National Park Guide

New River Gorge National Park

West Virginia, US

America's newest national park protects one of the oldest rivers on the continent, carving a dramatic 1,000-foot-deep gorge through the Appalachian Mountains.

72,186

Acres

Trails

2020

Established

1.6 million

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

Year-round

Entrance Fee

Free

Nearest Airport

Yeager Airport (CRW), 1 hour

Best Months

May, June, October

Highlights

New River Gorge Bridge and Bridge Walk
Endless Wall Trail
Whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers
Long Point Trail overlook
Sandstone Falls

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in New River Gorge National Park

Long Point Trail

Moderate

3.2 miles round trip

300 ft gain

Endless Wall Trail

Moderate

2.4 miles round trip

200 ft gain

Grandview Rim Trail

Moderate

3.0 miles loop

350 ft gain

Castle Rock Trail

Easy

0.6 miles round trip

100 ft gain

Kaymoor Miners Trail

Strenuous

2.0 miles round trip

750 ft gain

About New River Gorge National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia showcases one of the oldest rivers in North America as it cuts a deep canyon through the rugged Appalachian plateau. The park is renowned for world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing on Endless Wall, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel-span arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

In-Depth Guide

New River Gorge National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to New River Gorge National Park. Top trails, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for exploring West Virginia's newest national park.

12 min read

Weather Overview

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Hotels

3 options near New River Gorge National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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Quality Inn New River

Well-rated hotel in Fayetteville with continental breakfast, on-site restaurant, seasonal outdoor pool, and pet-friendly rooms near New River Gorge Bridge.

5 min drive$80-140/night

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Comfort Inn New River

Modern hotel near New River Gorge offering complimentary full breakfast, gym, business center, and easy access to the gorge and outdoor adventures.

10 min drive$100-160/night

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Hawks Nest State Park

Scenic lodge with 31 rooms offering panoramic views of the New River Gorge, complimentary continental breakfast, restaurant, and private balconies.

15 min drive$86-183/night

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Compare New River Gorge National Park

See how New River Gorge National Park stacks up against other national parks

New River Gorge National Park vs Shenandoah National Park

Choose New River Gorge for adventure sports, whitewater rafting, and dramatic canyon scenery. Choose Shenandoah for scenic driving, accessible ridge-top hiking, and a more relaxed mountain experience.

See full comparison