New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

HOURS
Closed
87 RATINGS
87%

About

The New River Gorge National River is a unit of the United States National Park Service designed to protect and maintain the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. Established in 1978, the NPS-protected area stretches for 53 miles from just downstream of Hinton to Hawks Nest State Park near Ansted. New River Gorge is also home to some of the country's best whitewater rafting. The focus of this rafting is in the New River Gorge from the Cunard put-in to the Fayette Station take-out.

MoreLess
More on Wikipedia

Guides

Against the backdrop of a picturesque West Virginia landscape, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has a collection of wildflowers any nature admirer would love. The gorge’s diverse terrain and ecosystem provide an optimal habitat for wildflowers such as the Virginia bluebells and the exotic Jack-in-the-Pulpit, which can be found cascading across grassy hillsides throughout the park. As always, be sure to keep your distance from wild plants and tread carefully as you explore.
More
National Parks Blooming with Wildflowers
National Park Foundation15 places
America’s newest national park is New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located along lone West Virginia country roads. Hillsides of Appalachian hardwoods and glens of rhododendrons give way to the rocky bed of the New River. Packed with history (both ancient and modern), the park is home to one of the oldest rivers in the world; its banks are dotted with old mining infrastructure and the crumbling remains of settlements. Here you can explore hiking trails that crisscross 70,000 acres.
More
Best Dog-Friendly US National Parks
Viator8 places
With its endless cliffside views and abundance of climbing routes, the Endless Wall Trail is an iconic day hike for anyone visiting New River Gorge NP. Towering nearly 1000 feet above, the views of New River are absolutely incredible, and, depending on the season, you can sometimes hear the voices of whitewater rafters as they brave the rapids of the lower New River Gorge.
More
Most Famous Hike in Every National Park
FATMAP63 places
West Virginia is home to New River Gorge, a 70,000-acre national park and preserve. Inside, the Big Branch Trail–a two-mile loop–will lead you to the glorious Big Branch Falls. A rush of water drops from a cliff about eight feet tall and flows down moss-covered stones. Unlike some other waterfalls, Big Branch Falls is tucked away in its own little section of nature, resulting in a fantastic backdrop. The trail and falls are about an hour from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.
More
West Virginia's Waterfall Trail Guide
Places.Travel8 places
The newest national park in the U.S., New River Gorge, was upgraded from a national river in 2020. Located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the park is centered around the dramatic New River Gorge and features countless outdoor recreation opportunities—many of which won’t cost you a dime. Hike or bike one of the park’s scenic trails, admire the views of the New River Gorge Bridge, go whitewater rafting on the New River, or drive the historic Fayette Station Road.
More
16 Free U.S. National Parks
Roadtrippers16 places
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the Americas, and New River Gorge National Park & Preserve conserves over 70,000 acres of land along the river in West Virginia. Rock climbing, kayaking, and camping are popular activities, but there is an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities in this park. Enjoy a nature program, take a guided historic walk, or take to the river itself for kayaking or canoeing adventures.
More
Discover America's National Parks
National Park Foundation63 places

Featured in Guides

Details