First designated as the New River Gorge National River, New River Gorge is one of America’s newest national parks. The river meandering through the gorge is one of the world’s oldest, dating back over 300 million years. The park’s over 70,000 acres of space along the river is an adventure-lovers’ haven with experiences ranging from world-class whitewater rafting to ziplining and rock climbing. If you are wondering, here are the 15 reasons to visit New River Gorge National Park in 2025.
Start Your Adventure at Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Canyon Rim Visitor Center is an excellent starting point for your New River Gorge National Park adventure. It offers information about the park through maps, brochures, and ranger assistance. There are interpretive displays showcasing the park’s rich natural, historical, and cultural features and surroundings. Overlooking the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, the Visitor Center offers some of the park’s most impressive views.
Drive the Scenic Fayette Station Road
The Fayette Station Road perfectly introduces the New River Gorge and its surroundings. It meanders down into the geological marvel and crosses the iconic bridge, offering sweeping views of the gorge, the river, and the spectacular surroundings. The road gives access to some of the park’s most scenic hikes, including Kaymoor Trail and Bridge Trail.
Walk the New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the park’s stand-out features. The engineering wonder is America’s third-highest bridge, and its brilliant mix of iconic views, span, and rich history makes it worthy of your time. The catwalk underneath the bridge offers a strolling experience of a lifetime, thanks to its unique perspective of the gorge and the bridge itself.
Raft on the New River
Rafting the New River is one of the most thrilling activities in this West Virginia national park. It offers a unique blend of adventure and picturesque views, with the Lower New River Gorge guaranteeing the most dramatic scenery. The Upper New River Gorge is suitable for beginners, thanks to its gentler rapids, which offer a playful, kid-friendly excursion. Please note that you can only stroll on top of the bridge on Bridge Day.
Take in the Park’s Scenery from Grandview Overlook
Grandview is one of New River Gorge’s most breathtaking observation points. You’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the gorge’s deepest point, the river as it bends dramatically, and the surrounding mountains towering in the distance. You will want to linger around this spot for a while and admire the raw beauty of the place.
Hike Southside Trail
Southside Trail is a gorgeous seven-mile hike meandering along the New River. It travels through old rail grade past remnants of abandoned mining towns. The unique blend of beautiful natural surroundings and a glimpse of the area’s mining history makes this an exceptional trail. It’s an easy trail perfect for both hikers and bikers and guarantees a relaxing outdoor experience.
Enjoy the Scenery of Sandstone Falls
No outdoor adventure of the New River would be complete without witnessing its largest waterfall, which spans its entire width, 1,500 feet. At only about 20 feet, Sandstone Falls is not particularly high, but it’s New River Gorge National Park’s most breathtaking waterfall. You’ll spend some time driving WV20 to Sandstone Falls Overlook, where you’ll enjoy a sweeping view of the waterfall from above.
Travel Back West Virginia’s Mining Era at Thurmond
If you are a history buff, you can’t explore the New River Gorge without strolling through Thurmond. Established in the 1880s, it enjoys a convenient location in the middle of the park. A walk through the town takes you back to the area’s mining history. New River Gorge was a coal mining hotspot in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Thurmond was a booming railroad town then, with vast amounts of coal transported through it.
Visit Kaymoor Mine
Hiking the Kaymoor Mine Trail offers a brilliant mix of scenic views with New River Gorge’s rich coal mining history. Kaymoor Mine was one of the area’s most productive coal mines, thriving for six decades, until 1962 when it closed. The mine’s well-preserved ruins are a testament to its mining heyday.
Hike the Endless Wall Trail
Endless Wall Trail winds through a gorgeous Hemlock Forest, crosses two bridges, and offers some of the most stunning views of the New River Gorge. It has the most diverse scenery of the park, and it takes about an hour and 14 minutes to complete. The trail’s easier access to the park’s sandstone walls makes it popular among rock climbers.
Don’t Miss Long Point’s Breathtaking View of the Bridge
Long Point is one of the most stunning vantage points for admiring the view of the New River Gorge Bridge and the gorge itself. You can get there by hiking the 3.2-mile (round-trip), which meanders through a forest, before ending at the overlook. Prepare to be awestruck by the view, especially at sunset.
Take an Evening Stroll through Fayetteville
There are plenty of reasons not to miss a stroll through Fayetteville. The town’s unique historic charm and incredible blend of outdoor and cultural offerings make it a must-visit spot. The downtown area allows one to experience the town’s distinct character, with eclectic shops, a friendly vibe, and access to the wild and scenic New River Gorge.
Rock Climbing is a Must-Do
New River Gorge is one of America’s top rock-climbing destinations, thanks to its abundant sandstone cliffs and climbing routes. A rock climbing adventure in the park will take you through diverse experiences, from bouldering and trad to sport climbing. There are routes for both beginners and experienced hikers. Nuttal sandstone is the park’s most famous and guarantees a world-class climbing experience.
Discover Turkey Spur Overlook
While not as popular as other overlooks in New River Gorge, Turkey Spur Overlook is just as fascinating. Unlike most viewpoints in the park, this one offers a breathtaking view nearly 1,000 feet above the New River. Previous adventurers have dubbed it “the other Grandview,” thanks to its uniqueness. You can get there by hiking the Grandview Rim Trail.
Visit the Nearby Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park is one of West Virginia’s oldest parks. It boasts a picturesque scenery, ample opportunities for recreation, and a rich history. It’s known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional mill constructed to replicate the original Cooper’s Mill. The mill and its surroundings are a photographer’s dream. It’s only 20 miles from the New River Gorge Bridge, making it a must-see when exploring the national park.
