Lower New River
The lower New delivers big-water Class III–IV rapids through a stunning canyon, with family-friendly sections upstream. It is one of the most popular guided rafting rivers in the eastern United States and runs most of the year.
New River Gorge Country
Fayette County WV Travel Guide
Home to the New River Gorge Bridge, the Gauley River's legendary rapids and the trail town of Fayetteville, this is the beating heart of West Virginia's outdoor scene.
Quick Info
- County Seat
- Fayetteville, WV
- Best For
- Rafting, climbing, hiking, scenic drives
- Best Time
- Spring–fall; Gauley releases in autumn
- Time Needed
- 2–4 days
The Adventure Capital of the East
If West Virginia has an adventure capital, it is Fayette County. The county contains most of the northern New River Gorge, the thundering Gauley River, miles of sandstone cliffs and a network of trails and scenic byways that draw visitors from across the country.
Its center of gravity is Fayetteville, a small town that has become a national model for outdoor recreation economies. Outfitters, climbing shops, breweries and farm-to-table restaurants line its streets, and the gorge is minutes away in every direction.
Beyond the adrenaline, Fayette County holds quiet state parks, historic mining towns and some of the best fall foliage drives in Appalachia — making it as good for a lazy scenic weekend as for a whitewater expedition.
Landmark
The New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge is the defining image of the region, an 876-foot-high steel arch that carries US Route 19 across the canyon. When it opened in 1977 it was the world's longest steel arch bridge.
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center on the north side offers boardwalk overlooks and excellent perspectives of the span, while the Bridge Walk and Bridge Day give visitors a chance to experience the structure up close, including the annual BASE jump event each October.
Fayette County contains both ends of the bridge, so it is impossible to explore the county without crossing it — preferably more than once, with a camera at the ready.
Fayetteville: Trail Town USA
Fayetteville has been designated an official Trail Town, and it shows. The town's compact historic center is filled with outfitters, gear shops, bakeries, coffee houses, craft breweries and locally owned restaurants, all within a few blocks.
It is also a genuine community, with a lively arts scene, a farmers market and events throughout the year that celebrate the outdoor lifestyle. Visitors often plan their trip around the town as much as the gorge.
Stay here and you can walk to dinner after a day on the river, then wake up minutes from the trailhead or the put-in.
Rafting the New & Gauley
Gauley Season & Climbing
Each fall, scheduled Gauley River releases create some of the most intense commercial whitewater in the world. The same sandstone cliffs that line the gorge make Fayette County a bucket-list destination for rock climbers.
Hawks Nest, Babcock & Historic Thurmond
Hawks Nest State Park overlooks a dramatic bend in the New River, with a lodge, trails and an aerial tramway down to the river. It is one of the premier viewpoints in the gorge and an easy stop on a scenic drive.
Babcock State Park is famous for Glade Creek Grist Mill, one of the most photographed buildings in West Virginia, set among hemlock forest, waterfalls and miles of trails. Cabins and camping make it a cozy base.
Across the river, the ghost town of Thurmond preserves the shell of a once-thriving coal and railroad boomtown. Its empty banks, depot and commercial blocks are now part of the national park and offer a haunting glimpse of the region's past.
Plan Your Trip
A Fayette County Weekend
Day 1 — Bridge & Rim
Start at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, walk the Endless Wall Trail to the cliff-edge overlooks, then watch sunset from Hawks Nest before dinner in Fayetteville.
Day 2 — On the River
Raft the lower New or explore the Gauley corridor, then unwind with a cold drink at one of the town's breweries.
Day 3 — Babcock & Thurmond
Photograph Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock, hike among the hemlocks, then drive the narrow road down to historic Thurmond.
Related Guides
Town
Fayetteville
The trail town base camp of the gorge.
Landmark
The Gorge Bridge
Overlooks, Bridge Day and the record span.
Hub
New River Gorge
The complete destination guide.
Water
Whitewater Rafting
New and Gauley river trips.
Rock
Rock Climbing
Sandstone routes in the gorge.
Camp
Camping
Rim, river and resort campgrounds.
Fayette County FAQ
What is Fayette County WV known for?
The New River Gorge Bridge, the trail town of Fayetteville, world-class whitewater on the New and Gauley rivers, sandstone rock climbing and Babcock and Hawks Nest state parks.
Where is the best view of the gorge bridge?
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center boardwalks on the north side of the gorge give the classic view. For a wider canyon perspective, try the Long Point or Endless Wall trails.
What is Gauley Season?
Each fall, controlled releases from Summersville Dam create a series of big whitewater weekends on the Gauley River. It is a major draw for experienced paddlers and rafters from around the world.
Is Babcock State Park worth visiting?
Absolutely. Glade Creek Grist Mill is one of the most photographed spots in the state, and the surrounding trails, waterfalls and cabins make it a wonderful half-day or overnight stop.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent travel publication devoted to the Mountain State. We know this county's trails and rivers firsthand and write guides built on real trips, not guesswork. Read our story →