Things to do in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
A West Virginia canyon park along the New River with sandstone cliffs, whitewater, forest trails, coal history, overlooks, and world-class climbing.
Best months: April, May, September, October
What is worth your time in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Long Point TrailDo not miss
The trail ends at a dramatic viewpoint facing the New River Gorge Bridge across the canyon.
Hike · 2.5 hr5
New River Gorge Bridge OverlookDo not miss
The overlook and boardwalk frame the iconic steel arch bridge high above the river.
Viewpoint · 45 min4.9
Canyon Rim Visitor CenterDo not miss
The visitor center is the best first stop for bridge views, exhibits, maps, and trail conditions.
Ranger Program · 1.1 hr4.8
Endless Wall TrailDo not miss
This rim trail offers the park signature cliff-edge gorge views above the New River.
Hike · 2.5 hr4.8
New River Gorge RaftingDo not miss
Guided rafting is the signature active way to experience the gorge from river level.
Water Activity · 5.5 hr
Grandview Main Overlook
The overlook gives a sweeping horseshoe-bend view of the New River far below.
Viewpoint · 45 min4.9
Sandstone Falls
The broad falls span the New River and anchor the quieter southern end of the park.
Viewpoint · 1.5 hr4.8
Sandstone Visitor Center
This visitor center provides indoor natural-history context and orientation for the southern gorge.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.8
Castle Rock Trail
This short but rugged trail traverses cliffs and forest below Grandview with strong gorge views.
Hike · 1.5 hr4.7
Kaymoor Miners Trail
The steep route descends through mining history to old coke ovens and industrial ruins.
Hike · 2.8 hr4.6
Glade Creek Trail
The creekside trail offers forest, swimming holes, and a quieter southern hiking experience.
Hike · 3 hr4.4
New River Gorge Bridge Walk
The catwalk tour beneath the bridge offers a thrilling engineered view into the gorge.
Other · 2.5 hr
New River Gorge Climbing
The sandstone cliffs are one of the premier climbing destinations in the eastern United States.
Climbing · 4.5 hr
New River Gorge Night Sky
Grandview and rim overlooks can offer strong stars when humidity and clouds cooperate.
Stargazing · 1.4 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- New River Gorge is famous for the New River Gorge Bridge, whitewater rafting, Endless Wall, Long Point, sandstone climbing, forested gorge views, and coal-town history.