Things to do at the New River National Park
There are so many things to do...where do I start
Fly in – Charleston, WV only 70 mile Northwest of the National Park
New River Gorge became 63rd National Park and the 20th Preserve in the U.S. on December 27, 2020. This National park in WV covers between the towns of Fayetteville, WV and Hinton, WV, over 70,000 acres of land. Also, the New River is one of the world’s oldest rivers.
Visiting the New River Gorge National Park Visitor Centers
- Canyon Rim Visitor Center ( https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/crvc.htm )
- Sandstone Visitor Center (https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/sandstone.htm )
- Thurmond Depot Visitor Center (https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/thurmond.htm )
- Grandview Visitor Center ( https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/grandview-visitor-center.htm)
At each center you visit, the Park Rangers offer such an amazing amount of information. They can give such great guidance on how to use your time and history of each site.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is one of my favorite places to visit as you can learn about the local area include the mining history. This is also the place to get your stamp for the National Park passport book and take in some of the greatest views.
I highly recommend the Canyon Rim Overlook Boardwalk Trail starting near the visitor center. This is about .7 mile out and back. There is a lower observation deck with any amazing view. This Overlook Boardwalk Trail is about 178 stairs down and back, but definitely worth the view.
The 3 minute drive from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center offers the Bridge Walk. This is a guided tour catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge. You will be secured in a harness latched onto a safety cable during the tour that takes you across the 3030ft long bridge over the New River.
Visit the website of the Bridge Walk to not only book a walk but to read about the New River Gorge Bridge history and facts.
Hiking
Where do I begin…there are over 100 miles of hiking and biking trails in the park.
Close to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center you will find the Fayetteville Area Trails which provide access to some of the most spectacular overlooks in the park.
https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
A few favorite trails…
Endless Wall Trail: Length 2.4 one way, moderate, and hiking only. This trail passes through the forest, crosses Fern Creek, and goes along the cliff edge.
Kaymoor Miners Trail: Length 1 mile, strenuous, and hiking only. This trail descends steeply .5 miles from the top of the gorge with stairs and switchbacks to the Kaymoor coal mine site. This is roughly 895 stairs to the bottom. I would recommend packing a water bottle.
Long Point Trail: Length 1.6 one way, moderate, hiking and biking. This trail traverses field and forest on the way to the rock, Long Point, with panoramic views of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge.
100 Mile Challenge
Become a Hundred Mile Hiker along the trails of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Bluestone National Scenic River. Just keep track of miles you have hiked in the park and when you reach that magic number 100, you will earn a special prize that place you in that elite group of wilderness pedestrians. Pick up a hike log at Sandstone or Canyon Rim Visitor Center to keep track of your miles. #NRG100mi
Climbing
Within the New River Gorge National Park, there are over 1,400 established rock climbs. “The New” has become one of the most popular climbing areas in the country. The cliffs are made up of a very hard sandstone, and range from 30 to 120 feet in height. Most of the routes in the gorge favor the advanced and expert climber.
Biking
Arrowhead Trails are not only for hiking but great biking trails. The beautiful landscapes and the variety of difficult to less challenging bike routes make the New River Gorge among the most popular destinations for mountain biking.
Hawks Nest State Park
This state park is located ~5mins from The Main Street Stay and is a 270 acre recreational area with nature museum, aerial tramway, jetboat rides, hiking trails and one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways in the nation. It is known for its scenic overlook.
Vista Restaurant
Offers scenic views as you can enjoy a Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. Menu:
https://wvstateparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Hawks-Nest-Vista-Restaurant-Menu.pdf
Hawks Nest State Park
Fayetteville
~15 mins from The Main Street Stay….Recreation, Restaurants, and Shopping
TimberTrek Adventure Park
7 obstacle courses expanding over suspended above the forest floor through 4 acres in the tree canopy. There are easier courses that are suitable for kids age 4 and up. A reservation is strongly recommended will get you a 3 hour timeslot to move along a crazy series of nets, swinging bridges, ziplines, suspended tunnels and platforms. You can have a group of up to 20 people. This is self-guided adventure however there are trained guides monitoring and coaching you from the ground.
I would recommend wearing athletic wear and nothing loose as well as close toed shoes.
