and you can rent fishing gear from local businesses.
Rafting: The upper part of the river has beginner rapids up to Class III, while the lower section is known for fierce rapids ranging up to Class V. Several companies offer equipment and guided trips.
If you visit New River Gorge
There are four visitor centers. Canyon Rim Visitor Center and Sandstone Visitor Center are open year-round except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Thurmond Depot Visitor Center and Grandview Visitor Center are open only from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
New River Gorge National Park is a great place to visit year-round. In the spring, the wildflowers are in bloom and the waterfalls are flowing. The summer weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor recreation. The leaves change color in the fall, transforming the park into a beautiful autumn landscape. The park is often covered in snow in the winter, creating a white winter wonderland.
No matter what time of year you visit, New River Gorge National Park has something to offer anyone and driving through the various communities, taking in the history and one-of-a-kind sights makes a unique trip.
Read stories about other national parks here.
