New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
West Virginia
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve encompasses more than 70,000 acres (28,328 hectares) of land along 53 miles (85 kilometers) of the river in southern West Virginia. The powerful waterway has carved the deepest and longest gorge in the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors come for recreational activities, including whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, and bird watching.
Head to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to hike its trails, go river rafting, or bike along an abandoned railroad grade. The river's Lower Gorge is a prime whitewater rafting spot with rapids with Class III to V rapids. Tour companies lead trips from April through October. The river's upper part offers Class I to III rapids for whitewater canoeing. Park ranger programs include talks, walking tours, and fishing excursions in summer.
Pets must be leashed. Dogs can also become an official New River Gorge B.A.R.K. Ranger; visit any visitor center for info.
All campgrounds within the park are primitive—meaning there are no hook-ups, electricity, potable water, flush facilities, or dump stations. More developed campsites are available nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at the Canyon Rim and Sandstone Visitor Centers; mobile service can be spotty in the park.
There is no entrance fee to access the park.
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is accessible via Route 19, between Beckley and Hico, and from I-64, between Mossy and Sandstone. Enter visitor center coordinates into your GPS to find the best entry. Amtrak service is available to three locations in the park, three days a week. The Cardinal route, which runs between Chicago and New York, stops at Hinton and Prince, with Thurmond as a flag stop for passengers with reservations.
The park is open year-round. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center and Sandstone Visitor Center are open daily, typically from morning to early evening, except on major holidays. The Grandview Visitor Center and Thurmond Depot Visitor Center are open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and on weekends in September and October. The weather in the mountains is often cool and wet. On average, July is the warmest month and the one with the most precipitation.
Located in the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Thurmond was once the home of wealthy coal barons. Today, the town operates as a summer visitor center. Although there are no plans to turn the commercial buildings into museums, the National Park Service is working to restore the exterior of Thurmond Depot and encourages visitors to explore the once bustling town. It's an Amtrak flag stop with an accessible platform for train travelers.
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