New River Gorge

Overview

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, America's newest national park (designated 2020), protects a 53-mile stretch of the New River as it carves a deep gorge through the Appalachian Plateau of southern West Virginia. Despite its name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America, and its gorge — up to 1,400 feet deep — exposes rock layers spanning 300 million years of geologic history. The New River Gorge Bridge, a 3,030-foot steel arch spanning the canyon 876 feet above the river, is the third-highest bridge in the United States. Whitewater rafting is the park's signature activity. The Lower New River offers Class III-V rapids through a narrow, dramatic gorge that has been a destination for serious paddlers for decades. The Upper New provides gentler Class I-III water suitable for families. Beyond the river, the park encompasses 72,000 acres of densely forested plateaus, cliff-lined side canyons, and a growing network of mountain biking and hiking trails through old mining and railroad towns. Bridge Day, held annually in October, is the only day pedestrians can walk across the New River Gorge Bridge. BASE jumpers and rappelers descend from the span while thousands watch from the bridge deck and canyon rim. Rock climbing on the gorge's Nuttall sandstone walls, especially at the Endless Wall area, draws climbers from across the East Coast.

Things to Do

• Raft the Lower New River whitewater (Class III-V)
• Hike the Long Point Trail to a bridge overlook
• Rock climb the Endless Wall sandstone cliffs
• Walk across the bridge on Bridge Day (October)
• Mountain bike the Arrowhead Trails
• Explore abandoned mining towns along the gorge
• Fish for smallmouth bass in the New River
• Attend Bridge Day for BASE jumping and rappeling

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Warm summers with highs in the 80s and high humidity. Fall is spectacular with foliage in October. Spring brings high water for the best rafting conditions. Winters are cold with occasional snow.