RoadRangeROADRANGE
sun rising over the New River Gorge
NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent.

Photo: Gary Hartley / NPS

WV
state
46
things to do
6
parks within a day
OVERVIEW

About New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. 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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Driving times from New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
THINGS TO DO

Activities

Arts and CultureAstronomyAuto and ATVBackcountry CampingBackcountry HikingBikingBirdwatchingBoatingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCanoeingCar or Front Country CampingClimbingFishingFly FishingFoodFreshwater FishingFront-Country HikingGroup CampingGuided ToursHikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHuntingHunting and GatheringJunior Ranger ProgramKayakingMountain BikingMuseum ExhibitsPaddlingPark FilmPicnickingPlaygroundRV CampingRoad BikingRock ClimbingScenic DrivingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingShoppingStand Up PaddleboardingTheaterWhitewater RaftingWildlife Watching
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?
Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Astronomy, Auto and ATV, Backcountry Camping, Backcountry Hiking, Biking.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?
Within about a day's drive you can reach Gauley River National Recreation Area (2 h), Bluestone National Scenic River (2 h 1 min), Booker T Washington National Monument (3 h 41 min), Friendship Hill National Historic Site (3 h 56 min), Green Springs (4 h 7 min), Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (4 h 8 min).