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Here are seven amazing ways to experience New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia.
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the newest addition to the national parks in the U.S. and embodies the spirit of John Denver’s West Virginia.
The country roads found within the park do indeed “take me home”. And life in the park really is old.
In fact, it is believed that New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world, more than 360 millions years old.
New River Gorge National Park is not only beautiful, but nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, it’s also an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
There’s so many ways to experience the park.
If you’ve never been, or you’re planning a return trip and looking for things to do, here are just seven amazing ways to experience New River Gorge National Park.
Visit New River Gorge Bridge
The bridge is a modern marvel and is truly a sight to see.
You can get a great view of it from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.
Park in the lot then take the paved walkway to the overlook.
You can continue down the walkway (via a series of steps) for more overlook views.
You can also experience the bridge by driving over it (Highway 19).
It is impressive to say the least.
At 3,030 feet long, it is the 5th longest single span arch bridge in the world. It is also the 3rd highest drivable bridge in the U.S., sitting 876 feet above the bottom of the gorge.
Experience the Bridge Walk
For a fee, you can take a guided tour along the catwalk under the bridge. (This is the only way across the bridge by foot as the road is closed to foot traffic.)
You are securely tethered by a safety cable and the opportunities for amazing photographs along the catwalk are endless.
The entire excursion takes about about 2-3 hours with stops for discussions of the bridge and the park. You can make your reservation here.
Drive the Fayette Station Road
Just down the road from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the Fayette Station Road.
A 100 year-old scenic drive with both one- and two-lanes, the road takes you down the side of the gorge, along the river, across the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, and up the other side. The road ends in Fayetteville.
There’s much to see along the route including remnants of old coal mining settlements, exhibits, and beautiful scenery.
The entire drive takes about 40 minutes.
Be aware that large vehicles (including RVs and trailers are not recommended).
Due to the nature of the road, only attempt it during good weather.
Click here for specific directions and an audio tour to compliment your drive.
Spend the Day Fishing in an Angler’s Paradise
One of the best places in the country to fish for smallmouth bass, the New River is popular with anglers.
You can also find plenty of walleye, muskellunge, bluegill, carp, crappie, trout and catfish to keep you busy on the water.
Spring and fall are the best times for catching fish in this area.
There are several excellent public access points along the river including Fayette Station, Brooks Falls, Tug Creek Beach, and others.
There are also several guided fishing opportunities in the area, or you can give it a try on your own.
Fishing licenses are required in the park. West Virginia offers a single day license for those visiting from out-of-state.
Hiking or Backpacking Through the Park
New River Gorge National Park is full of hiking trails, almost 100 miles of them in fact.
Most trails range from less than a mile to about seven miles in length and are perfect for day hikes.
For details about the hiking trails in various areas of the park check out the National Park website here.
Three of these trails are recommended for those wanting to do an overnight backpacking excursion: the Glade Creek Trail, Polls Plateau Trail, and Kates Plateau Trail.
If you’re looking for the perfect backpacking gear for your next trip, take a look at my Ultimate 3-5 Day Backpacking Gear List.
And if you know someone who loves fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, etc., check out my Best Gift Ideas for the Outdoor Woman.
Camp in One of the Primitive Campgrounds
If you want to truly experience the New River Gorge National Park up close and personal, try camping in one of the nine primitive campgrounds found along the river.
Primitive camping in these areas means no water or electricity and limited restroom facilities (read outhouses and pit toilets).
There is no fee to camp, but sites are first-come, first-serve and reservations are not accepted so best to head out early!
Campgrounds are accessible to RVs and campers via gravel roads and maintain a 14-day max stay per site.
There are two campgrounds that permit group camping. Dunglen and Bernwood Group Campsites. A special permit required for these areas and can be obtained by calling 304-465-6517.
Be aware that only Bernwood Group Campsite is open year round. It’s also the only group camping area that allows RVs, popups, and trailers.
All campgrounds with the exception of one (War Ridge) has access to the river for fishing.
It’s the perfect opportunity to cook your day’s catch over the campfire within minutes of pulling it out of the river.
It doesn’t get any fresher than that!
Take a Whitewater Rafting Trip Down the New River
If you’re into whitewater rafting, you’re in luck!
Some of the best whitewater rafting in the country is found along the New River.
Most people put in at Cunard and exit at Fayette Station.
The river drops 750 feet within the park’s 50 miles of river. That’s a recipe for some exhilarating Class III – V rapids April through October.
You’ll find Class I-II rapids in the upper section of the river, making it perfect for whitewater canoeing.
Because the New River runs south to north, the “upper” section is actually located in the southern part of the park. Whereas the “lower” section, known as the Lower Gorge, is found in the north.
There are several commercial whitewater rafting companies that operate on the river. They offer trips from a few hours in length to a couple of days.
For a list of approved river outfitters, click here.
Attend the Annual Bridge Day Event
Since 1980, every 3rd Saturday in October, the New River Gorge Bridge has been the site of the annual “Bridge Day”.
One day each year the bridge closes to vehicle traffic and people come from all over to participate in activities such as BASE jumping from the bridge and rappelling down from the catwalk.
It’s also the only day of the year that pedestrians can walk across the top of the bridge along the roadway.
In 2019 over 100,000 people came to watch 303 BASE jumpers from 41 states jump off the bridge.
If you’re into extreme sports, try the High Line. This is your chance to slide along a zip line 700 feet from the bridge to the Fayette Station Road below!
Talk about extreme!
Check out the Bridge Day event details here.
That’s it. There’s seven amazing ways to experience New River Gorge National Park.
So whether you’re driving along one of those winding country roads or watching a dark and dusty sunset, New River Gorge National Park will make you feel like you’re home.
And while there are many more ways to experience the park, these seven are guaranteed to help you embrace your inner dragonfly and have the best trip ever!
Have you been to the New River Gorge National Park? What was your favorite experience? Comment below! I’d love to hear from you!
If you’re interested in discovering the Shenandoah National Park, check out my article here. And as long as you’re in the area, consider an Incredible Weekend Getaway to Virginia.
