things to do in new river gorge national park

New River Gorge was designated an official national park in 2020, making it the newest addition to the national park system. - You can also zipline from the Bridges catwalk on this day only. According to park ranger Jodi French-Burr, the following four locations are must-see destinations whether you're visiting the park for an afternoon, a weekend, or a full week. 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For local travelers, its completion changed the time required to get from one side of the gorge to the other from forty-five minutes to about one minute. There are over 1,400 established climbs in New River Gorge, making it one of the most popular climbing areas in the country. There are many put-in and take-out locations along the river. Headlamp I tend to carry my headlamp around all the time when were hiking, just in case. There are only a couple of hotels nearby, so I recommend choosing an Airbnb. On Bridge Day, people base jump and rappel from the top of the bridge to the bottom of the gorge and 1000s of people come to watch. I took a very interesting walking tour guided by volunteers from the Summers County Historical Society. If you are not an experienced rock climber but are interested in trying it out, Ace Adventure Resort and Blue Ridge Mountain Guides are two companies that offer guided climbs. An enigmatic stone face carved into mossy sandstone along the rim of the New River Gorge is attracting increased attention as tourism grows in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Larger vehicles such as campers should use caution accessing the site. "Know there are other easily accessible hot spots, but if I had to pick just four, these would be the four.". Be sure to be prepared for the steps and bring plenty of water! Top ways to experience New River Gorge and nearby attractions New River Gorge ATV Adventure Tour 59 Recommended 4WD Tours from $179.49 per adult New River Gorge Side by Side Family Tour 24 Recommended 4WD Tours from $405.13 per group (up to 4) National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV The Sandstone Falls trail is 0.2 miles on a boardwalk and rated easy. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390. Theyll be good if you have bad knees for when youre going downhill and will give you something to lean on going up the hills. The rangers here are incredibly helpful, and there are a. The beautifully tiled floor, designed as a map of the river and park, is mesmerizing. A favorite of most visitors is the Endless Wall Trail, winding through an emerald forest scattered with wild pink rhododendrons and snow-white mountain laurels. Trails vary in length from one-quarter mile to seven miles, and can be combined for longer hikes if desired. The host Pam gave us a tour of the farm to see the sheep, chickens and friendly dogs that live there. An unspoiled stream flows through the park. From the top, there are amazing views looking in multiple directions. Its a great hike but, again, way out of the way and there are hiking options at the overlook and Fayette Station Road. (You cannot change your order once you are attached to the wire.). The spring through fall months are the best time to visit New River Gorge National Park because most activities are available. Each tour is two to eight hours, running through defunct coal mines, muddy pathways, and sometimes even a ghost town. I can vouch for the glass-blowing class as a perfect afternoon activity. Some trailheads are located in residential areas, please be respectful of the locals and leave no trace while hiking. FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va.Visiting America's newest national park? In The Middle Of This National Park, Everything You Need To Know About New River Gorge, Americas Newest National Park, 15 Best National Park Properties Our Readers Love, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, This Is What Can Happen When An Area Becomes A National Park, 10 Backwoods West Virginia Cabin Rentals To Enjoy Fall Foliage. ), goes under the New River Gorge Bridge twice, crosses the river on the Fayette Station Bridge, and affords great views of some of the best whitewater on the New River. The recent designation as the nation's newest national park invites travelers, like you, to visit, explore and discover your own slice of heaven. At 876 feet tall, the New River Gorge Bridge is the third highest bridge in the United States and the 13th highest bridge in the world. For more information concerning nearby charming towns and sites, contact the West Virginia tourism department and surf our West Virginia category. The trail begins in the forest with a series of switchbacks for the first half mile. This is the perfect way to start your day if youre planning on doing the Fayette Station Road. Designed to blend with nature, the bridge follows the horizon where mountains touch the sky. 1 / 10. There are a range of Airbnb options, just be sure to book early if you are visiting during a peak season. Here are some things to know about the Bridge Walk: The Bridge Walk was definitely a highlight of my trip and I highly recommend doing it if you arent afraid of heights! 11+ Things to do in New River Gorge National Park [Plus 3 Day - MSN It is the combination of the fast-moving river and the resulting gorge that provides such a beautiful backdrop to fun national park adventures. If you take the road back to the other parking lot (a half mile walk), there are no sidewalks but I felt that there was enough shoulder space to make me feel safe. Fishermen should be aware that there are several catch and release areas. You will drive across the bridge to get around the area, but dont expect to be able to enjoy the views while driving. But I think it would be a great way to conquer that fear if you want, as you are harnessed in and cant fall. During the tour, you will get to learn about the bridge from your guide and even have the opportunity to sit and dangle your legs off the edge (this is optional!). If you're lucky, you might get to see some people rafting or kayaking in the rapids. Located near Hinton where the New River splits, creating the Bluestone National Scenic River, sits the beautiful Bluestone State Park. I personally drove from Cincinnati and it wasnt a bad drive at four and a half hours. The visitor center is a must-stop at on any national park trip. There is a deck attached to the back of the visitor center that has beautiful views of the New River. The National Park Service offers, A stop at any of the visitor centers will provide the most current trail conditions, wildlife and wildflower species viewable, and other pertinent information for your visit. There are also some hiking trails along the road if you want to stretch your legs. Another popular pet-friendly dive is the Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill. Copyright 2000, 2002, 2006, 2012-2014, 2023 West Virginia Explorer. For more details, read about the seven principles at lnt.org. In addition, the 53-mile section of the namesake New River was set aside as an American Heritage River in 1998. With its rich heritage and abundance of outdoor possibilities, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a must visit destination. If you hike clockwise from the Nuttall lot, the trail is mostly downhill. Down at the bottom, you'll be able to drive over the old wooden bridge and stop to hang out by the river. For many years, the gorge has been a destination for hiking, white water rafting, bridge jumping adventures and more. The restaurant's Biergarten has a ton of outdoor space with picnic tables and fire pits. As the license plate of West Virginia explains, the state is Wild, Wonderful. The southeastern portion is especially wild and wonderful. Here are some other trails in the area that I didnt have time for. New River Gorge National Park Bridge Catapult : r/NationalPark - Reddit 15 Incredible Things To Do In New River Gorge - Consistently Curious Several outfitters in the area offer half day trips, full day trips and overnight rafting trips. The overlook has a restroom and some picnic tables, making it a great place for a quick stop. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.You can find my Amazon influencer store here. Its pretty cool. Fishing is another way to enjoy the New River. Fayetteville is also home to a good selection of restaurants and shops. New River Gorge National Park is the newest national park and you can find it pretty much in the middle of West Virginia and we got to visit not too long before the change. Seated at the edge of the New River Gorge, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlooks the gorge at one of its most scenic locales and includes a boardwalk and stairway to a spectacular view of the New River Gorge Bridge. Great views of the river a thousand feet below are afforded along this trail. After a short hike through the forest, there are several viewpoints, the first main one being the Diamond Point Overlook. Like the fall, temperatures will be mild and not too hot. Located in the Beckley Travel Plaza off Interstate 64 is Tamarack Marketplace, the perfect place for Appalachian handcrafted goods. Box 246, 104 Main Street Glen Jean , WV 25846 Phone: 304-465-0508 Contact Us Note that you can also drive to Turkey Spur Rock instead of hiking and there are a few benches after ascending up the steps. There's no shortage of hiking, scenic overlooks, and wildlife, as is the typical fare in America's National Parks. Keep up with my writings at my personal website, JDRichardson, or on my Fine Art America site. The best amusement park ride, roller coasters in Colorado - The Denver Post Generally, the rapids of the southern section of the New River are rated lower (class I III). Grand Lake is one of the best spots in Colorado for swimming, fishing, boating and soaking up some sun. The parks 4,127 acres of serene yet rugged forest also houses a beautiful campground with four accessible sites and a central bathhouse. My wife Dorothy and I made the trip to the New River Gorge before it was designated as our countrys 63rd national park. "Id say the top four hot spots to visit are the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, the Thurmond historic district, Grandview, and Sandstone Falls," says French-Burr. Just off the US-19 expressway near Fayetteville, West Virginia, the visitor center is easily accessible. I also like the same one but specifically for your face. You can drive over it, walk its bridge walk high above the canyon below, or jump . As you continue, you can park and get out at the Fayette Station Bridge, walk across on foot and gaze up at the New River Bridge. Stop in for your park goodies then take a walk down to the bridge overlook. Kaymoor was one of the largest mining towns in New River Gorge and employed 800 miners at its peak. If you are new to hiking, I have several tips for beginner hikers to help you get started! There is a wooden deck built into the hill, a gravel parking lot and a port-a-potty in the lot. I currently live in Oakland, Tennessee with my bride of 53 years. Shenandoah National Park: Shenandoah is located a little over two hours from New River Gorge and the parks are great to combine for one epic trip. There is a short but steepish walk from the parking to the Sandstone Falls Overlook which is way above the falls. My lunch at the cafe inside the lodge overlooking the valley was delicious. Things to Do In and Around New River Gorge National Park The staircase has a few landings with signage to take a break. National Park & Preserve West Virginia NPS.gov Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do Things To Do Last updated: January 19, 2023 Was this page helpful? It is the third highest vehicular bridge in the United States, and is the fifth longest steel arch bridge in the world. Head to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for views of the gorge and information about the park. Stop 1: Visit Canyon Rim Visitor Center Definitely stop in the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to get oriented first. Heading into our first rapid on the New River. #3 of 14 things to do in Oak Hill. Hike, mountain bike, rock climb, go white water rafting or drive the scenic roads. We opted to leave the whitewater rafting and the rock climbing to the younger generation. Pies and Pints is a super popular restaurant in Fayetteville for good reason. You can't truly experience the New River Gorge National Park without a stop at the famous New River Gorge Bridge. Our goal, to share the worlds unique, hidden and once in a lifetime locations with you to create unforgettable memories. Thurmond is an eight-mile drive from the US-19 expressway at Glen Jean. Here are some pictures from the first 8 parks! The exhibits are designed especially for youngsters to learn more about rivers. In my opinion, the best time to visit New River Gorge is in the fall. Stop 1: Visit Canyon Rim Visitor Center Definitely stop in the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to get oriented first. 11. r/NationalPark. The most impressive view is overlooking the river bend towards the Northeast, but you can also enjoy the view looking both north and south at the river on both sides. The trail is well marked and has a slow decline until the last 0.1 mile, when it gets a bit steeper as you reach the view. Keep walking further down, and the boardwalk will eventually take you to the river, providing more amazing views. BASE building, antenna, span, and earth jumpers and rappellers gather from around the world and do their thing over the side of the bridge. This 3-hour, 83-mile loop encircles the heart of the park. Embark on a mountain biking trip, or take the three-hour, 83-mile New River Gorge Scenic Drive, which'll take you soaring up into the mountains, down toward the river, and back again like a . The New River Gorge visitor centers are in the. This drive will take you through the forest of the park right down to the river. From exploring an abandoned ghost town to scenic hikes, we highlight a few of our favorite Things To Do In New River Gorge . For those who want to try hanging out on a cliffside, Blue Ridge Mountain Guides leads half- and full-day climbing expeditions for all levels. The Concho Rim Overlook is not on park service land and is instead operated by Ace Adventure Resort. New River Gorge is the newest U.S. National Park as of December 2020; previously it was protected as a national river since 1978. There are countless trails to walk, rocks to climb, and streams to paddle, but there are four places every visitor should see in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia. Looking for things to do. All Trails makes the trail into a one mile loop, but I combined it with the Turkey Spur Rock Trail to make it a little longer (see next trail listed). The water levels will be higher in the spring and youll get to enjoy beautiful wildflowers. The restaurant and patio reopen for the season on Memorial Day weekend. This is a great place to go if you need to purchase or rent outdoor gear and is a quick stop for a coffee to-go. Photo credit: Ann Bush. It will be a jam packed day with a solid amount of driving so get started early! If you can manage two whole days in the park, that would be ideal because it will be very hard to do all of this in one day. Where is New River Gorge West Virginia This trail provides views of the New River and Thurmond Ghost Town, which, during the boom of coal mining in the New River Gorge, was a prosperous town. I parked at the Nuttall parking lot and made the trail a loop by taking the road back. 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New River Gorge (West Virginia) - What to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor I have been writing travel and outdoor articles and photographing for many years. Wood Iron Eatery is a beautiful cafe that offers breakfast, lunch and coffee. A forever explorer, Ann has traveled worldwide since 1974 for either business or personal reasons. Best things to do at New River Gorge National Park Grandview Overlook. As mentioned above in the bridge section, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center offers a view from the visitor center and a nearby view looking directly at the New River Bridge. The show is 100% community funded and free to watch. There is a large parking area, a small visitor center and a lot of picnic space in the park. When you reach the end, there is a large rock to stand on with an amazing view looking directly over at the bridge. Hands-on classes in culinary arts, glass blowing, and mixed media are offered. If you take out the Fayette Station Road, you may also want to consider taking out the visitor center or doing it the day before or the morning you leave because its way further from everything else on the list without the drive. New River Gorge National Park: The Complete Guide for 2023 - Seeker Tour operator Bridge Walk leads a guided stroll on a catwalk under the bridge. Near the main entrance of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center is a boardwalk trail guiding visitors to a patio with amazing views of the famous New River Gorge Bridge. From there, hop back into the car and finish the drive that feels very inconvenient at the time because its longish and not a loop. The Grandview Overlook offers a similar view of Concho Rim and allows you to see a giant bend in the New River. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve provides a variety of different trails throughout the park. A trip to New River Gorge is sure to be a fun adventure for anyone who loves hiking and exploring the outdoors. Things To Do - New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Abaseball hatshould be fine but I like my giant sun hat, too. Sign me up! The visitor center is two stories with a gift shop, restrooms and a nice museum with exhibits about the history. Parking did not fill up during my trip in October, but it is somewhat limited and could fill up during busy times. A Hydro Flaskwill keep your water ice cold all day long. New River Gorge National Park is pretty much right in the middle of the western half of West Virginia. It provides a venue for exhilarating raft and kayak trips or calm canoe rides, lots of fishing opportunities, and a forest that changes persona with every season. Then, you will see the mining safety board, the former mining entrance and a large arch with the words Your Family Wants You To Work Safely.. Take some time to visit at least one overlook, so you can take in the architectural beauty of the bridge. We cruised on so many amazing scenic roads that I later found a brochure to keep them straight in my head. You dont have to be an adrenaline junky to enjoy your visit to this natural wonder. During our hikes, we enjoy observing wildflowers, which are numerous throughout the Gorge. I usually use my rain jacket for this. Adventures on the Gorge and Ace Adventure Resort offer whitewater tours on the New River, including kid-friendly journeys on inflatable boats. West Virginias Division of Natural Resources stocks these rivers each spring with golden, rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Trout are present in several of the rivers tributaries. New River Gorge National Park: Your Guide For Planning The Perfect I enjoyed the Hobbit Hole, a little vintage shop that is underneath the sidewalk, and Lost Appalachia Trading Co, a shop with beautiful apparel and home goods. My stay was so special and I really feel that this is the type of experience that Airbnb is made for. I like theHawaiian Tropic Sheer Toucha lot AND its reef safe! It offers many foot and bicycle trails. Best things to do around new river gorge National Park? I'm exploring the world one road trip at a time visiting as many national parks, state parks, and quirky roadside attractions as I can. With unique activities like the Bridge Walk and white water rafting, this unique national park is definitely one to have on your list. For local travelers, its completion changed the time required to get from one side of the gorge to the other from forty-five minutes to about one minute. September 23, 2022 A First-Time Visitor's Guide to the New River Gorge National Park A visit to the U.S.'s newest national park means adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures, fall foliage, and craft beers. Hey there! The Burrito Bar is a fantastic place to enjoy some comfort food after hiking the trails in the area. Rhododendron Run and Deer Trail Loop: 3.4 miles, rated moderate. The Best Things to Do in New River Gorge, West Virginia - Washingtonian It can be a little rocky so watch your footing. Ive mapped them out to find the most efficient route to see everything Ive included, as well. In fact, some geologists consider Egypts Nile River the only one older in the world. Ive got some suggestions on what to do (or not do) based on what youre looking to see/do under this section. Youll pass through a town, cross over the river then drive along the river until you get to the well marked trailhead. Some companies to look at include Ace Adventure Resort, River Expeditions and Adventures on the Gorge. The falls are a favorite destination for anglers, waders, and sightseers, though visitors who plan to take a dip should know that the falls at their highest are powerful and deadly. Her articles are usually found in the travel, art, history, or cultural sections. This is a great, easy trail option for everyone with fantastic views along the way. 900 Broadway Ave 4 miles south of the New River Gorge Bridge, Oak Hill, WV 25901-2315. These are some of the best trails to hike during your visit to New River Gorge and each is of varying difficulty. The New River Gorge Bridge is the park's most iconic attraction, and the short-but-breathtaking Bridge Trail is the best way to see it. Another must-see park destination, at scenic Sandstone Falls, the New River drops over a river-wide waterfall and through a network of small islands across which the park service he built a series of wheelchair-accessible boardwalks. We were drawn by its wildness and the, This trail provides views of the New River and Thurmond Ghost Town, which, during the boom of coal mining in the New River Gorge, was a prosperous town. There are several steps that youll climb here to get on top of the impressive rockface. This article may contain referral links. Until now, West Virginia has never been home to an official national park. Sign up for a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your weekly email. The New River area has a coal-mining history, and New River ATV offers a chance to explore that via one-seat ATVs or four-seat UTVs.
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