This post may contain affiliate links. Click here to learn more.
The United States of America is home to 433 national park sites, but only 63 are designated as National Parks. The newest one was designated in 2020 and is located in the gorgeous Mountain State of West Virginia. New River Gorge National Park was established as the United States’ 63rd national park on December 27, 2020, and currently covers just over 7,000 acres.
I had never visited West Virginia before this, and now I can’t wait to go back! We started our visit at the Sandstone Visitor Center, which gave us a better sense of the park and allowed us to decide which parts to prioritize. Our visit was during a cross-country PCS move, which meant time was limited.
We decided to visit three areas of the park: Sandstone Falls Boardwalk, Grandview, and Brooks Overlook. If you’re limited on time, skip Brooks Overlook. Of course, if we had more time, we would have made stops at Dunloup Creek Falls and the New River Gorge Bridge.
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk and Grandview are accessible for all fitness levels and easy to navigate. I’ll explain more about each of them later in this post.
Also Read: Lost World Caverns – A Hidden Gem in West Virginia
How to Get There
Flying in: The closest major airport to this West Virginia national park is the West Virginia International Yeager Airport, located in Charleston. There’s also a closer but smaller airport in the town of Beckley. Check Google Flights to find the best flight deals. It’s fantastic for comparing different airlines without having to check multiple sites.
Driving: You will need a car to visit this national park. Popular areas of New River Gorge are miles away from each other and require time on the road to get between them. If you’re flying in and need to rent a car, check out Rentalcars.com, which compares different car rental companies in the area so you know you’re getting the best price.
Here are the addresses for the three visitor centers in New River Gorge National Park:
- Canyon Rim Visitor Center – 162 Visitor Center Rd. Lansing, WV 25862
- Sandstone Visitor Center – 330 Meadow Creek Rd. Meadow Bridge, WV 25976
- Grandview Visitor Center – 4700 Grandview Rd. Beaver, WV 25813
Also Read: Taygeer Travel Backpack Review: A Lightweight and Practical Choice for Frequent Travelers
Popular Activities and Tours
New River Gorge National Park is a fantastic, family-friendly destination. You can enjoy many fun activities regardless of your interests or fitness level. Since we only had a few hours to explore the gorgeous landscape, we only did a couple of the easier “hikes” (more like leisurely strolls) to magnificent vantage points. But there is so much more to see and do!
Also Read: A Weekend Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
For me, Sandstone Falls Boardwalk was the highlight of New River Gorge National Park. It’s a wooden path that stretches along the river and over it in some parts. You’ll see intricate beaver dams, gorgeous waterfalls, and even a few sandy beaches along the way. Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall in this national park and spans over 1,500 feet across. If you want to get in a few more steps, take the 0.5-mile Island Loop Trail, where you’ll get to experience the unique botanical ecosystem of West Virginia. We met a local who told us it’s one of her favorite places to spend time with her kids, and I can definitely see why!
Grandview
Grandview’s magical horseshoe bend certainly lives up to its name. It is just a short walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint, but there are more than six miles of trails to explore if you have more time. Grandview is a fantastic place to spot local wildlife, including deer, bats, skinks, and wild turkeys. Big Buck Trail and Woodland Loop Trail are rated as easy hikes and make your time here worthwhile.
Also Read: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: A Quick Guide
New River Gorge Bridge Walk
The Bridge Walk is undoubtedly the most thrilling experience in the New River Gorge. It’s a slim catwalk under the bridge, where participants are strapped to a cable and stand 850 feet above the river. As you navigate across the 3,030-foot catwalk, you can take in the breathtaking scenery, pause for photos, and learn more about the history of the New River Gorge. The tour takes two to three hours, and visitors must be willing to walk 1.5 miles.
Whitewater Rafting
Whether a first-timer or an experienced whitewater rafter, you will surely enjoy this half-day whitewater rafting experience. With an experienced guide at the helm, you and your group will travel through the Lower New River Gorge. You’ll navigate exhilarating whitewater rapids between calm areas where you can relax and enjoy the gorge’s natural beauty. There’s even a section of rapids to swim!
Also Read: How to Maximize Credit Card Benefits as a Military Member
ATV Tour
One of my favorite ways to explore a place that’s a little off the beaten path is to do an ATV tour! It’s just so fun and a great way to see scenery you otherwise wouldn’t have. New River ATV offers a fun and rugged 3.5-hour tour where you’ll be treated to some of the most incredible views in the area. The company provides all the necessary equipment, and only six people will be on each tour, so you’ll have ample time to explore where you want. It is worth noting that each participant on this tour must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid US driver’s license.
ACE Adventure Waterpark
If you’re traveling with kiddos and are looking for a few hours of pure fun – ACE Adventure Waterpark in Oak Hill, WV, is the place to be! This half-day afternoon pass is ideal if you want to spend the morning exploring the national park and unwind at the waterpark in the afternoon. The half-day pass provides you full access to the waterpark from 3 pm to 8 pm on your chosen date. ACE Adventure Waterpark includes fabulous attractions like a 25-foot tall climbing mountain, two ziplines, two 40-foot tall waterslides, and so much more!
Also Read: Visiting Mammoth Cave National Park in One Day – What to See & Do
Hotels Near New River Gorge
No lodging facilities are located in the park, but you can find many budget to mid-range hotels and bed and breakfasts in the surrounding area, mainly along the I-77 and I-64. Here are a couple of nearby towns, along with some great accommodations in the area:
Beckley Accommodations
Lewisburg Accommodations
Summersville Accommodations
We stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Lewisburg, and I was really happy with our decision. It’s clean, easy to find, and offers complimentary breakfast – which is a massive plus in my book. Plus, since we’re Marriott Bonvoy members, it was a great way to add an extra night while we had to be on the road.
If you really want to experience the great outdoors at its peak, primitive camping is allowed for up to 14 days in the same area for no fee. Primitive camping does not include drinking water or hookups. Therefore, you’ll need to pack everything you need with you. These camping areas can be found at several locations next to the river.
Also Read: White Sands National Park: Wild & Worth It!
Tips for Visiting New River Gorge National Park
- Don’t skip the visitor centers. The visitor centers hold a wealth of information and are so helpful when planning your itinerary. The park workers can answer any questions you may have and are happy to give recommendations. Also, if you collect national park stamps like us, a visitor center stop is an absolute must!
- Stay hydrated. No matter what kind of activities you plan on doing, staying hydrated is key to avoiding exhaustion and injury. Always keep water on hand. I’m a Hydro Flask girly through and through, and my favorites are the 40 oz. All Around Travel Tumbler and the 32 oz. Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw Lid.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Unless you’re doing some intense hiking, you don’t need anything fancy — just shoes that are broken in and won’t cause blisters. The Adidas women’s Cloudfoam Pure 2.0 is my go-to pair of walking shoes. They’re super comfortable and get me through an entire day of walking and easy hikes.
- Download Google Maps. Google Maps was a lifesaver for us when visiting this park. It is huge and requires a bit of driving to get between landmarks. Make sure to download the offline map of the area — we did hit a few spots with limited phone service.
- Bring your own food and snacks. While you will pass through a few small towns between different areas of the park, food and drink options are pretty limited. Instead, bring a few simple items for a picnic lunch. My husband and I always keep a few Nature Valley granola bars on hand for any possible hangry moments.
Like this post? Share it!
