New River Gorge National Park is a beautiful and unique national park located in West Virginia. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, as well as many different recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The New River, which is one of the oldest rivers in the world, runs through the park and is the centerpiece of the park’s stunning scenery. In 1978, the park was established and named after the New River, covering 72,000 acres of land. The park is home to many different species of birds and wildlife, as well as several hiking trails and campgrounds for visitors to enjoy.

Whether you are an experienced hiker or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, New River Gorge National Park has something for everyone. It is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. It is an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of West Virginia.

For a condensed view of the park feel free to check out rvResortScouts Badlands National Park Information listing.

Park History / General Overview

New River National Park was established in 1978, making it a relatively young national park. The park is named after the New River which runs through it, and is known for being one of the oldest rivers in the world. It is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. The park covers over 72,000 acres of land, which includes a diverse range of habitats, from rugged wilderness to rolling hills.

The New River has played an important role in the region’s history. The river was used as a transportation route for early settlers and played a key role in the logging and coal mining industries. The park was created to protect the New River and its unique ecosystem, as well as preserving the area’s rich cultural history.

In addition to the natural and cultural resources, the park also offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, from hiking and camping to fishing and wildlife viewing. The park’s trails offer breathtaking views of the New River and the surrounding landscape. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors looking to experience the beauty of West Virginia.

Getting Oriented

New River Gorge National Park is divided into three main sections: the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, the Grandview Visitor Center, and the Sandstone Visitor Center. Each of these visitor centers offers different activities and attractions, so it is important to plan your visit accordingly.

The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is located at the southern end of the park. It is a great place to start your visit. Here, visitors can learn about the history and geology of the New River. They can also take in the beautiful views from the canyon rim. The visitor center also has exhibits, maps and brochures that can help visitors plan their trip.

The Grandview Visitor Center is located on the eastern end of the park and is home to the park’s largest campground. It is also a popular spot for hiking and bird watching. The visitor center has a gift shop, restrooms and picnic area.

The Sandstone Visitor Center is located at the northern end of the park. It is home to the park’s most popular hiking trail, the Endless Wall Trail. This trail offers stunning views of the New River and the surrounding landscape. The visitor center also has a picnic area, exhibits, restrooms and a bookstore.

Visitors can also find a variety of trails throughout the park, including easy, moderate and strenuous trails. The park service recommends visitors to check trail conditions, bring enough water and appropriate footwear, and to stay on designated trails.

New River Gorge National Park Essentials

Getting to New River National Park is easy as it is located in West Virginia. Visitors can reach the park by car or by public transportation. Once you arrive, there are several rules and regulations that you will need to follow. These rules ensure that the park remains safe and protected for all visitors.

• No pets on the trails. This is for the safety of your pet, as well as for the protection of the park’s wildlife.
• Only set up a campfire in the designated areas. This helps to protect the park’s natural resources and to prevent wildfires.
• Do not hunt or fish in the park. This helps to protect the park’s wildlife and to maintain a peaceful environment for all visitors.
• Stay on designated trails. This helps to protect the park’s natural resources and to prevent visitors from getting lost or injured.

Visitor Center is located at Canyon Rim Visitor Center, Grandview Visitor Center, and Sandstone Visitor Center. Visitors can find information about the park, such as trail maps and brochures. Park rangers can also provide information and assistance to visitors.

It’s important to note that cell service can be spotty in some areas of the park. Because of this, visitors should have a map and a plan for their visit. It’s also a good idea to let someone know about your plans and expected return time. This can be crucial in the event of an emergency.

Visitors must prepare for changing weather conditions, bring enough water and snacks, and wear appropriate footwear. By following these rules and recommendations, visitors can help ensure that their visit to New River Gorge National Park is safe and enjoyable.

Things You Need To Know

When visiting the National Park, there are a few things that visitors should keep in mind to ensure that their visit is safe and enjoyable.

During summer months, the park may get very crowded, so visitors should plan accordingly. This means it is best to plan your visit during the spring or fall season. This will not only help avoid the crowds but also provide a more comfortable weather.

Second, the park is home to a variety of wildlife. Therefore, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Visitors should keep a safe distance from animals and dispose of trash properly to avoid attracting wildlife.

Third, the park’s trails can be steep and rocky, so it is important to wear appropriate footwear and be in good physical condition. Visitors should also be aware of trail conditions and check for any closures or warnings before starting their hike.

Finally, it is important to be aware that cell service can be spotty in some areas of the park, so visitors should have a map and a plan for their visit. It’s also a good idea to let someone know about your plans and expected return time, in case of an emergency.

Best Hikes In New River Gorge National Park

The National Park is home to many beautiful hiking trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. Here are five of the best hikes in the park:

1. Endless Wall Trail: This trail is considered one of the park’s most popular hikes, and for good reason. It offers stunning views of the New River and the surrounding landscape, and is a moderate hike with a distance of 3.5 miles.
2. Grandview Trail: This trail is a great option for families and offers beautiful views of the New River. It’s a moderate hike with a distance of 1.5 miles.
3. Glade Creek Trail: This trail is a moderate hike that offers great views of the park’s wildlife. It’s a 3.5-mile hike.
4. Fern Creek Trail: This trail is an easy hike and offers great views of the park’s waterfalls. It’s a 1-mile hike.
5. Thurmond to Beckwith Trail: This trail is a moderate hike and offers great views of the New River and the surrounding landscape. It’s a 3-mile hike.

It’s important to note that trail conditions can change frequently, so visitors should check trail conditions and bring enough water and snacks before starting their hike. Visitors must also wear appropriate footwear and prepare for the weather. By following these guidelines, visitors can ensure that their hike is safe and enjoyable.

Accommodations

New River Gorge National Park offers several options for overnight accommodations, which include:

• Campsites: The park has several campgrounds located throughout the park, including the Grandview Campground and the Sandstone Campground. These campgrounds offer tent and RV sites, as well as restroom facilities and potable water. We highly recommend making reservations, particularly during peak season.
• Backcountry Camping: Backcountry camping is possible with the proper permit. Visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in designated areas. Backcountry campsites are primitive, and visitors need to bring their own water and supplies.
• Lodges: There are no lodges within the park, but visitors can find lodging options in the surrounding area.
• Cabins: There are no cabins within the park, but visitors can find cabin rental options in the surrounding area.

Visitors should make reservations as soon as possible, as the park’s accommodations fill up quickly, especially during the peak season.

It’s also important to note that bears are present in the park, so visitors should be aware of food storage regulations and follow the guidelines provided by the park service.

Safety

When visiting New River Gorge National Park, safety should be a top priority. There are a few things you should always be on the lookout for when visiting. Things such as wildlife, weather, and having the proper gear are extremely important.

Visitors should also be aware of the park’s wildlife, and follow the guidelines provided by the park service to avoid dangerous encounters. Visitors should keep a safe distance from animals, store food properly, and dispose of trash properly to avoid attracting wildlife.

If an emergency arises, park rangers can be reached by dialing 911 or by visiting the nearest visitor center. Visitors should also inform park rangers or a family member of their plans and expected return time, in case of an emergency.

What’s In The Surrounding Area

Outside the park, visitors can find many activities and attractions in the surrounding area. Some popular options include visiting the town of Beckley, which is home to several museums and historical sites such as the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia.

Another option is the Tamarack, which is a cultural center that showcases the art, music, and history of West Virginia. Visitors can find locally-made crafts, clothing, and souvenirs, as well as a restaurant serving local cuisine.

Other nearby attractions include the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere and offers beautiful views of the New River. Visitors can also take a guided tour or go bungee jumping from the bridge.

Fayetteville is another nearby town, which offers a variety of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, white water rafting and kayaking. Visitors can also find several restaurants and shops in the town.

Visitors can also find several state parks and forests in the surrounding area, such as the Babcock State Park and the Monongahela National Forest. These parks offer a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

New River Gorge National Park Wrap Up

In conclusion, the National Park is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. With its stunning scenery and rich history, it’s an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors should plan their trip, be aware of the park’s rules and regulations, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. They can also find many activities and attractions in the surrounding area, such as visiting the town of Beckley, the Tamarack cultural center, the New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville, and nearby state parks and forests. With a bit of planning and preparation, visitors can have a safe and enjoyable trip to New River Gorge National Park.