New River Gorge in West Virginia was solely lately designated a nationwide park. As a brand new park, you would possibly anticipate it to nonetheless be growing and discovering its id as a park, and to make sure, there’s nonetheless some rising the world is bound to do.
However New River Gorge was at all times properly outfitted with issues to do, and just a few years after it grew to become a park, you’ll now discover limitless enjoyable issues to do in New River Gorge Nationwide Park. Whether or not you’re into climbing, journey actions, or historic sightseeing, it’s all right here.
You’re certain to seek out no less than one in all these 18 issues to do in New River Gorge excellent in your sort of journey.
18 of the Greatest Issues to Do in New River Gorge
1. Take a Scenic Drive
New River Gorge is about among the many mountains of West Virginia, and you already know what which means? It’s excellent for a street journey. Throughout your time within the gorge, you’ll spend a while navigating from vacation spot to vacation spot, however you should definitely put aside a while to go wherever the street leads you.
There are just a few nice scenic drives, together with the 3-hour New River Gorge Scenic Drive, encircling all areas of the park. However should you’re searching for one thing a bit of shorter, then driving Fayette Station Street packs a punch.
It was once that this was the one street throughout the gorge earlier than the New River Gorge Bridge was constructed. However now the Fayette Station Street scenic drive is an effective way to see the gorge, the bridge, and most of the greatest views multi functional route.
2. Watch a Sundown within the Gorge
Sundown in New River Gorge is spectacular, so don’t put it in your itinerary as an afterthought, simply in case you will have sufficient power on the finish of the day to remain out for sundown.
Nope, experiencing this can be a should, and there are many spots for it. Sit again and benefit from the views from the rim of the gorge, watching the golden rays disappear over the ridge. A few of the greatest spots for sundown within the gorge are on the park’s most iconic hikes, and anyplace that you could see the bridge.
In order that’s why taking a hike is subsequent up on the checklist!
3. Hike the Lengthy Level or Infinite Wall Trails
New River Gorge is a hiker’s vacation spot, with loads of straightforward and difficult hikes for all ranges.
Infinite Wall Path could also be the most well-liked hike in New River Gorge. It’s a 2.4-mile path, with trailheads at each ends. An effective way to hike it’s to choose one of many trailheads, hike out to in regards to the midway level the place the very best views on the path are discovered, after which return to the parking space.
The path is called for the views it supplies of the limitless wall of rock that extends across the rim of the gorge. It’s a fashionable spot for rock climbers who take pleasure in descending the cliffs. However for many, it’s a fascinating view with an easy-to-moderate hike out and again.
Second solely to Infinite Wall, Lengthy Level Path is one other hike you’ll hear almost everybody suggest. Whereas will probably be fashionable, it’s properly value it. This hike will take you out to essentially the most panoramic view of the New River Gorge bridge.
It’s an exquisite bridge, and standing on Lengthy Level you’ll get to admire it surrounded by the great thing about nature throughout.
4. Zipline By way of the Treetops
New River Gorge has fairly a status as an journey vacation spot. When you’re right here within the park you’ve received to expertise no less than one exercise that will get your coronary heart racing. Ziplining in New River Gorge is a type of bucket checklist actions to verify off when you’re right here.
There are a number of locations to zipline in New River Gorge, together with a number of journey retreats with their very own programs set as much as offer you a tour of the treetops, together with superb views of the gorge and surroundings down beneath.
It’s not only one zipline and also you’re completed. These teams will take you thru a number of zips, bridges, and platforms to finish a whole course. Even should you’ve by no means ziplined earlier than, they’ll educate you every thing you might want to know to be outfitted for the journey.
5. Discover the Trails at Grandview
The whole thing of New River Gorge Nationwide Park stretches 53 miles down the gorge, preserving so many acres of West Virginia wilderness. So when you might hear most frequently in regards to the fashionable trails talked about above, there are entire different areas of the park most individuals depart unexplored!
The Grandview space of the park is additional south from the principle customer areas however continues to be residence to its personal customer middle and path community. The most important draw for this space is the grand view – a viewpoint overlooking the gorge and the river beneath.
Fort Rock, Tunnel Path, and the Grandview Rim Path all begin from the overlook space, they usually every supply distinctive options of New River Gorge.
6. Stroll the New River Gorge Bridge Stroll
You possibly can’t go far in New River Gorge Nationwide Park with out seeing or listening to in regards to the bridge. This unimaginable feat of structure is the longest single-span bridge within the US, at over 3,000 ft lengthy.
However one of many coolest issues about it’s that you could stroll beneath the bridge. There’s a catwalk within the rafters of the bridge the place a walkway takes you all the best way throughout. And New River Gorge Bridge Stroll leads group excursions throughout this stroll.
Significantly one of the distinctive issues to do in New River Gorge, it’s an exercise to not be missed. With views so far as the attention can see down the gorge and above the river, strolling the New River Gorge bridge catwalk is one thing most guests speak about because the spotlight of their journey.
7. Uncover a Historic Mine Operation
One thing chances are you’ll not learn about New River Gorge is that there’s a lot of historical past right here. The New River Gorge was as soon as residence to a number of booming coal mines. The mine websites have been all named after the businesses that ran them, and these days if you go to New River Gorge, you’ll come throughout traces of those operations.
Mountaineering to or stopping in at these mine websites could be a fascinating peek at historical past. The Kaymoor and Kaymoor Miners Trails take hikers down into the gorge to the doorway of the coal mine.
Relics of the coal mining days, corresponding to a security board displaying a strategy to observe accidents on the mine are what stay in the present day. These trails are fairly steep to get you to the bottom of the mine, so these hikes are thought of among the extra strenuous within the park.
8. Search Out the Greatest Views
Finally, the very best factor to do in New River Gorge is to point out off the gorge. Its stunning views are what convey folks right here and you could find them all around the park. In lots of locations alongside the backroads of West Virginia, you’ll discover overlooks that divulge heart’s contents to gorgeous views of the gorge and the forest masking it.
We’ve already mentioned views at Lengthy Level and Grandview, however another overlooks to go to are the Turkey Spur Overlook and Concho Rim Overlook. These are nice locations to seek out on a scenic drive between the principle areas of New River Gorge Nationwide Park.
Merely standing on the overlooks and looking offers you an appreciation for why this place grew to become a nationwide park.
9. Go Whitewater Rafting
A whitewater rafting vacation spot, New River Gorge is residence to a number of rivers with each the Gauley and New Rivers making their manner via the world. These are massive, highly effective, whitewater areas that may give an journey to anybody who’s up for the trip.
You possibly can select from quite a lot of ranges of rapids, with areas appropriate for newcomers, and even households who wish to convey the youngsters on a water journey. However for these severe whitewater fans, the Gauley River is named a world-class vacation spot, particularly within the fall when the dam is launched, bringing swift waters throughout the technical rapids.
10. Attempt Out Rock Climbing and Rappelling
One other technical journey in New River Gorge is mountain climbing and rappelling. Each mountain climbing and rappelling contain navigating the cliff rock faces and both climbing or descending utilizing rope and different gear.
Don’t fear, there are skilled guides who will assist level you to the appropriate spots and hold you having fun with your self on a guided tour.
And New River Gorge is a good spot for mountain climbing. Simply take into consideration that limitless wall of rock face that surrounds the canyon rim. The climbing neighborhood is robust right here and has arrange many routes with ladders and anchors to clip into.
Among the best locations to rock climb in New River Gorge is at Bridge Buttress, an enormous tough rock face excellent for climbing straight up. Wherever you find yourself, going with an clothing store will provide help to discover a route and check your climbing limits.
11. Search Out Waterfalls
If you happen to search for them, there are waterfalls in New River Gorge Nationwide Park. In reality, the state of West Virginia has arrange a West Virginia waterfall path, permitting you to verify off the falls you go to on a street journey via West Virginia.
Just a few of them are situated in or close to New River Gorge. Whereas New River Gorge isn’t primarily a waterfall vacation spot, with that a lot water operating via the valley, you’ll be able to actually discover some streams and creeks giving houses to magnificent waterfalls.
Sandstone Falls is the most important of all of them, proper on the river, with rocky areas bringing many brief falls all collectively in a single place. It’s simply accessible with a brief path on a boardwalk taking you to see the waterfall.
One other enjoyable one to see is Cathedral Falls which is a roadside falls, straightforward to leap out and see on a drive to or from New River Gorge. And should you drive Fayette Station Street, Wolf Creek Falls is situated a brief stroll from the Kaymoor Trailhead alongside the drive.
Loads of waterfalls in New River Gorge should you’re a waterfall seeker!
12. Go to Canyon Rim and the Customer Heart
Canyon Rim Customer Heart is the principle customer middle of New River Gorge and is one in all two customer facilities that stay open year-round. As it would sound, this customer middle is situated proper on the rim of the canyon, making it an amazing spot to cease for views of the gorge.
And bonus – that is the place you’ll be able to stand up shut views overlooking the New River Gorge bridge. A brief stroll to a boardwalk behind the customer middle will take you to the Higher Viewpoint, and some stairs will take you all the way down to the Decrease View. Each really feel like you’ll be able to virtually attain out and contact the bridge, with nice views via the timber.
Plus contained in the customer middle is almost as stunning, and there are just a few reveals to let you be taught in regards to the gorge and its historical past.
13. Try Babcock State Park
There’s a lot wild and fantastic West Virginia to go round that there are a number of nice state parks close to New River Gorge. Extra climbing, outside actions, and nice issues to do are all situated inside the close by Babcock State Park.
The most important draw of Babcock State Park is the Glade Creek Grist Mill, an enormous stone and picket construction set in a serene nature setting. It makes an exquisite scene and guests journey from throughout simply to expertise and {photograph} the mill.
Nonetheless, don’t simply sweep out and in and solely see a fraction of what the state park has to supply. Spend just a few nights in a campground or cabin to hike and luxuriate in Babcock.
14. Trip the Mountain Bike Trails
Carry your bikes or hire some to trip via the backroads and mountain bike trails of New River Gorge. There’s an amazing community of trails, and biking is inspired for fans to take pleasure in extra of West Virginia’s wilderness.
The paths of New River Gorge are of such nice high quality that they’re often hosts to mountain biking occasions and races. However there are trails for the entire household, newcomers, and endurance racers. Even if you need simply to get a style of biking within the mountains, New River Gorge could possibly be an amazing day journey.
15. Fish on the New River
For certain, there’s one thing for everybody in New River Gorge. Fishing is a well-liked exercise in and across the New River. For a lot of, nothing sounds higher than a weekend fishing within the mountains.
Get the right fishing license and get on the market on the water to see what number of trout, bass, musky, and extra you’ll be able to catch. There are at all times recollections to be made on a fishing journey with pals.
16. Stroll Round Downtown Fayetteville
Whereas New River Gorge is themed round getting open air, that doesn’t imply there isn’t one thing to be found off the paths. Better of all, the small cities of New River Gorge keep true to the backwoods really feel of this nationwide park.
Fayetteville, West Virginia is the unofficial residence base of New River Gorge Nationwide Park. One of many greatest locations to remain in New River Gorge, it’s additionally an amazing place to benefit from the native aptitude. Residence to many charming eating places, it has a historic allure you gained’t discover in most of the extra commercialized nationwide parks.
Vintage and classic outlets and small boutique companies are scattered down the principle avenue. After having fun with lunch in Fayetteville, spend a day ducking out and in of the door frames to see what’s inside.
17. Stroll the Deserted Thurmond District
For the reason that New River Gorge was a hub of coal, the railroad was additionally big within the gorge within the early 1900s. Wherever a practice depot was constructed grew to become a bustling space of exercise. After the trade modified, and coal-powered locomotives have been now not the first technique of transportation, the railroads moved out, leaving cities like Thurmond frozen in time.
The Nationwide Park Service has restored the depot and a number of other historic constructions making this an amazing place to see what life would have been like in the course of the success of small-town West Virginia.
Take a self-guided strolling tour of the Thurmond Historic District and see empty buildings and what stays of the coal loading operations.
18. Take a Ghost Tour
Talking of deserted coal mining cities, the sudden vacating of the mines has given New River Gorge vacationers one other distinctive factor to do – take a ghost tour. If you happen to’re you’ll be able to take a non-public guided tour beginning on the native customer middle to listen to the scary ghost tales of Fayetteville and the encompassing space.
You’ll hear tales and folklore of the New River Gorge, led by an in-costume information to go away you a bit of chilled listening to the historic happenings in these small cities.
Guess you didn’t suppose ghost tales and outside recreation can be discovered aspect by aspect at one of the intriguing nationwide parks. There’s actually one thing for everybody in New River Gorge, and you may expertise all of it for your self.
FAQs – The Greatest Issues to Do In New River Gorge
How lengthy must you spend at New River Gorge Nationwide Park?
Although there are such a lot of issues to do in New River Gorge, even a brief weekend journey may be sufficient to get an excellent style of the park and what you would possibly wish to come again to see. Few of the actions in New River Gorge will take greater than half a day, so two or three days can let you see all of the issues that curiosity you within the park.
However if you’re a real journey junkie or wish to take your time exploring the backroads of West Virginia, you would prolong this street journey just a few extra days to absorb extra of the gorge and the encompassing space.
Are there free issues to do in New River Gorge?
Sure! Spending time open air is a very free exercise, and top-of-the-line issues about New River Gorge is that there are not any entrance charges. You don’t want to purchase a park cross to get into New River Gorge Nationwide Park and you may spend hours exploring the paths, cities, and drives close by.
Mountaineering is likely one of the greatest free issues to do in New River Gorge Nationwide Park, and although this information solely talked about the highest handful of trails, there are dozens extra to discover when climbing New River Gorge.
Whether or not you’re waterfall looking or watching the sundown, New River Gorge couldn’t be a greater vacation spot for the finances traveler.
Is New River Gorge Nationwide Park value it?
Spend any time in New River Gorge and also you’ll surprise why it didn’t turn out to be a nationwide park earlier than 2020. There are such a lot of hidden gems and thrilling journey actions in New River Gorge Nationwide Park it’s value a go to. And for sure, you’ll depart wanting to return again.
Take pleasure in The Greatest Issues to Do in New River Gorge Nationwide Park
Taking a street journey to New River Gorge Nationwide Park provides limitless prospects for what to discover. Climbing, mountain biking, and rafting will fulfill the adventurous traveler. A cabin keep in a close-by state park whereas climbing among the state’s greatest trails brings stability for a extra stress-free keep. Or a scenic drive to the deserted coal cities provides historic vibes for the extra considerate traveler.
No matter you’re searching for, give New River Gorge an opportunity, and also you’ll discover among the greatest issues to do on this newer Nationwide Park.
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