In 2013, the National Park Service listed the New River Gorge Bridge in the National Register of Historic Places as a significant historic resource. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. The park and surrounding area are rich in cultural and natural . For more information, visit the West Virginia State Parks website. Walk Through Natural Stone Tunnels And Rock Formations At West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park. Hello Rock! If it interests you, visit Concho Rim Overlook and the Thurmond Historic District. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam. From the trail, look for entrances into the tunnela narrow cave that cuts through the cliffs. Given the unique ecosystems here, that designation, and the additional protections it now receives, is well deserved. I also recommend a gentle float trip down the New River, even with young children we booked with West Virginia Adventures and loved it. A short walk to downtown Thurmond offers a look at this once-thriving community. Peaceful forest trails, superb overlooks, and historic scenery are all found here. For more information about Bridge Day (and making your High Line reservation), here is a link to the official website. As you head back upriver you just might notice the wide cascading waters of Sandstone Falls. New River Gorge was first a national river. Turn back time as you take on the route that locals traveled for nearly 100 years before the modern New River Gorge Bridge took shape as a structural wonder. Address: WV-20, Shady Spring, WV 25918, USA. A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. Cant wait to hike there!. For a moment I could sense my own fragile role -- how temporal man is, but how eternal are the geologic processes. Rock climbers have . This visitor center has lots of information about the New River watershed and the cultural history of the indigenous people in this area. Hidden by the forest, but equally abundant are traces of the pastfoundations, ruins, abandoned roads, coke ovens, and cemeteries. The New River is the oldest river on the continent and the park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land and 53 miles of river. In Hawks Nest State Park, there are a few things we recommend. Learn how you can enter the 2023 Youth Arts in the Parks Wildflower Art Contest. Please dont cross the fence to visit the buildings. Is the speed of a river constant? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And thank you for the VRBO rental recommendation. Our visit was from October 18 to 21. The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a unit of the United States National Park Service (NPS) designed to protect and maintain the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia in the Appalachian Mountains. New River Gorge 5 220 reviews #9 of 784 things to do in West Virginia Bodies of Water National Parks Geologic Formations Visit website Call Write a review About A 53-mile stretch on the river that is set aside as a national park. New River-Greenbrier Valley. Required fields are marked *. These include Sandstone Falls Overlook and Brooks Overlook. How Many Days Do You Need in New River Gorge National Park? The Lower Gorge, which is the northern section of the river, has much larger rapids, from Class III to Class V, with many more obstacles. Let's start with the scene today. This hike takes you along sandstone cliffs, similar to the Castle Rock Trail, and offers views over the New River and Hawks Nest Dam. We are not fans of this hike, but Im listing it because you might read about it from other sources. Experience unique, Appalachian-inspired flavor. It is actually one of our favorite places to go for a day trip, and has been for the past 50 years. One of the best ways to explore New River Gorge National Park is on a mountain bike. (Video of a paddle boarder). From this overlook, you have a nice view of the New River and the Hawks Nest Dam. The long sandstone outcrop is favored by rock climbers. The Castle Rock Trail + Grandview Rim Trail, For more information on how to plan your itinerary, check out our. Some of this water may repeat the same trip or part of it sometime in the future, as it has in the past through the age-old cycle of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and run-off. Hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the forests, leading to overlooks and historic settlements. Serving as a starting point for the iconic rushing waters that make the New River a rafters paradise, Sandstone Falls is a true beauty. P.O. Its a relatively easy hike. After crossing the New River, narrow Route 26, River Road, follows the river for 10 miles. From the Grandview Overlook (also called the Main Overlook) you get a view of a horseshoe bend in the New River. This is the view from the upper overlook, which is just a short, easy walk from the parking lot. We had lunch at Market on Courthouse Square and recommend it. Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. This overlook is located behind the Hawks Nest Lodge. And guess what, there are stairs here, too! There are moments, as you drift through the deep canyon walls of the New River Gorge, when it feels like youve got the whole world to yourself. There are two overlooks here. Check out the views from the Main Overlook at, Check out the floor map and learn about watersheds at, Hike along a scenic, cascading stream on the, Visit one of the most extensive coal town ruins in the country at. A stop at Brooks Falls offers views of river ledge and a river hole. Refresh and refuel along the banks of the enchanted Bluestone River. It tells the stories and history of black coal miners and railroad workers. From Hinton, cross the New River and drive New River Road north towards Sandstone Falls. Dont pass this We loved our visit and are thrilled to have a new national park somewhat close to where we live too (we live in Maryland). information on how you can support our national treasures, and travel ideas It was constructed by Order of the Arrow (the Boy Scouts of America national honor society) in 2011. Check out our other two National Parks of Southern West Virginia: Get out on the river schedule an easy family friendly. Two park visitor centers, Canyon Rim and Sandstone, supplement the tour with interpretation of the natural and historic resources of the park. Tim and I loved this hike. Plan a field trip to New River Gorge, or learn about our curriculum programs and teachers resources. Coal was brought in from the nearby mines and shipped out via the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Gravity Ziplines are for those looking for the thrill of speed and the rush of flying high above the tree tops! Find out about accessible areas throughout the park. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons call this park home, and youll often spot a few along your travels. Hiking at New River Gorge Hiker on the Glade Creek Trail NPS/Dave Bieri New River Gorge National Park and Preserve provides a variety of different trails throughout the park. Glen Jean, document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. This is probably the most photographed rapid on the Upper Gauley. We stayed in Beckley (because of its large number of hotels) and ate most of our meals in Fayetteville. This park is located 25 minutes from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. With stops, this drive takes between an hour and an hour and a half. With its tributaries, it helped carve the landscape of parts of present-day North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. WV Worth it? The 83-mile route includes interstates, divided highways, and two-lane roads. Ride some of the best whitewater on the East Coast. At New River Gorge National Park, on the list of things to do are visits to these old settlements and towns, once a vital part of West Virginias economy. Check for any road and trail closures that might affect your visit. Its all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven. During the summer months, temperatures are warm and thunderstorms are common. Exploring Fayette Station Road is to travel back in time before the modern New River Gorge Bridge was built in 1977. Though this beautiful destination might have you counting down the miles, dont forget to take in the beauty of the journey as you head downhill. Learn about what our resource management staff is up to through a series of short videos. Pick and choose the segments of trails you wish to complete to find your perfect path. If you need to rent a bike, the best place to do so is at the Arrowhead Bike Farm and Campground. JPEG In southern West Virginia, the New River carves a rugged, steep-sided gorge through a plateau of ancient sandstone and shale. 25846. Even though whitewater rafting tours are operating at this time, I imagine that it could still be very cold. $131 night 4.93 (103) SUPERHOST Condo in Oak Hill Swift Waters Condo - minutes to New River Gorge Enjoy a peaceful getaway with friends and family in this newly renovated condo. The answer to my questions come from the geologists, whose science is not as simple or precise as we might wish. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve provides opportunities for primitive camping only. programs for kids too. Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve supports the management of the New, Gauley, and Bluestone Rivers in Southern WV. If we did it again, we would park at either the Endless Wall Trail parking lot or the Nuttall Parking Lot and do the hike out-and-back. Enough to get a taste and want more, and this guide is great to help figure out what should be next on any return visits. Fayetteville is the gateway into New River Gorge National Park. Ranger! At the time of publication, it represented the best available science. The cliffs at New River Gorge are made up of a very hard sandstone, and range from 30 to 120 feet in height. This points out our inability to date the New River." Motion, Always Chaotic Motion ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Stop for a quick visit to enjoy the stunning views and inspiring landscapes surrounding the largest waterfall on the New River. We've just learned how the river cut its gorge, but how long did it take? The 83-mile route includes interstates, divided highways, and two-lane roads. Get updates on road conditions and trail closures, as you plan your trip and just before your visit, on the National Park Service website. Journey along a self guided auto tour that helps tell the story of the African American experience in the gorge. The Visitor Center is a great place to pick up a park map, get your bearings, and speak to a park ranger if you have any questions about the park. Start at the Sandstone Visitor Center, which is located on Meadow Creek Road near Highway 64. I stood here in the fading light of a summer evening reflecting on the river, its roar diminished by distance, and on the gorge, its walls darkening in the twilight, and I wondered about the scene before me and how it came about. Continue on your journey down the river, only after soaking up every view of these serene yet powerful falls, spanning a total of 1500 feet wide. New River Jetboats / Facebook. Doing it this way saves you a boring walk through the woods and a somewhat dangerous walk back on US-60. NEARBY DESTINATIONS: Asheville, North Carolina makes a great weekend destination. 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. On day 3, visit the Grandview and Sandstone areas of the park. At the Canyon Rim Visitors Center, soak up breathtaking views at what many consider the most perfect overlook of the New River Gorge Bridge. There are primitive camping sites in the park, but these have limited restroom facilities and no drinking water. . Located in West Virginia, this whitewater river A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. Thanks for writing in! Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation. And one that personally still gives me butterflies. If you have two days in New River Gorge National Park,spend your first day at Canyon Rim. At river level, you will cross the New River on the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge. Either way, it is a LOT of steps, but counting them somehow made it feel easier. Bridge Day attracts the highest crowds of the year and this event takes place the third weekend in October. From the top of the stairs, its just a half mile to go, now on a steep dirt trail. We are fortunate to live less than 2 hours from this area so have visited most of these places, and have done many of these hikes and seen many of these beautiful overlooks and waterfalls over the past several years. Tours are operated daily. Explore New River Gorge, America's Newest National Park With more than 100 miles of hiking trails, there's no shortage of exploring to be done in this West Virginia getaway, which became America's 63rd national park in December 2020. Now, motorists can cross the gorge in less than a minute. Even after 8 years of running. The flowing waters of this ancient river provide solace to all those who seek her calming presence Route 61 leads to a turn onto Route 41, which follows Piney Creek to descend into the gorge. This trail starts next to the Main Overlook at Grandview. Resorts Resorts come by the handfuls in this region and each one is unique. With summer break, crowds are the highest from the end of June through August. Other times we plunged and bounced swiftly through rapids, our bodies dowsed with spray, and our ears bombarded by the roar of water pounding against the rocks. Use the table below to start thinking about what might work well for you, given the amount of time you'll be here. Tax identification number: 52-1086761. At Fayette Station, you can park and walk out onto the rocks for awesome views of the New River Gorge Bridge. This trail starts on the upper rim of the gorge and rapidly descends towards the river. Its relatively easy and the trail leads out to overlooks along the Endless Wall, a long line of Nuttall sandstone ridges high above the gorge. South of Canyon Rim is Thurmond Historic District. Learn more about the people, places, and stories that make up the rich cultural history of the New River Gorge. Become a New River Gorge Junior Ranger! Blooming rhododendrons. 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. McCreery offers a close-up view of the New River. Before you visit the park, visit our website to learn more about all you can do at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Our cabin had a small kitchen, large dining area, Queen-sized bed in the main room, separate bedroom with two bunk beds, and a full, modern bathroom. We hiked the Grandview/Castle Rock Loop, drove out to Turkey Spur overlook, checked out the Canyon Rim overlooks, hiked the Endless Wall as an out-and-back, hiked the Long Point Trail, rafted the Lower New River, and completed the Junior Ranger program (my 10-year). Rushing waterfalls. The Human Touch Yet another fan-favorite overlook, Grandview provides the perfect balance of the peaceful trail adventures and awe-inspiring views that set the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve apart. And thats not to mention all of the great things that you can do along the New River, just outside of the national park boundaries. Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything youve ever seen before. Interesting Facts about the New River Gorge Bridge. With the addition of the New River Gorge region, the Ascend West Virginia program now has five destinations that are welcoming new remote working residents to the Mountain State. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall. Kids four years old and under ride free; adult tickets are $25, senior tickets are $24, and youth ages 5 to 17 are $11. Park Foundation programs, hikers can participate in one of the hosted programs that promote parks as Several hiking trails listed above, such as the Headhouse Trail and Long Point Trail, are also mountain biking trails. Fayette Station Road starts near Canyon Rim Visitor Center and then descends down to the New River. Cheers, Julie. This is the view. Canyon Rim Visitor Center is located on the rim of the gorge near the New river gorge bridge. Heres the view. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. However, most of the buildings are located lower, along the river, and can be reached by car. Note: Many restaurants in Fayetteville are not open 7 days a week. Speed probably varies from about 3 1/2 to 7 miles per hour. The scenic canyon is known for rock climbing, white-water rafting and rich history. The Endless Wall trail is one of the best hikes in New River Gorge National Park. more information on current conditions Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details. Tours are offered by Bridge Walk and start at $72. The motion of the river is highly complex and chaotic. There is a long history of coal mining along the New River. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The rock is very featured, and an abundance of crack and face routes are available. The entire journey take about 110 days, sometimes more, sometimes less, based on the fluctuating speed of river flow. Wanderlust Creativefoods was my favorite restaurant (the chicken tikka masala is great!). Our children were also able to do most of the hikes mentioned in this post, in including Endless Wall (our favorite) and Long Point. Distance: 2.8 mile loop | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Total Ascent: 400 feet | Time: 1 to 2 hours. Several of the zip lines feature dual lines so you can race a friend to the finish or cruise slowly together and enjoy the views. Below is map from the National Park Service. 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. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. National Park Service, West Virginia. This is a spotlight on some of our best off the beaten path locations. Distance: 1.6 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 1,000 feet | Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Go whitewater rafting on the New River Go mountain biking or rock climbing Visit the overlooks at Canyon Rim Visitor Center Hike the Endless Wall Trail Hike the Kaymoor Miners Trail You can also get here on the Grandview Rim Trail, but if you are short on time or energy, save your steps and make the drive instead. This park was originally designated a National River in 1978, but in 2020 it was elevated to National Park and Preserve status . The New River/Greenbrier Valley Region is a beautiful, scenic area where upscale luxury meets small-town charm. Here are the driving distances and times to nearby destinations: There is no lodging inside of the park. We have some hidden gems in the park that are not well known. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The road crosses under the New River Gorge Bridge, makes several tight turns, and offers nice views of the bridge and the river. Stay up-to-date with the latest information about closures and changes in operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For a full list of mountain biking trails in the park, visit the National Park Service website. If you want a closer view, you can hike to other viewpoints of the falls. One mile down is Grandview Sandbar with picnicking, camping, and river access. To do this, visitors wear a harness which is attached to a safety line that spans the length of the bridge. April through October is a great time to visit New River Gorge National Park. How a 17-year-old from Southwest D.C. found confidence 2,000 miles from home and 13,000 feet in the air. (laughing). 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. The iconic steel arch bridge was once the longest in the world and welcomes travelers to this cherished region. The New River has long been a top spot for whitewater rafters. For one of the best views of New River Gorge Bridge, put this hike on your list. These primitive camping areas have no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities. history, with an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. And that's not all! TikTok video from Sarah (@thesarahadventure): "Sandstone Falls New River Gorge West Virginia #blessed #travel #traveltiktok #travellife #solotravel #westvirginia #wv #newriver #newrivergorgenationalpark #hiking #westvirginiahiking #sandstonefalls #nationalpark #nationalparks". I was so excited to see this post for New River Gorge National Park! Connect with the parks you love. Then, we cover things to do just outside of New River Gorge National Park. February 23, 2021 Kristen Richard Heading out the door? Sad violin ballad - Inumori. Glen Jean, Copyright 2023 West Virginia Department of Tourism, one of the best national parks in the USA. These include Hawks Nest State Park and Babcock State Park. The Headhouse, listed above, is part of the Nuttallburg Mine Site. Come see why this spot is already considered to be one of the best national parks in the USA. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. At the end of the steps, you can see the old buildings from behind the fence. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is America's newest & West Virginia's first National Park. Combining New River Gorge National Park with other nearby sights makes a great road trip. 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. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. They lead out to views like this: For views of the upper falls, head to the left. Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. During the winter months, temperatures can get below freezing and snow is likely. Most of the routes in the gorge favor the advanced and expert climber. Many were closed Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday. A popular rock climbing and whitewater rafting destination in southeastern West Virginia has officially become a U.S. national park, thanks to the latest COVID-19 stimulus package. Sometimes we moved along lazily and quietly where the surface was smooth and the water ran deep. Speed also varies along the stream channel, being fastest where the channel is narrowest and the gradient steepest, and it changes with time, being fastest at flood stage. Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginias Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway. The National Park Service labels this as a strenuous hike but I think thats a bit of a stretch. The scenic drive is an opportunity to experience the parkits gorge and its river. Celebrate West Virginias wildlife by discovering the natural waterfalls in the Ne More than just gateways to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, these neighboring mountain towns are must adds to your travel pl Spring has arrived and we are more than ready for sunny outdoor activities. Zipline West Virginia, New River Gorge Zip through New River Gorge on a network of 9 zip lines and two suspended bridges spanning over 1 mile of cliff line. There are a few steep climbs and descents but overall it is doable for most people. They also run a campground and a restaurant (the Handle Bar). In this part of West Virginia, the leaves were just beginning to change color. (Video of kayaker navigating rapids). With a nice view of the New River and two of the best hiking trails in the park, this is a great place to spend half of a day in New River Gorge National Park. Take some time to experience this area, rich with a diverse collection of flora and fauna. Thanks for writing in! Connect with the parks you love. Outside of the national park boundary are several other notable sights to visit. New River Gorge Bridge Walk: Walk on a 24 inch wide catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the USA. The New River isone of theoldest riversin the world, some claim is to be the second oldest, aging between 10 and 360 million years old. American national park and nature preserve, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (the United States), New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Nuttallburg Coal Mining Complex and Town Historic District, Prince Brothers General Store-Berry Store, "Nearly six miles of canyon slope added to New River Gorge National River", "H.R.4610 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Designation Act", "Bill to make New River Gorge a national park/preserve introduced", "New River Gorge set to become 63rd national park and 20th national reserve with redesignation legislation", "New River Gorge: America's newest national park is one of West Virginia's hidden gems", "New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Proposed Boundary: Map Number 637/163,199A", "West Virginia's New River Gorge Will Be Our 63rd National Park", "America has a new national park but not all the locals are happy about it", Video of Whitewater rafting on the Lower New River, West Virginia Travel Planning Information, New River Gorge Convention & Visitors Bureau, West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, List of national parks of the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=New_River_Gorge_National_Park_and_Preserve&oldid=1163551142, National Park Service areas in West Virginia, National Park Service Wild and Scenic Rivers, Protected areas of Fayette County, West Virginia, Protected areas of Raleigh County, West Virginia, Protected areas of Summers County, West Virginia, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 5 July 2023, at 14:19. 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. All sites are managed on a first-come, first-served basis and reservations are not accepted. Like many visitors to New River Gorge National River, I took the two-day raft trip to explore and to reflect on my surroundings. The view from the boat of the New River Gorge - and the New River Gorge Bridge - can't be beat! There is a Fayette Station Road Audio Tour CD that you can pick up at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center before you go, which explains the history of this area. There are plenty more things to do other than what is listed below - this is just a starting point! There is also a zipline that runs from the bridge to Fayette Station Road (the High Line), that you can sign up for in advance. Distance: 2.4 miles out-and-back | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 850 feet | Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This experience put me in direct contact with the power and force of change, the river itself, the maker of the gorge. Wed 12 May 2021 05.30 EDT Last modified on Tue 25 May 2021 13.08 EDT T he New River has spent millions of years carving a bucolic gorge in West Virginia. Places throughout the park that you won't want to miss. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. (Video of a kayaker in the white water rapids). Yet here I was at the present cutting edge of geologic change. The river is wider and has easy rapids up to Class III. places And Video of young person chasing lightning bugs (Video of a butterfly on a plant). It probably took 7 to 10 million years for these deposits to accumulate as layers of sand, mud, and rotting plants and then to compress and bond into sandstone, shale, and coal. There are several commercial companies that offer guided whitewater rafting trips. flows through deep canyons. The motion of the river that is most important to our geologic story is the motion that results in erosion, the rivers ability to cut into its channel and carry away sediment. New River Gorge Scenic Drive Encircling the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the scenic drive is an estimated three-hour trip. for your next trip to the parks. The majority of the trails are located near Canyon Rim. On day 2, go whitewater rafting or mountain biking in the morning and spend the afternoon in Grandview and/or Sandstone. Here is the view. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Photos (2,955) Directions Print/PDF map Length 3.0 miElevation gain 344 ftRoute type Out & back Experience this 3.0-mile out-and-back trail near Fayetteville, West Virginia. On December 27, 2020, it was officially designated as a national park. Ride The Amtrak Through West Virginia's New River Gorge For Just $11 There are some beautiful train rides through the Mountain State.
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