New River Gorge National Park

The newest national park: a whitewater gorge and a famous bridge.

The New River is old water in a deep cut. Rim overlooks, the bridge walk in season, and Fayetteville as a base. Bridge Day is a circus; every other day is better for hiking West Virginia.

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Location

38.07° N, 81.08° WOpen in OpenStreetMap

Must-see spots

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Best time to visit

April–October

Trip planner

A New River Gorge National Park itinerary

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Field guide

New River Gorge National Park is a U.S. National Park in West Virginia. The newest national park: a whitewater gorge and a famous bridge.

When to go

April–October is the window most visitors aim for. Shoulder seasons mean fewer cars at trailheads. Winter can close roads; summer can fill parking lots by 8 a.m. Check NPS alerts the night before you drive in.

How to see it

Start with canyon Rim Visitor Center overlook. Then long Point for the bridge view. If you have a second day, a whitewater day with a licensed outfitter. Keep one spare hour for endless Wall Trail.

Park practicalities

An America the Beautiful pass covers entry at most national parks. Timed-entry reservations are used at several busy parks in peak season — book those before lodging. Wildlife has the right of way; 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves.

Pack this in your notes

Bridge Walk and rafting book up on fall weekends. Weekdays feel like a different park.
Download offline maps. Cell service drops in most parks.
Bring layers. Elevation and wind change the day faster than the forecast.
Enter the park early. Famous lots and shuttles fill first.

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Traveler reviews

Rate and review

Luca F.

6/10

New River Gorge National Park is bigger than the postcard

Long Point for the bridge view. The newest national park: a whitewater gorge and a famous bridge. Crowds thin if you are moving at first light. April–October is the window I would book again.

Dec 5, 2025

Sofia R.

10/10

Start early in New River Gorge National Park

Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlook. Long Point for the bridge view. Give New River Gorge National Park days, not hours, and go in April–October. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Nov 4, 2025

Nate J.

8/10

Start early in New River Gorge National Park

A whitewater day with a licensed outfitter. Endless Wall Trail. Give New River Gorge National Park days, not hours, and go in April–October. The trailhead line is the tax; the quiet after it is the park.

Jan 6, 2025