.png%3F1746030352&w=3840&q=75)
Explore Information in New River Gorge National Park with grouped stops, trails, and related park places collected under the same planning theme.
Use this Information guide to compare the stops that belong together in New River Gorge National Park, then decide which ones deserve map time or a saved trip stop.
Visitor Essentials
Welcome to New River GorgeWelcome to New River Gorge & Preserve, a true paradise for adventurers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike! Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, this park is one of the most diverse and stunning landscapes in the United States.
Visitor Essentials
Park Hours & Seasonal AccessNew River Gorge and Preserve is open year-round, allowing visitors to explore its breathtaking landscapes at any time. While the park itself has no entrance gates or hours, visitor centers and certain facilities follow seasonal schedules
Visitor Essentials
Fees, Passes & Entry RequirementsNew River Gorge and Preserve is a fee-free park, meaning there is no cost for entry.
.png%3F1746025603&w=3840&q=75)
Visitor Essentials
Where to Stay: Lodging & RentalsNew River Gorge and Preserve does not offer lodging within the park, but visitors will find a range of accommodations in the surrounding areas.
Visitor Essentials
Food & Shopping in the New River GorgeNew River Gorge and Preserve does not have on-site dining or shopping, but the nearby towns of Fayetteville and Beckley are filled with local flavor and unique finds.
Visitor Essentials
Cell Service & ConnectivityNew River Gorge and Preserve offers an escape into the wild, but visitors should be prepared for limited cell service throughout the park.
Visitor Essentials
Fueling Up: Gas & EV Charging StationsBefore heading into New River Gorge and Preserve, making sure your vehicle is fueled up is essential.
Visitor Essentials
Weather & Seasonal ConditionsNew River Gorge and Preserve in West Virginia experiences a dynamic climate that varies by season, requiring visitors to prepare for changing conditions.
Visitor Essentials
Staying Safe in the New River GorgeNew River Gorge may be a breathtaking outdoor playground, but its rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions require careful preparation to ensure a safe visit.
.png%3F1746027276&w=3840&q=75)
Visitor Essentials
Visiting with Pets: Rules & GuidelinesBringing your pet to New River Gorge and Preserve can make for an unforgettable adventure, but responsible pet ownership is key to keeping both your furry companion and the park's wildlife safe.
Visitor Essentials
Accessibility & Inclusive TravelNew River Gorge and Preserve is dedicated to providing an inclusive experience so all visitors can enjoy its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures.
Visitor Essentials
Park Contacts & Social MediaNeed info? Call New River Gorge and Preserve at (304) 465-0508,
Plan Your Visit
Best Times to Visit New River GorgeNew River Gorge is a stunning destination year-round, with each season offering a unique way to experience its breathtaking landscapes.
.png%3F1746027940&w=3840&q=75)
Plan Your Visit
Avoiding Crowds & Insider TipsThe park offers breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, but visiting at the right time can make all the difference in avoiding crowds.
Plan Your Visit
Getting Here: Directions & TransportationNew River Gorge and Preserve, located in the heart of southern West Virginia, is easily accessible by car and offers a variety of scenic routes leading into its breathtaking landscapes.
Plan Your Visit
New River Gorge ItinerariesNew River Gorge offers a variety of experiences tailored to different schedules and interests.
.png%3F1746028142&w=3840&q=75)
Plan Your Visit
Events & Seasonal HighlightsNew River Gorge hosts a variety of events throughout the year, showcasing its rich natural beauty and adventurous spirit.
Things to Do
Hiking at New River GorgeNew River Gorge and Preserve in West Virginia is a hiker's paradise, boasting over 40 scenic trails that wind through lush forests, past historic landmarks, and along towering sandstone cliffs.
Things to Do
Scenic Drives at New River GorgeExploring New River Gorge and Preserve by car unveils a landscape rich in history and natural beauty.
.png%3F1746028831&w=3840&q=75)
Things to Do
White Water at New River GorgeNew River Gorge and Preserve in West Virginia is a top-tier whitewater rafting destination, combining breathtaking scenery with thrilling rapids.
.png%3F1746029175&w=3840&q=75)
Things to Do
Bicycling at New River GorgeBicycling at New River Gorge and Preserve offers riders a chance to explore the park's stunning landscapes, whether they're seeking a relaxing ride or an adrenaline-filled mountain biking adventure.
Things to Do
BackpackingBackpacking in New River Gorge and Preserve offers a chance to fully experience the rugged beauty of West Virginia's Appalachian wilderness.
.png%3F1746027922&w=3840&q=75)
Things to Do
Bridge DayBridge Day, held annually on the third Saturday of October in Fayetteville, West Virginia, is the state's largest single-day festival, celebrating the engineering marvel of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Things to Do
Climbing at New River GorgeA climber's paradise, offering over 1,400 established routes that wind up its rugged sandstone cliffs.
Things to Do
Fishing at New River GorgeFishing at New River Gorge and Preserve in West Virginia combines scenic beauty with exceptional angling opportunities.
Things to Do
HuntingA time-honored tradition that allows hunters to engage with nature while upholding conservation principles.
.png%3F1746029696&w=3840&q=75)
History & Culture
Hidden History HighlightsThe New River Gorge & Preserve in West Virginia is steeped in fascinating stories that reveal the region's rich cultural and historical legacy.
.png%3F1746029835&w=3840&q=75)
History & Culture
PeopleThe New River Gorge & Preserve is steeped in the stories of the people who shaped the region's history, particularly during its industrial boom.
History & Culture
PlaceThe New River Gorge & Preserve is rich in history, and its places tell the stories of a diverse range of communities and industries that once thrived here.
History & Culture
StoriesNew River Gorge & Preserve is a treasure trove of stories that weave together the region's geological, cultural, and industrial history.
.png%3F1746030174&w=3840&q=75)
Nature & Wildlife
Animals in New River GorgeHome to an incredible variety of animal species, thanks to its unique geography and the New River's role as a migration corridor.
.png%3F1746030398&w=3840&q=75)
Nature & Wildlife
Plants in New River GorgeNew River Gorge and Preserve in West Virginia is a botanical gem, boasting one of the most diverse plant ecosystems in the Appalachian region.
Nature & Wildlife
Environmental Factor New River GorgeThe park's wildlife habitats are diverse, yet data on species health and population conditions remain limited.
Nature & Wildlife
Natural Features & EcosystemsThe New River Gorge is a breathtaking landscape shaped by time, where ancient geology and thriving ecosystems come together in a stunning Appalachian setting.
Conservation & Climate
Old-Growth ForestsHome to some of the rarest and most valuable remnants of ancient forests, known as old-growth forests.
Conservation & Climate
Effects of Climate Change at New River GorgeThe effects of climate change are rippling through the New River Gorge, reshaping its landscapes and ecosystems in ways both subtle and dramatic.
Conservation & Climate
Geologic formationThe geologic formations of New River Gorge & Preserve highlight millions of years of Earth's history, showcasing the power of erosion and the unique characteristics of the region.
.png%3F1746030914&w=3840&q=75)
Conservation & Climate
Mixed Mesophytic ForestThe Mixed Mesophytic Forest is one of North America's most biodiverse ecosystems, offering a stunning display of flora and fauna in the Appalachian region.
.png%3F1746031159&w=3840&q=75)
Conservation & Climate
Appalachian Flatrock CommunityThe Appalachian Riverside Flatrock Community is a rare and fascinating ecosystem found within New River Gorge and Preserve, as well as in select high-energy Appalachian rivers.
Conservation & Climate
Rivers and SteamsThe rivers and streams within New River Gorge and Preserve are not only essential to the park's breathtaking landscapes but also play a crucial role in supporting diverse ecosystems.
