The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
An outstanding canyon has been sculpted by a river deep within the Appalachian Mountains. The 1,000-foot canyon that is today known as the New River Gorge was meticulously carved over thousands of years by the New River.
The exposed sandstone, amazing whitewater, and untamed forests that this river left behind are now part of West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park. Not only was this daring location not previously recognized as a National Park, but it was not always the recreational haven that it is. Instead, it has changed over the years, ebbing and flowing.
Find out more about the history, geography, and activities that define the magical portion of West Virginia known as the New River Gorge National Park.
History of the New River Gorge National Park
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The Shawnee people lived, hunted, and fished in the New River Gorge before the arrival of European immigrants.
This land served as a foundation for a variety of industries when people first started to live in the area. The world-famous coal produced from the New River Gorge and dense hardwood woods cleared for lumber contributed to the Second Industrial Revolution’s fuel.
The once-bustling coal towns were abandoned to crumble into dust as the need for coal decreased and more effective mining techniques were discovered, allowing the Gorge to start reclaiming her territory.
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What is New River Gorge National Park famous for?
Although the New River Gorge is well-known for its massive whitewater rafting, but one of the best places in the east for rock climbing is also found in the park, according to Bieri. “There are over 1,400 climbing routes available on the sandstone cliffs of Endless Wall.”
12 miles of mountain bike routes and over 100 miles of hiking trails can also be found in New River Gorge.
However, Bieri added, “I also like to let people know that it’s not all extreme sports.” “Enjoying the park doesn’t require you to be riding a bike down a trail at top speed or hanging from a rope.”
Why is New River Gorge National Park special?
Diversity—in all its forms—is the word that Bieri uses repeatedly.
“The area’s cultural history is enhanced by old subsistence farms, railroad towns, and coal camps, while its unique natural history is enhanced by abundant wildlife, picturesque views, biological diversity, and the longest and deepest gorge in the Appalachians,” the speaker stated.
He went on, “The majority of the coal that drove our nation’s industrialization during the Industrial Revolution came from the New River Gorge,” listing Kaymoor and Nuttallburg as two of the coal mine locations that are still operational today. “In the entire nation, Nuttallburg’s coal town ruins are arguably the best conserved and most substantial.”
Whitewater Rafting at the New River Gorge
West Virginia has been chosen as one of National Geographic’s “Best of the World” Top 20 Travel Experiences for 2025, because of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve’s whitewater rafting. One of the greatest experiences in the world can be found at this Park, whether visitors are searching for family-friendly rafting or heart-pounding, high-adrenaline rafting.
A new industry was born when daring pioneers started exploring the rapids of the New River Gorge. Seeing the potential for whitewater in West Virginia, these pioneers established outfitters for whitewater rafting by setting up shop along the banks of the New River and in the nearby towns.
Before long, rock climbers were exploring the sandstone cliffs and creating routes that are now well-known in the climbing community. Hikers may now appreciate the splendor of the New River Gorge while hiking, thanks to the creation of trails leading to some of these climbing spots.
How did the New River Gorge Became a National Park in West Virginia?
After being named a National River in 1978, the National Park Service (NPS) is currently in charge of overseeing the New River Gorge. Because of protection, the region’s distinctive wildlife and plants have been preserved. Once completed in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge unites the two sides of the steep New River Gorge and has become a beloved landmark that contributes to the area’s natural beauty.
Cultural significance also extends to the New River Gorge area. Many abandoned coal town villages may be found in the Gorge; you can visit and learn more about some of them today.
How much time it takes to explore The New River Gorge National Park?
According to Bieri, visitors can easily spend two days exploring the New River Gorge’s viewpoints and other locations by car.
He stated, “You have to kind of go into the park and then leave, drive around, and come back somewhere else because there isn’t a road that runs the entire length of the park.” “It takes a while because all of the roads in and out are windy and slow-moving.”
Though many visitors stay a week, rafting, rock climbing, and hiking require at least four days in the park.
Is it possible to walk across the bridge at New River Gorge?
On its website, the park states in large, red letters, “The New River Gorge Bridge is a highway, not a pedestrian bridge.”
Through a third-party organization called Bridge Walk, visitors can stroll on a catwalk underneath the bridge. Two to three hours long, guided tours start at $75.
Alternatively, they may wait for October’s Bridge Day, when people can stroll atop the bridge and witness daredevils BASE jump and rappel down it.
Where to stay near The New River Gorge National Park?
There are several hotel options close to New River Gorge National Park to suit different budgets and preferences. There are many different places for visitors to stay in nearby towns including Beckley, Oak Hill, and Fayetteville, including hotels, bed & breakfasts, cottages, and campgrounds.
Popular places to stay include cozy bed & breakfasts where guests may have a pleasant stay with welcoming locals, campers with stunning canyon views, and little cottages nestled in the woods. There are also several hotels and resorts that offer quick access to the park’s attractions. Reservations for hotels should be made well in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
We are going to share some best hotels to stay near The New River Gorge National Park.
The Resort At Glade Springs
| Hotel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | The Resort At Glade Springs |
| Location | 2 miles from Mallard Lake |
| 9 miles from downtown Beckley | |
| 8 miles from Raleigh County Memorial Airport | |
| 18 miles from New River Gorge National Park | |
| Check-in Time | 4:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | 11:00 AM |
| Popular Amenities | |
| – Spa | |
| – Pool | |
| – Breakfast | Free |
| – Wi-Fi | Free |
Adventures on the Gorge
| Hotel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Adventures on the Gorge |
| Address | 219 Co Rte 60/5, Lansing, WV 25862 |
| Contact Information | (304) 461-6570 |
| Check-in Time | 4:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | 10:00 AM |
| – Internet | Wi-Fi: Free |
| – Smoke-free Property | Yes |
| – Pool, Hot tub | Outdoor |
| Pets | Pet-friendly |
| – Restaurant | Available |
| – Bar | Available |
| – Breakfast | Included |
| Children | Kid-friendly |
| – Parking | Free |
| – Air conditioning | Included |
The Historic Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast
| Hotel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | The Historic Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast |
| Description | Genteel B&B in a 1902 Queen Anne-style home |
| Location | 2-minute walk from Historic Fayette Theatre |
| 3 miles from New River Gorge views at Canyon Rim Visitor Center | |
| Check-in Time | 4:00 PM |
| Check-out Time | 10:00 AM |
| Popular Amenities | |
| – Parking | Free |
| – Breakfast | Complimentary |
| – Wi-Fi | Free |
| – Air Conditioning | Included |
| Features | |
| – Fireplaces | 7 original oak fireplaces with Italian tiles |
The Cabins at Pine Haven – Beckley – Two-Bedroom House
| Property Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | The Cabins at Pine Haven – Beckley |
| Location | Located south of Beckley in Raleigh County, West Virginia |
| Distance from I-64 | 2.3 km |
| Distance from I-77 | 10 km |
| Nearby Amenities | Gas, groceries, and restaurants within a 1 km radius |
| Special Features | Hot tub and fireplace |
| Description | Air-conditioned holiday home with private entrance |
| 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms, 2 bathrooms | |
| Terrace with mountain views | |
| Accommodates 3 beds | |
| – Air Conditioning, Hot Tub | Included |
| – Crib | Available upon request |
| – Fireplace, Heating, Ironing Board, Kitchen, Microwave, Outdoor Grill, Oven Stove, Patio, Cable TV, Washer, | Included |
| – Pet-friendly, Smoke-free, Wheelchair Accessible | Yes |
| Parking, Wi-Fi | Free |
FAQs
Where to stay in new river gorge national park?
Above is the information about some nearby hotels and Bed and Breakfasts, you can choose one of them or search the area according to your interest and budget.
