Despite its name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers on the continent, carving a rugged 1,000-foot gorge through the mountains of southern West Virginia. America's newest national park is a playground for whitewater rafting, world-class rock climbing, and hiking, all beneath the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, with overlooks that blaze with color at sunrise and sunset.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
The park itself is open 24 hour a day, year round. The park's two main visitor centers at Canyon Rim and Sandstone are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day). There are two seasonal Visitor Centers located in Thurmond and Grandview. They are typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Weather
Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.
Things to Do
Trail Run Grandview Rim Trail
Trail run that is 3.1 miles. This is an out and back route that is on different compositions. It is mostly a dirt path with varying degrees of hardness. In fall, when leaves are falling, be aware that the leaves can block view of any dips in the trail terrain.
Hunting in the Park
Hunting is permitted in any areas designated as National Preserve. Knowing your location and rules for that area are the hunter's responsibility. There are areas where hunting is prohibited in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including safety zones near public areas and the 800 acre section of the park at Grandview (these are all the areas designated as New River Gorge National Park, Camp Brookside, the Arrowhead Trail Area, the Park Loop Trail Area, and Burnwood.
Trail run at Endless Wall
Endless Wall Trail is and excellent place for a trail run but due to the volume of other hikers, this trail runner would recommend that this be an early morning location. The trail is easy to moderate for elevation change and if you make a loop and run on the road to connect the two parking areas, the loop will be approximately 3.0 miles in all. There are a few must sees and that is a detour off the main trail and follow the sign for Diamond Point. The view is amazing.
Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail
The 4.0 mile roundtrip trail run or hike is strenuous. The terrain is crushed rock for most of the trail, but there are a few areas that the terrain can be a bit uneven. If you start at the trailhead in the Grandview location, it will be downhill for 2.0 miles and then uphill for 2.0 miles. There will be just over 1000 foot change in elevation for this trail.
Castle Rock Hike
Amazing hike that brings you right next to the layers of rocks that make-up the gorge. The trail is uneven and requires some scrambling over some of the rock obstacles. The steps are made up of rocks and can be super slippery when wet. This trail is not recommended if there is ice or snow due to potential slipping hazards.
Bicycling at New River Gorge
New River Gorge National River offers over fifty miles of mountain bike trails, varying from easy to difficult in terrain and distance.
Getting There
Address: 104 Main Street Glen Jean WV 25846
To reach Park Headquarters take Route 19 North from Beckley to the Glen Jean exit. Upon exiting Rt 19, make an immediate left turn. At the next intersection, turn right. Park Headquarters will be straight ahead on the right. GPS Coordinates for Headquarters: 81.15587W, 37.92775N PLEASE NOTE: Third party search and map apps may direct you to an potentially inaccessible area of the park with no amenities or rangers stations. Please refer to the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters addresses for directions.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Army Camp
11 sites · Free
This campground offers both tent and RV campsites along the banks of the New River at one of its many horseshoe bends. There are 11 drive-in sites for RVs, cam…
Brooklyn Campground
5 sites · Free
This tent only campground is located on the banks of the New River near the Cunard River Access point and Southside Trailhead. It offers 4 walk-in tents sites …
Burnwood Group Campsite
1 sites · $75/night
Burnwood is located across Route 19 from Canyon Rim Visitor Center and offers group camping. This site is only for groups of 8 or more people and requires a Sp…
Glade Creek Campground
11 sites · Free
This forested campground offers both tent and RV sites near the banks of the New River and the Glade Creek Trailhead. There are 6 walk-in tents sites and 5 dri…
Grandview Sandbar
16 sites · Free
This campground offers shaded wooded campsites near the banks of the New River. There are 10 wooded drive-in sites for RVs, campers, car camping, and tents; 6 …
Meadow Creek Campground
17 sites · Free
This primitive campground located along the New River is only one mile from the Sandstone Visitor Center. It offers 17 sites in an open field. The railroad cro…
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New River Gorge National Park open?
The park itself is open 24 hour a day, year round. The park's two main visitor centers at Canyon Rim and Sandstone are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day). There are two seasonal Visitor Centers located in Thurmond and Grandview. They are typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
What are the best things to do in New River Gorge National Park?
Popular things to do in New River Gorge National Park include Trail Run Grandview Rim Trail, Hunting in the Park, Trail run at Endless Wall, Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in New River Gorge National Park?
Yes — New River Gorge National Park has 9 campgrounds, including Army Camp, Brooklyn Campground, Burnwood Group Campsite. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.