things to do in new river gorge national park

Our children were also able to do most of the hikes mentioned in this post, in including Endless Wall (our favorite) and Long Point. This hiking trail starts on the upper rim of the gorge and rapidly descends towards the river. For more information on how to plan your itinerary, check out our New River Gorge Itinerary article, which has detailed itineraries for 1, 2, and 3 days in the park. In Beckley, we stayed at the Courtyard Marriott and had a positive experience but the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn also get good reviews. Doing it this way saves you a boring walk through the woods and a somewhat dangerous walk back on US-60. For millions of years, the New River has been carving out a 73,000 acre gorge in West Virginia. We are not fans of this hike, but Im listing it because you might read about it from other sources. The New River Gorge National Park is an outdoor playground mixed with rich history. It is a spectacular place to visit. This was one of the richest towns in West Virginia and in 1910 it was the main railroad center on the C & O Railway. The National Park Service labels this as a strenuous hike but I think thats a bit of a stretch. New River Gorge National Park - Earth Trekkers Many were closed Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday. The two hikes we list today, the Long Point Trail and the Endless Wall Trail, are the two most popular trails in the park, so it can be challenging to find a parking space from late morning to early afternoon. There is a long history of coal mining along the New River. The newest national park offers thrilling adventures from rock climbing to whitewater rafting Written by Daniella Byck | Published on May 25, 2023 Tweet Share Zipline at TimberTrek Adventure Park in West Virginia. Interesting Facts about New River Gorge National Park, Things to Do in the Thurmond Historic District, Things to Do Outside of New River Gorge National Park. The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the highest bridges in the USA. Castle Rock Trail. In the afternoon, you can either do the Bridge Walk (a 3 hour guided walk of the catwalk underneath the New River Gorge Bridge) or visit Grandview. Diamond Point is the main overlook on the Endless Wall Trail. Spend a day on gorgeous Summersville Lake. The main sights in New River Gorge sit in clusters along the New River. Things to Do in the Canyon Rim Area. Getting Here: The only way to get to Sandstone Falls is on a scenic drive through Hinton. For most of the way it is flat, except for the last part of the trail, as you descend down to Long Point. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Guri - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Things To Do at the New River Gorge - Almost Heaven 3. The Endless Wall trail is one of the best hikes in New River Gorge National Park. If you only have one day in New River Gorge National Park, this is a great place to spend your time. But if you want to visit these places, today is the best day to do it, since they are located closer to Canyon Rim than other sights in the park. The tram runs during the summer and early fall. Fayette Station road then winds up the opposite side of the rim, ending near Fayetteville. 1, don't miss, gotta-do-it outdoor activity at New River Gorge National Park is to take a whitewater rafting trip on the New River. This was one of the richest towns in West Virginia and in 1910 it was the main railroad center on the C & O Railway. Thank you for this wonderful article on our new national park. NPS photo/John Chapman Pets are allowed on all trails at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The Station Market and Bistro and the Wood Iron Eatery also gets great reviews. The Best Things To Do at New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia This is one of the main areas of the park. 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park. Highest Elevation: 2,030 feet. The closest airport is in Charleston, West Virginia, which is 60 miles from the park. The Cathedral Caf & Book Store is a nice brunch and lunch spot. For one of the best views of New River Gorge Bridge, put this hike on your list. For most of the loop, you are hiking through a forest, which is nice, but it gets repetitive. First, you hike down a steep, dirt trail to the top of the mining site. Diamond Point is the main overlook on the Endless Wall Trail. Photograph courtesy of Adventures on the Gorge. NEARBY STATE PARKS: Hawks Nest State Park and Babcock State Park sit just outside of the national park boundary and make great additions to your visit to New River Gorge National Park. In Beckley, we stayed at the Courtyard Marriott but the Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn also get good reviews. If you wait until mid-morning, the sun will be higher in the sky, a better time to take photographs from this spot. From the end of Fayette Station Road, it takes 30 minutes to drive to the Concho Rim Overlook. We were here on October 18 to 21 and the fall colors were just getting started. Any hidden gems that are worth passing on to a first timer? But if you want an awesome view of the New River Gorge Bridge, then put the Long Point Trail on your to-do list. You can also spend a few days on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or visit the highlights of Washington DC in our One Day Walking Tour of Washington DC. Looking for things to do. Tickets cost $30 for adults. This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast 28 26 CANYON RIM: Located at the north end of New River Gorge National Park, this is where you will find New River Gorge Bridge, numerous hiking and biking trails, one very scenic drive (Fayette Station Road), and several historic coal mining sights. Photo credit: Ann Bush. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. In the afternoon, you can do the Bridge Walk (if you did not do that on day one), or visit Grandview and/or Sandstone (if you did not do that on day one). If your visit to New River Gorge National Park is part of a bigger road trip, here is some more information about nearby national parks and destinations. It takes you to a historic coal mine, the Kaymoor One Mining Complex. This road starts on the rim and drops down to the New River. Start at the Sandstone Visitor Center, which is located on Meadow Creek Road near Highway 64. It's relatively easy and the trail leads out to overlooks along the "Endless Wall," a long line of Nuttall sandstone ridges high above the gorge. Its a relatively easy hike. From Sandstone Falls, you can return to Fayetteville, Beckley, or your campsite, or continue on to your next destination. Note: Mountain bikes are permitted on most of this trail, so keep an eye and ear out for bikers. There are two sections to the New River. Bodies of Water Parks. Best Things to do in New River Gorge National Park Best National Parks Month-by-Month Guide. Cheers, Julie. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. It helped us plan our trip. New River Gorge National Park: Where to Stay, What to Do, & More National Park Fee: There is no fee to enter New River Gorge National Park. Starting next to Hawks Nest State Park, you can take a jet boat ride down to a view of the New River Gorge Bridge and back. We created our park rules for pets in a way to maximize safety and enjoyment for everyone. On day 3, visit the Grandview and Sandstone areas of the park. Gary Hartley. On day 2, go whitewater rafting, rock climbing, or mountain biking in the morning and walk the Bridge Walk or go hiking in the afternoon. There are several viewpoints from the boardwalk that are very nice. The hikes are short and it does not take much time to visit the overlooks, but because the park is so spread out and divided up into individual sections, you will spend a lot of time driving from place to place. Park in the lot and walk the viewpoints over the New River. There are many special places to visit in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. If you want to visit the three main areas of New River Gorge National Park (Canyon Rim, Grandview and Sandstone) and have enough time to go whitewater rafting, you will need a minimum of three days. Rock climbing in the New River Gorge region is located in three river gorges - New, Gauley, and Meadow. You will cross the New River on the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge and at Fayette Station, you can park and walk out onto the rocks for awesome views of the New River Gorge Bridge. A Dangerous Business | World Travel, Tips & Inspiration. The park provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more . Just note that some of these restaurants can be closed Monday, Tuesday and/or Wednesday. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Even though it sits on the opposite side of the river from Thurmond, it takes 30 minutes to drive here. Below we list a detailed three day New River Gorge itinerary. For great lighting, wait until mid-morning to do this hike (thats the main reason why we recommend starting off your day with a breakfastbut the food is great too ). 1:30 pm: Drive to Canyon Rim Visitor Center. It has carved a beautiful canyon out of the Appalachian Mountains. And then youll walk down 819 steps to coal processing plant. You can hike the Long Point Trail at 7:30 am and have brunch at Cathedral Caf after the hike. From here, you get a nice view of a horseshoe bend in the New River and a view of the Thurmond Historic District. Once you've looked around the visitor center, the next step is to check out the famous New River Gorge Bridge. Here's your guide to the best things to do in New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, one of the newest US national parks. For one of the most thrilling experiences in New River Gorge National Park, you can walk on the catwalk that is located 25 feet below the New River Gorge Bridge. For the full list, click here. Here is a list of the best things to do in New River Gorge National Park: For a detailed list of the best things to do in New River Gorge, and many more photos, take a look at our article 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park. The steps are where the real fun begins. During the summer months, temperatures are warm and thunderstorms are common. Definitely check out Cathedral Caf & Book Store, a great place for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Your email address will not be published. There are also camping sites at nearby state parks (Babcock and Hawks Nest). In September, temperatures begin to cool off and the days are getting shorter. From here, you will look out over Sandstone Falls. It reaches approximately 1,600 feet at the deepest point and exposes layers of 300-million-year-old rock. This bike rental facility has a convenient location near the Arrowhead trails. It may not look like it, but these sights are located a fair distance from one another. It takes you to another historic coal mine, the Kaymoor One Mining Complex. In the early 1900s, Thurmond was a bustling, busy town. Located just north of Fayetteville, this historical and educational center provides information and interpretation of the historical, cultural, natural, and recreational resources that you'll expect when immersing . Prior to construction of the bridge, the only way to cross the gorge was on a winding, narrow road that took 45 minutes to drive. NEARBY NATIONAL PARKS: Shenandoah National Park is located in nearby Virginia. With three days in New River Gorge National Park,hike the Long Point Trail and Endless Wall Trail, visit Babcock State Park, visit the overlooks at Canyon Rim Visitor Center, and then drive Fayette Station Road. Plan Your Visit - New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (U.S Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. For the best experience, the National Park Service has a walking tour with nine sites to visit. If you dont want to do this drive, there is also a tram that runs from the lodge to the dock during the summer months. The Quality Inn New River Gorge gets the best reviews and it is just minutes from the New River Gorge Bridge. 11 Beautiful Spots To Explore While Visiting New River Gorge National Park The hike itself is rather boringjust a walk through a forest on a gravelly trail. Well before New River Gorge became a national park, the New River has been a top spot for whitewater rafters. spend a few days on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. As you slowly walk under the bridge, your guide gives interesting facts about the bridge and the area. If you plan to go whitewater rafting, do the Bridge Walk, or go rock climbing with a guide, these need to be reserved in advance. The Endless Wall trail is one of the best hikes in New River Gorge National Park. If you need to rent a bike, the best place to do so is at the Arrowhead Bike Farm and Campground. The main climbing season runs from April through October, although it is possible to climb all year. Total Ascent: 400 feet. New River Gorge National Park - Van Life Wanderer The New River Gorge National Park stretches 53 miles and spans both Virginia and West Virginia. Read our article about the 15 Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. There are two sections to the New River and which one you choose depends on your ability level, experience, and level of adventure. Canyon Rim Boardwalk. Bridge Day attracts the highest crowds of the year and this event takes place the third weekend in October. This is a great scenic drive in New River Gorge National Park. This is a really large lake park for neighbors in Guri City. Ideally, get an early start (no later than 8 am), to give yourself plenty of time. Entrance Fee: There is no fee to enter New River Gorge National Park. Whether you are into outdoor activities such as climbing, biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, or just like to enjoy a picnic, a quite bit of birding, or camp and watch the river roll by, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has much to offer. As you slowly walk under the bridge, your guide gives interesting facts about the bridge and the area. Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 1,000 feet | Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours. There are several commercial companies that offer guided whitewater rafting trips. View of the New River Gorge Bridge from the jet boat ride. They last about 3 hours and for half of this time, you walk from one end of the bridge to the other, on a 24 inch wide catwalk. The next few things we list are located along the New River and they are not part of the official national park, but they are still well worth adding on to your visit. If you only have one day in New River Gorge National Park, I recommend visiting the overlooks at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, hiking the Endless Wall Trail or the Long Point Trail, maybe doing the Bridge Walk, and then ending the day at Grandview. It sounds like you had a great visit to New River Gorge! It is actually one of our favorite places to go for a day trip, and has been for the past 50 years. On this map from the National Park Service, I highlighted the main areas of New River Gorge National Park and nearby destinations. Staying in Fayetteville was super convenient. After your hike, visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and walk out to the overlooks for great views of the New River Gorge Bridge. For more information about the best hikes in New River Gorge National Park, plus elevation profiles, trail information, and many more photos, check out our New River Gorge Hiking Guide. Read More. Zipline Adventure in Lansing (which you can book here: Zipline Tour near New River Gorge National Park ). They run on a first-come first-serve basis and tickets can be purchased at the Hawks Nest State Park Lodge or at the dock. Located at the north end of New River Gorge National Park, this is where you will find New River Gorge Bridge, numerous hiking and biking trails, one very scenic drive (Fayette Station Road), and several historic coal mining sights. The room need a little more cleaning. From the Visitor Center, drive Fayette Station Road. I highlighted the main areas in and around New River Gorge National Park, which I will discuss next. All over New England and the Northeast, a slow-moving storm system dumped torrents of rain, bringing floods that closed streets, took out bridges, and burst at least one dam. At Babcock State Park, you can also go hiking, mountain biking and fishing. Grandview is located just under an hour from the name visitor center, Canyon Rim. To get to the overlooks, follow the signs to Scenic View from the parking lot. 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park This trail starts next to the Main Overlook at Grandview. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Now what remains are the historic buildingsboarding houses, the banks, saloons, and hotels. Enjoy a tasty fish taco, vegan burrito or a West Virginia-made brat. Heres the view. Below is map from the National Park Service. Based on our visit, if you want to visit New River Gorge National Park with brilliant fall colors, plan your visit the last week of October into early November. Given the unique ecosystems here, that designation, and the additional protections it now receives, is well deserved. If you only have one day in New River Gorge National Park. We stayed there based on positive reviews but were very disappointed. In Beckley, Campestre Mexican Grill, the Char, and Dobra Zupas get good reviews. Mountain biking is one of the best things to do in New River Gorge National Park. New River Gorge National Park - Yelp Its a moderate hike down to the Headhouse, where coal was transferred to a conveyor belt to be carried to the bottom of the gorge. To get here, it is a 20-minute drive from US-19 on Thurmond Road. 19k followers. If hiking and rafting isn't your jam, then the next best way to take in the enormity of the gorge is by taking a tram, then hopping on a New River Jet Boat. You can also see more travel itineraries on our Travel Itineraries page and our National Park Itineraries. With a half of a day, you can visit the overlooks, ride on the jet boat for a view of the New River Gorge Bridge, and hike the Cliff Side Trail. And guess what, there are stairs here, too! By the time we got to the bottom, our legs were shaky and we were left wondering how wed climb back up all of those steps. In this part of West Virginia, the leaves were just beginning to change color.
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