The New River in West Virginia may be one of the oldest rivers in the world, but it’s also the namesake of America’s newest national park: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The park, which includes 70,000 acres of land along the New River, has played a key role in history —from providing subsistence to Indigenous communities and early pioneers to accommodating coal mining, logging, and railroad expansion.
These days, the river and surrounding land are best known for whitewater rafting, hiking, and rock climbing. And, the park happens to have some of the best fall colors in the American East. Here’s everything you should know about America’s newest national park, including why it just so happens to be the perfect place to visit in the fall.
Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is a playground for adventure —and much of the fun revolves around the New River. On the southern part of the river, the water tends to be calm, providing visitors with excellent fishing, particularly in the spring and fall. Spend enough time with a line in the New River, and you’ll come across various types of bass, walleye, carp, and catfish, among others. Those looking for a bit more adventure can brave the Class III to Class V rapids found on the northern section of the river with a local rafting guide; plan your excursion using this NPS resource. Prime whitewater rafting season runs through October.
Meanwhile, the vertical sandstone cliffs that tower 1,000 feet above the river have long been sought out by rock climbers from around the world. There are around 1,600 established climbing routes in New River Gorge National Park, many with stunning views over the gorge.
In addition to hiking and biking (more on the former below), visitors to the park can travel back in time with a visit to Nuttallburg Mine, a significant 1800s coal mining town, and Thurmond, a historic railroad community. And perhaps most importantly, visitors won’t want to miss a stop at the Grandview overlook, which has some of the best views in the entire park, and a visit to gushing Sandstone Falls.
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The Best Hikes in New River Gorge National Park
Arguably the best way to see the fall foliage is to get out on the trails. Long Point Trail is an easy favorite with an iconic view of New River Gorge Bridge, one of the most scenic overlooks in the park. The moderate hike is 3 miles round trip.
Another popular hike in New River Gorge National Park is the Endless Wall Trail. This thrilling route traverses the rocky cliffs that tower around 1,000 feet above the river. Although comfort with heights is a must, the hike is rated as easy-to-moderate and is around 5 miles round trip.
Camping in New River Gorge National Park
Unlike most national parks, which have limited, reservation-only campsites, the camping inside New River Gorge National Park is plentiful and first-come, first-served. Plus, there are no permits and no pesky fees; camping is completely free.
Better still, most of the camp spots are set along the New River in wooded areas, with beautiful views. Just keep in mind that all the camping within the park is primitive. That means there is no drinking water or hookups and the bathroom facilities are quite limited. Campers will need to pack in water and firewood and pack out their waste.
For a full list of camping areas, including a rundown of rules and the park’s backcountry camping options, click here.
Those looking for more developed campgrounds can find them surrounding the park —checkout those operated by The Outpost and American Alpine Club — and in the neighboring Babco*ck State Park.
The Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park
Like most parks, New River Gorge National Park tends to be busiest in the summer. But those willing to don a light jacket in the fall will be treated to the season's reds, oranges, and yellows while enjoying fewer crowds.
Activities like hiking, fishing, biking, and rock climbing are best enjoyed in the fall when the weather is cool, but not cold, while sports like river rafting tend to wrap up by the end of October.
Getting to New River Gorge National Park
The closest airport to New River Gorge National Park is West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW), which is just over an hour from the park by car. Travelers can also take Amtrak’s Cardinal passenger train, which travels between Chicago and New York City and makes stops at three locations in the park, three days a week.
Those looking to enjoy the fall colors on a road trip, will find the park off Route 19 between the West Virginia towns of Beckley and Hico, and off Interstate 64 between Mossy and Sandstone. The New River Gorge National Park is a fairly direct drive from major hubs like Columbus, Ohio; Charlotte, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; and Pittsburgh.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in outdoor recreation and national parks, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the captivating New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've explored the park's diverse landscapes and engaged in the thrilling activities it offers.
Let's delve into the rich tapestry of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a testament to the geological wonders and historical significance embedded in its 70,000 acres of pristine land. The New River itself, possibly one of the world's oldest rivers, serves as the focal point for various recreational activities and has witnessed epochs of history, from Indigenous communities to the era of coal mining and railroad expansion.
1. Whitewater Rafting, Fishing, and Rock Climbing: The southern part of the New River provides a tranquil setting for fishing enthusiasts, with diverse catches such as bass, walleye, carp, and catfish, particularly during the spring and fall. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the northern section boasts Class III to Class V rapids, perfect for whitewater rafting, especially during the prime season running through October. Rock climbers are drawn to the towering sandstone cliffs, featuring around 1,600 established climbing routes with breathtaking views over the gorge.
2. Historical Exploration: Beyond adventure, the park invites visitors to step back in time with visits to Nuttallburg Mine, a significant 1800s coal mining town, and Thurmond, a historic railroad community. The exploration is incomplete without stopping at the Grandview overlook, offering some of the most spectacular views in the entire park, and a visit to the awe-inspiring Sandstone Falls.
3. Hiking Trails: To fully appreciate the fall foliage, the park offers a variety of hiking trails, each providing a unique perspective of the surroundings. Long Point Trail, a 3-mile round trip, leads to an iconic view of the New River Gorge Bridge. The Endless Wall Trail, rated as easy-to-moderate, spans around 5 miles and takes hikers through rocky cliffs towering 1,000 feet above the river.
4. Camping: Unlike many national parks, camping in New River Gorge National Park is abundant, first-come, first-served, and free of permits and fees. Campers enjoy primitive sites along the river in wooded areas, offering scenic views. However, it's essential to note that camping is primitive, lacking drinking water, hookups, and with limited bathroom facilities. Visitors should be prepared to pack in water and firewood and pack out their waste.
5. Best Time to Visit: While summer sees the highest visitation, the fall months present a quieter and visually stunning alternative. The reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall foliage enhance activities such as hiking, fishing, biking, and rock climbing. Fall is particularly ideal for enjoying the cool weather while participating in various outdoor pursuits, with river rafting usually wrapping up by the end of October.
6. Access and Transportation: For those planning a visit, West Virginia International Yeager Airport is the closest, just over an hour away by car. Alternatively, Amtrak's Cardinal passenger train provides stops at three locations in the park three days a week. Road trip enthusiasts can find the park conveniently off Route 19 between Beckley and Hico, and off Interstate 64 between Mossy and Sandstone, with easy access from major hubs like Columbus, Charlotte, Richmond, and Pittsburgh.
In conclusion, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a multifaceted experience, combining adventure, history, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination, particularly during the enchanting fall season.
