sun rising over the New River Gorge

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

National Park & Preserve ยท West Virginia

Gary Hartley

๐Ÿ“ StateWest Virginia
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Park & Preserve
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities46
Official NPS Website โ†’

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.

Park Photos

sun rising over the New River Gorge
bridge spanning the river
bend in the river
railroad tracks and depot
waterfall spanning the river
fog and mountains

Activities

Operating Hours

New River Gorge National River

The park itself is open 24 hour a day, year round. The park's two main visitor centers at Canyon Rim and Sandstone are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day). There are two seasonal Visitor Centers located in Thurmond and Grandview. They are typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is free to enter.

What are the best activities at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?

Popular activities at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve include: Arts and Culture, Theater, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Biking, Mountain Biking, Road Biking.

What is the weather like at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?

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.

How do I get to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?

To reach Park Headquarters take Route 19 North from Beckley to the Glen Jean exit. Upon exiting Rt 19, make an immediate left turn. At the next intersection, turn right. Park Headquarters will be straight ahead on the right. GPS Coordinates for Headquarters: 81.15587W, 37.92775N PLEASE NOTE: Third party search and map apps may direct you to an potentially inaccessible area of the park with no amenities or rangers stations. Please refer to the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters addresses for directions.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

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.

Directions

To reach Park Headquarters take Route 19 North from Beckley to the Glen Jean exit. Upon exiting Rt 19, make an immediate left turn. At the next intersection, turn right. Park Headquarters will be straight ahead on the right. GPS Coordinates for Headquarters: 81.15587W, 37.92775N PLEASE NOTE: Third party search and map apps may direct you to an potentially inaccessible area of the park with no amenities or rangers stations. Please refer to the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters addresses for directions.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Coordinates37.8688, -80.9996

Official Resources

NPS Official Website