New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With its rugged cliffs, lush forests, and the iconic New River flowing through it, this park is a paradise for hikers, climbers, and water enthusiasts.
One of the park's main attractions is the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world. Visitors can walk along the catwalk underneath the bridge for a thrilling experience and breathtaking views of the gorge below. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the annual Bridge Day festival offers the opportunity to watch base jumpers and rappellers leaping from the bridge into the gorge.
Hiking trails crisscross the park, leading visitors through diverse landscapes and offering stunning panoramic views of the gorge. The Endless Wall Trail is a favorite among hikers, winding along the edge of the gorge and providing opportunities for rock climbing and birdwatching. The park is also a popular destination for whitewater rafting, with the New River offering exhilarating rapids for experienced paddlers.
For history buffs, the park is home to a number of historic sites and structures, including the remnants of coal mining operations that once thrived in the area. The Thurmond Historic District, with its well-preserved train depot and ghost town atmosphere, provides a glimpse into the region's industrial past.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Attractions - What to See and Explore
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church and Cemetery, Prince Brothers General Store. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Learn when is the best time to travel to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Wood turtle
The wood turtle, or Glyptemys insculpta, is a fascinating species native to North America. They are primarily found in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada, thriving in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Reptiles
Eastern Box Turtle
The common box turtle, scientifically known as Terrapene carolina, is a captivating species found in the Eastern United States and parts of Mexico. These turtles are easily identifiable by their unique hinged shells, which they can close completely for protection.
Reptiles
Golden eagle
The golden eagle, a majestic bird of prey revered across the Northern Hemisphere, belongs to the Accipitridae family. These eagles are easily identified by their dark brown feathers accented with striking golden-brown patches on their necks.
Birds
Horned grebe
The horned grebe, also known as the Slavonian grebe, is a small waterbird belonging to the Podicipedidae family. It has two subspecies: P. a. auritus, found in the Palearctic region, and P. a. cornutus, which resides in North America.
Birds
Cerulean warbler
The cerulean warbler is a delightful member of the New World warbler family. If you spot an adult male, you'll be captivated by his striking pale blue and white feathers accented with distinctive black markings. Females and juveniles, on the other hand, exhibit more...
Birds
West Virginia