Curator’s statement
New River Gorge National Park, located in southern West Virginia, is a breathtaking haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning over 70,000 acres, the park is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys and the iconic New River, which winds through the gorge, offering world-class whitewater rafting and stunning vistas.
Visitors can explore over 70 miles of hiking trails, including routes that lead to scenic overlooks, historic sites and lush forests. With its blend of rugged beauty, rich heritage and adventure-filled activities, New River Gorge National Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking both tranquility and excitement in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
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Day 1: Thrilling adventures
For your first day in New River Gorge National Park, you can jump right into some of the most exciting, thrilling adventures of all!
Whitewater rafting: There are many companies offering guided adventures on the New River. For beginners, the upper section is milder and more tranquil. For those up to the challenge, the lower section has larger rapids with more obstacles.
Bridge walk: Another great way for adventure-seekers to spend the day is taking a guided tour under the New River Gorge Bridge. On this three-hour adventure, you are safely harnessed as you walk 25 feet under the bridge. Be sure to make reservations in advance as this is a very popular attraction at the park.
Mountain biking: For avid bikers, the Arrowhead Trails is a network of 13 miles of trails. Don’t worry if you can’t bring your bike along. There are companies where you can rent mountain bikes for the day!
Rock climbing: The sandstone cliffs of New River Gorge National Park are known for some of the best rock climbing, with over 1,000 established climbing sites.
Day 2:
Today, you will get to see the best views of the park! You will probably want to pack a lunch so you do not have to take a detour while exploring the park.
Enjoy breakfast in Fayetteville: Cathedral Café offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere with a menu of delicious, locally sourced comfort food and artisan coffee, perfect for a casual dining experience. The Brew Garden at Waterstone serves up expertly brewed coffee and a delightful selection of breakfast dishes, offering a warm, inviting spot to start your day.
Hike Long Point Trail: This is a 3-mile trail that provides the best view (in my opinion) of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Endless Wall Trail: There are two options for this trail, but the two-mile out-and-back option is recommended, as it saves you from a 0.5 mile stretch without much scenery. Parking can be challenging for this hike. It is recommended to park in the Nuttall Parking Lot.
Stop at Canyon Rim Visitor Center: The next stop is the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Along with the visitor center, there are two options of overlooks. One is easily accessible from the parking lot. To get a closer view of the New River Gorge Bridge, you can take about 200 steps down to a second overlook.
Drive Fayette Station Road: After the visitor center, get back on Fayette Station Road, which takes you to the other side of the river. Stop at Fayette Station to get another view of the bridge! (It is important to note that the drive is not suitable for large vehicles.)
Dinner in Fayetteville: Fayette Station Road ends in Fayetteville. This is a great place for dinner. Pies and Pints is a great place to grab some pizza. Secret Sandwich Society (my personal favorite) has great signature sandwiches and burgers.
Day 3: Last day
If you are not staying in Fayetteville and you will be leaving this day, you may not want to make the trip up to Fayetteville. But don’t worry, there are still parts of the national park to explore!
Grandview Overlook: To close out your time in New River Gorge National Park, Grandview Overlook gives you one last spectacular view of the winding New River.
Need to know
Since there are not many hotels near the national park, the best hotel options will be in Beckley, which is around 30 minutes from Fayetteville. If you are hoping to stay closer to the national park and fully experience the outdoors, campgrounds or cabins may be a better fit for you!
The New River Gorge National Park has no entrance fee. Remember to book activities in advance if you are interested in whitewater rafting, the bridge walk, mountain biking or rock climbing. April–October is known to be the best time to visit. This is when the weather is the best and activities are more available. I personally think that Fall is the best time to visit!
One important date to remember is the third Saturday of October, which is Bridge Day. This is an event where professional jumpers leap from the bridge, which is a great experience to witness, but does lend itself to much larger crowds.
Travel Advisor
Emily Bissette
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