New River Gorge National Park & Preserve protects more than 70,000 acres along the New River in southern West Virginia. The National Park Service protects 53 miles of the New River within the park, along with the spectacular gorge carved by the river.

The park combines outdoor recreation with Appalachian history. Visitors can hike to panoramic overlooks, experience whitewater rafting, climb sandstone cliffs, explore historic coal and railroad communities, fish the New River, or spend an afternoon enjoying one of the park's peaceful picnic areas.

Because New River Gorge stretches for more than 50 miles, visitors should plan ahead and allow extra driving time. Many park roads are narrow and winding, and attractions are spread throughout the region.

No visit to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is complete without seeing the New River Gorge Bridge.

One of the best places to begin your trip is the Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Fayetteville. From here, visitors can walk along boardwalk paths to viewpoints overlooking the bridge and gorge.

For an entirely different perspective, consider driving Fayette Station Road. This scenic route descends into the gorge, crosses the New River near river level, and climbs back toward the rim. The drive provides a glimpse of what traveling through the gorge was like before the modern New River Gorge Bridge opened in 1977.

For spectacular scenery, make time for Grandview at New River Gorge National Park.

Grandview sits approximately 1,400 feet above the New River, and the Main Overlook provides one of the park's most impressive panoramic views. On a clear day, visitors can see approximately seven miles of the New River and surrounding watershed.

The overlook also provides a connection to West Virginia's industrial history. Far below, visitors can see an active railroad and the community of Quinnimont, where the first coal was shipped out of the gorge in 1873.

Grandview isn't limited to one overlook. Visitors can explore woodland hiking trails and make their way to Turkey Spur Overlook for another impressive view of the surrounding landscape.

Spring and summer bring additional color to Grandview. Purple Catawba rhododendrons typically bloom around mid-May, while white great rhododendrons generally bloom later in the summer. Blooming periods can vary from year to year.

Grandview is also home to picnic areas, playgrounds, a seasonal visitor center, ranger programs, and the outdoor performances of Theatre West Virginia.

Hiking is one of the best ways to experience New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The park offers trails ranging from short walks through peaceful forests to challenging routes leading to overlooks, waterfalls, and historic sites.

Some popular hikes include:

• Endless Wall Trail – Famous for incredible views from the cliffs above New River Gorge.
• Long Point Trail – A popular hike featuring an outstanding view of the New River Gorge Bridge.
• Grandview Rim Trail – A scenic option for exploring the Grandview area.
• Glade Creek Trail – An excellent choice for visitors interested in waterfalls, cascades, and pools.
• Kaymoor-area trails – Combine hiking with fascinating remnants of the gorge's coal-mining history.
• Burnwood Trail – A shorter hike through an old-growth forest environment.

Trails throughout New River Gorge vary significantly in difficulty. Visitors should check trail conditions, carry water, wear appropriate footwear, and obtain a park map before setting out.

For adventure seekers, New River Gorge West Virginia is especially well known for whitewater rafting and rock climbing.

The New River offers outstanding whitewater opportunities surrounded by the dramatic walls of the gorge. Guided rafting trips are available through outfitters in communities surrounding the park, making it possible for visitors with different experience levels to enjoy the river.

Rock climbing is another major attraction. New River Gorge's hard sandstone cliffs have made "The New" one of America's most popular climbing destinations. Climbers can find routes across cliffs that commonly range from approximately 30 to 120 feet high.

Climbing can be dangerous, however, and many routes are designed for experienced climbers. Beginners should consider professional instruction or a qualified local guide.

Another must-see attraction is Sandstone Falls, the largest waterfall on the New River.

Located in the southern portion of the park, Sandstone Falls stretches across the river as water drops roughly 15 to 25 feet around a series of islands. It provides a completely different experience from the towering overlooks around Fayetteville and Grandview and demonstrates just how diverse New River Gorge National Park can be.

Visitors exploring the southern end of the park can also stop at the Sandstone Visitor Center and explore nearby hiking opportunities.

The scenery may bring visitors to New River Gorge, but its history makes the park even more fascinating.

Coal mining, railroads, timber operations, and Appalachian communities helped shape the region. Historic areas throughout the park preserve pieces of that story.

Thurmond provides an especially interesting look at West Virginia's railroad history, while Nuttallburg preserves remains associated with one of the gorge's important coal-mining communities. Visitors can also discover historic mine sites, old railroad grades, abandoned roads, and remnants of communities throughout the park.

These historic locations make New River Gorge much more than an outdoor recreation destination — they tell the story of generations of people who lived and worked in the mountains of southern West Virginia.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is easily accessible from major highways, including Interstates 64 and 77 and U.S. Route 19.

Nearby communities such as Beckley, Fayetteville, and Hinton offer restaurants, lodging, shopping, and other services for visitors.

If you're visiting Grandview, the National Park Service lists the physical address as 4700 Grandview Road, Beaver, WV 25813. From Beckley, travelers can take I-64 East to Exit 129B and follow Route 9 North approximately six miles to Grandview.

The Grandview area itself is open year-round, although the Grandview Visitor Center operates seasonally. Visitors should always check current National Park Service information for operating hours, weather conditions, trail closures, and other alerts before traveling.

From standing 1,400 feet above the New River at Grandview to hiking beneath towering sandstone cliffs, rafting through whitewater, exploring historic coal towns, or watching the sun disappear behind the Appalachian Mountains, New River Gorge offers countless ways to experience West Virginia.

It's a destination where outdoor adventure, Appalachian culture, and spectacular scenery come together.

Whether you're spending a few hours at Canyon Rim and Grandview or planning several days of hiking, rafting, climbing, fishing, sightseeing, and exploring, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia.

Start planning your trip through the National Park Service's New River Gorge National Park & Preserve website and discover why this remarkable stretch of southern West Virginia has become a must-visit destination for travelers from across the country.