National Parks Journal
Photo: Gary Hartley
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.
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.
Ranger Guided Hike
Join us for a hike on the Burnwood Trail or Endless Wall Trail. Expect an deasy to moderate 1.2 mile hike through old growth forest. Burnwood Trail is located directly across Route 19 from Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Bring water and good walking shoes.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: March, November
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
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.