If you love epic views, endless trails, and rugged, less-crowded adventures, New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia should be at the top of your list. As one of America’s newer national parks, it’s still flying under the radar — but not for long. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your trip, including the best hikes, where to stay, what to pack, and how to make the most of your time in the gorge.
Where Is New River Gorge National Park?
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in southern West Virginia, just outside the small, outdoorsy town of Fayetteville. It’s within driving distance of cities like Washington D.C., Charlotte, and Columbus, making it an ideal long weekend destination.
- Closest Airport: Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV (1.25 hours)
- Driving Distances: ~4 hrs from D.C., ~5 hrs from Charlotte
Why Visit New River Gorge National Park?
New River Gorge National Park is a true hidden gem in the National Park system. From accessible overlooks to adrenaline-fueled adventures, it offers a wide range of experiences without the crowds you’ll find at more popular parks. Here’s what makes it worth the trip:
1. Big Views Without Big Effort
This park is packed with jaw-dropping vistas that don’t require long or strenuous hikes. Trails like Long Point and Endless Wall deliver panoramic views of the gorge and the iconic bridge with just 2–3 miles of hiking — making it perfect for early mornings, quick stops, or low-key exploring.
2. World-Class Whitewater
The New River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern U.S., with the Lower New featuring Class III–V rapids and the Upper New providing a calmer float. Several local outfitters run guided trips, so it’s easy to add a rafting day to your itinerary regardless of experience level.
3. Rock Climbing Hotspot
With over 1,400 routes and high-quality sandstone, New River Gorge is one of the premier climbing destinations in the country. Even if you don’t climb, it’s fun to watch climbers scale the cliffs near popular trails like Endless Wall and Bridge Buttress.
4. History and Ghost Towns
The park preserves the remnants of historic coal mining towns like Nuttallburg and Thurmond, where you can walk among ruins and learn about the area’s industrial past. These quiet, eerie sites add depth and cultural context to your visit.
5. A Laid-Back Adventure Base
Fayetteville, the park’s gateway town, is full of local charm and everything you need for a comfortable stay — from good food and breweries to gear shops and cozy Airbnbs. It’s the kind of town where you can hike all day and relax with great pizza and a local beer by evening.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park
This park is open year-round and each season offers a different experience:
Spring (April–May)
Spring is a beautiful time to visit, especially if you love waterfalls and wildflowers. Trails are lush and the water is flowing fast, making this a great time for rafting the Upper or Lower New River. Temperatures are cool and pleasant for hiking, but muddy trails are common.
Summer (June–August)
Summer brings warmer temperatures and more visitors — though it still feels much quieter than the big western parks. This is peak season for whitewater rafting, climbing, and camping. Expect afternoon thunderstorms and humidity.
Fall (September–October)
Fall is hands-down the best time to visit. The fall colors in New River Gorge are spectacular, especially in mid to late October. Hiking trails like Endless Wall and Long Point are breathtaking when the ridges explode with reds, oranges, and golds. Bridge Day, held every third Saturday in October, is a huge event where base jumpers leap from the New River Gorge Bridge — it’s thrilling to witness but expect big crowds.
Winter (November–March)
If solitude is what you’re after, winter offers peaceful hiking and wide-open views without any crowds. Snowfall is possible but usually light. Some services and facilities may be limited, but most trails remain open.
Best Hikes in New River Gorge National Park
Hiking is one of the best ways to experience the gorge’s dramatic cliffs, forested trails, and sweeping river views.
Long Point Trail
- Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Why Go: One of the best panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge. Go early for sunrise or golden hour light.
Endless Wall Trail
- Distance: 2.4–3.2 miles depending on route
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Why Go: Consistently ranked one of the best trails in the U.S. Offers incredible views from multiple overlooks with little elevation gain.
Kaymoor Miners Trail
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous, steep descent with stairs
Why Go: Offers a unique blend of rugged hiking and history with a steep trail leading down 821 wooden steps to the preserved ruins of the Kaymoor coal mine. This immersive hike showcases industrial relics and interpretive signs deep in the gorge, rewarding hikers willing to tackle the challenging climb back up.
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
- Distance: 0.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy, ADA accessible
- Why Go: Scenic waterfall walk on the southern end of the park. Ideal for families or photographers.
Can’t-Miss Experiences in New River Gorge
Whitewater Rafting
The New River offers Class III–V rapids on the Lower New River and a more mellow float on the Upper New River. Outfitters in the area offer half-day and full-day guided trips.
Scenic Drive: Fayette Station Road
A one-way, winding road that takes you underneath the New River Gorge Bridge and offers some of the best bridge views from below. Historic signs along the way highlight the area’s railroad and coal history.
Explore a Ghost Town: Nuttallburg
A preserved mining town that feels frozen in time. A short hike takes you through ruins of coal processing structures, conveyor belts, and the town’s foundations.
New River Gorge Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Start your visit here. It has accessible walkways to bridge overlooks, restrooms, and maps. Ranger-led talks are also available in peak seasons.
Where to Stay at New River Gorge National Park
Campgrounds
- Free NPS Campgrounds: Grandview Sandbar, Army Camp, Glade Creek
- First-come, first-served; no hookups
Glamping + Cabins
- Adventures on the Gorge: High-end cabins, glamping tents, guided activities
- ACE Adventure Resort: Rustic cabins, campground, and waterpark
- Arrowhead Bike Farm: Affordable camping with great on-site food and beer
Hotels + Rentals
- Fayetteville: Has Airbnbs, boutique inns, and budget motels
- Nearby Towns: Beckley or Oak Hill for chain hotels
Where to Eat in Fayetteville, WV
This little adventure town punches above its weight in food options:
- Cathedral Cafe: Coffee, breakfast, and local vibes
- Pies & Pints: Wood-fired pizza and craft beer
- Wood Iron Eatery: Fresh, healthy meals with a creative twist
- Bridge Brew Works: Small batch craft beer and a welcoming outdoor hangout spot in Fayetteville.
What to Pack for New River Gorge
This park covers rugged, varied terrain. Come prepared:
- Your packing list depends on the season, but here are the essentials:
- Hiking shoes with good tread — many trails have exposed roots and rocks
- Layered clothing — the gorge can be 10–15 degrees cooler than surrounding areas
- Rain gear — afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer
- Headlamp if you plan to hike for sunrise or sunset
- Water bottles or hydration bladder — there are no water fill stations on trails
- Offline maps — service is limited in the gorge
- Optional but helpful:
- Trekking poles (for uneven trails)
- Climbing or rafting gear (or book rentals)
- Bug spray in spring/summer
- Binoculars or camera for wildlife and vistas
Final Thoughts About Visiting New River Gorge
New River Gorge National Park offers everything we love in an underrated national park — epic hikes, dramatic views, endless recreation, and a friendly town base to explore from. Whether you’re here for a weekend of hiking and photography or diving into whitewater and climbing adventures, the gorge delivers big adventure with a laid-back, local vibe.
It’s wild without being remote. Exciting without being overcrowded. And absolutely worth the trip.
Don’t forget to check out our other blog posts on National Parks and hiking.