A traveler's guide to New River Gorge National Park
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.
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.
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.
If you only remember this
- 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.