The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve encompasses over 70,000 acres along the New River. The park, the most recently established US National Park, offers a wide array of easily accessible recreational opportunities for visitors, including white water rafting, fishing and rock climbing.
The New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent, flowing northward through deep canyons that it has carved over millions of years. The waterway has sculpted a rugged terrain, creating a gorge that plunges up to 1,500 feet, offering a unique ecosystem. The park’s diverse topography includes cliffs, forests, and wetlands, each supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Situated at the core of one of the largest remaining blocks of unfragmented mid-latitude forest in the world, the New River Gorge contains a diverse plant assemblage. Microhabitats that support species ranging from Atlantic coastal plain flora to northern mountain varieties inhabit the Gorge. In addition, the park is home to approximately 65 mammal species, including beavers, mink, and the endangered Indiana bat. Bird enthusiasts can spot bald eagles, osprey, and the cerulean warbler, a species in decline elsewhere but still prevalent here. The river itself supports a variety of fish, some of which are found nowhere else.
From a historical perspective, both indigenous peoples and European settlers have made the area their home. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the gorge became a center for coal mining and timber industries. Towns like Thurmond sprang up, serving as hubs for these booming enterprises. Today, visitors can explore remnants of these once-thriving communities, including coal mines, company towns, and railroad structures, offering a glimpse into the region’s industrious but now-faded past.
The park offers a multitude of activities that cater to a wide variety of interests and skill levels. Whitewater rafting and kayaking ethusiasts appreciate the New River in the Gorge, presenting challenging Class III to V rapids, demanding skill and experience, while the Upper New River provides milder Class I to III rapids suitable for beginners and families. Commercial outfitters operate guided trips from April through October.
In addition, with over 1,400 established climbing routes, the New River Gorge is a strong destination for rock climbers. The hard Nuttall sandstone cliffs, ranging from 30 to 120 feet in height, offer a variety of challenges, predominantly in the 5.9 and higher range. Both traditional and sport climbers can find routes that test their skills.
The park features over 50 miles of trails that wind through the forests, lead to panoramic overlooks, and pass by historical sites. Trails vary in length and difficulty, accommodating both casual walkers and seasoned hikers. Some trails follow old railroad grades, making them accessible for biking as well. Maps and recommendations are available at visitor centers to help plan excursions.
The New River teems with a wide variety of fish species, making it an excellent location for warm-water fishing. A valid West Virginia fishing license is required, and state regulations must be followed to ensure preservation. The park offers primitive camping areas along many areas of the river.
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve hosts several annual events, the most famous of which is Bridge Day held on the third Saturday of October. This festival commemorates the completion of the New River Gorge Bridge in 1977. On this day, the bridge is closed to vehicular traffic and opened to pedestrians and thrill-seekers who gather to participate in BASE jumping, rappelling, and other high-adrenaline activities.