National Parks Journal
Photo: JaGa · CC BY-SA 4.0
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Canyon Rim Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Canyon Rim Visitor CenterMain
Fayetteville, WV · Park open 24 hours; visitor center 9–5 daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day
- Directions to Sandstone Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Sandstone Visitor CenterMain
Sandstone, WV · 9–5 daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day
- Directions to Grandview Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Grandview Visitor Center
Beaver, WV · Open Memorial Day–October, noon–5 pm
- Directions to Thurmond Depot Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Thurmond Depot Visitor Center
Thurmond, WV · Open Memorial Day–Labor Day (fall weekends)
Airports
- BKW
Raleigh County Memorial Airport · Beckley, WV
ClosestSmall airportSmall airport. Contour Airlines flies to Charlotte (Essential Air Service).
- PIT
Pittsburgh International Airport · Pittsburgh, PA
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Activities
Top Hikes
4.8 mi · 427 ft gain · out & back
Traverses forest along cliff edges with vistas of the New River nearly 1,000 feet below. Diamond Point Overlook is a popular turnaround.
Starts at: Fern Creek Trailhead
3.2 mi · 300 ft gain · out & back
Through fields and forests to a rock outcrop with panoramic views of the gorge and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.
Starts at: Newton Road parking area
3.2 mi · 400 ft gain · out & back
Connects Main Overlook with Turkey Spur Overlook with breathtaking gorge and river views.
Starts at: Main Overlook at Grandview
2 mi · 900 ft gain · out & back
Descends 900 feet via 821 wooden steps to historic coal processing plant remains and coke ovens near river level.
Starts at: Kaymoor Top Trailhead
Upcoming Events
Patio Talk at Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Join a ranger at 10:00 for programs about various topics. Topics vary daily. Check the "whats happening today" board at Canyon Rim Visitor Center or ask a ranger for the topic of the day and the program starting location.
Thurmond Walk
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. For years, this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C&O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways. Some terrain may become slightly uneven. Good shoes, water, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline; loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour. Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding; RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot, overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the Dunglen area. Visitors in this parking lot can access the town by walking across the road bridge.
Shadows on the Trail
Join rangers for spooky stories at Grandview Visitor Center under the moonlit sky of Grandview. Let your imagination run wild about what might lurk in the dark just out of sight! Meet at the Grandview Visitor Center
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge
Best time to visit: May–June, September–October
The best time to visit New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is May–June and September–October. The weather is comfortable for hiking and rafting, and October brings fall color and Bridge Day on the third Saturday.
In those months, average highs are 66–80°F at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Visitor numbers peak in July, so these months are usually less crowded.
Monthly averages at Canyon Rim Visitor Center (1,730 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.
