New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia
We enjoyed hiking and seeing the sites at New River Gorge - the newest National Park. To fully experience the beauty of this National Park make sure a white water rafting trip is on your itinerary. There are many options, but we had a wonderful experience with River Expeditions for their rafting and lodging.
New River Gorge National Park (Hiking destinations, listed North to South)
Stop at one of the 4 main visitors Centers (Canyon Rim, Sandstone, Grandview, Thurmond Depot) to get a map.
Check out this website to view the nearly 100 miles of hiking trails. Due to the river, the trails are broken up into six areas: Grandview, Glade Creek, Sandstone Brooks, Fayetteville, Thurmond-Stone Cliff-Cunard, and Nuttallburg.
Canyon Rim Visitors Center
Canyon Rim Boardwalk leads to overlooks of the bridge.
Fayette Station Road (8 miles one way) takes you from the Canyon Rim Visitors Center down to the bottom of the gorge and then back up the opposite side. It descends into the gorge with a series of hairpin turns before crossing a narrow bridge over the river and ascending the opposite side of the canyon. There are plenty of viewpoints and historical markers along the way, along with remnants of some of the canyon’s early boom-and-bust communities. You get a unique view from directly under the New River Gorge Bridge. At the bottom of the gorge you will pass through the historic town site of Fayette. The road then winds back up to Fayetteville and rejoins Route 19 just south of the New River Gorge Bridge.
***This was a very enjoyable drive. About half way down there is an area with stone stairs going up and people are rock climbing and repelling. Walk around to the left and it will curve up and allow you to get up on top of the rock face. There is a short stretch where you pull yourself up with a rope that is placed in the rock.
The New River Gorge Scenic Drive is the longest route and is the best for first-time visitors to get an overview of everything the park has to offer. It is roughly a three-hour drive that covers 83 miles on divided highways and winding two-lane roads. Plus, it includes two important stops: the Canyon Rim Visitors Center (north) and Sandstone Visitor Center (south). It basically makes a big loop around the whole park.
The New River Gorge Bridge currently holds the title of the longest steel span in the Western Hemisphere, and it crosses the gorge at a whopping height of 876 feet above the river. When it was finished in October of 1977, the bridge provided a solution to one of the region’s most challenging travel issues. What used to be a 40-minute drive along narrow, winding roads to cross the river became a short, one-minute journey over a bridge that offers magnificent river views on either side.
Long Point Trail - This moderate 1.6-mile multi-use trail winds through the forest before ascending on to a high point (Long Point) with incredible panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge. This is one of the top 5 most photographed spots in West Virginia.
***We really enjoyed this trail. You can bike almost to the end.
Endless Wall Trail is a 2.4 mile moderate walk that passes through rich forest, crosses Fern Creek, then zig-zags along the cliff edge. Many vistas can be seen along the trail. Reviewer says it’s a small parking lot, and they will tow you if you park on the road. For climbers the trail provides access down to the base of Endless Wall via ladders. Nearly 3 miles of unbroken cliff earn the trail its name.
Nuttallburg: It was once a thriving coal mining town. It is now the most intact example of a coal mining complex in the US. The road is narrow, winding, and steep, subject to frequent washouts. Check the park’s website for current road conditions before your visit. ***This road was crazy. It was interesting once we got there, but not sure it was worth the drive***
Headhouse Trail: 0.7 miles, moderate. This gravel trail (administrative road) leads to the entrance of the Nuttall coal mine and to the top of the coal conveyor which was used to transport coal from the mine to the processing area at river level. Learn more about this mine operation from exhibits at this site. Stairs next to the conveyor allow a closer look at the conveyor structure.
Town Loop Trail: 0.5 miles round trip. Get a glimpse of Nuttallburg's community life on this trail that loops around a residential area of Nuttallburg. Foundations of a church, school, and homes are visible along the way; exhibits in this area show what life was like in this once bustling community.
Thurmond - From the turn of the century until the early 1920s, Thurmond was the place to be. This classic boomtown was the heart of the area’s coal mining industry and it boasted the largest revenue of any town along the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The rich banks of Thurmond attracted coal barons and other wealthy visitors from miles around. At one time, the railway brought nearly 75,000 passengers to town every year, but the advent of diesel locomotives changed everything. Today, the community is still largely untouched by modern development.
Rend Trail: 3.4 miles, easy. Great for hiking or beginning mountain bikers. An easy grade and wide, smooth trail makes for one of the most popular trails in the park.
Stone Cliff Trail: 2.7 miles one-way. Hiking and biking. This moderate trail follows an old road along the banks of the New River. Great views and easy access to the river are available along this trail.
Grandview boasts some of the park’s most dramatic scenery. It’s a must-visit destination if you’re into hiking, picnicking, or just casual sightseeing. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the bottom of the gorge and as much as seven miles of the river and its surrounding watershed. This is where you see the horseshoe bend. The Main Overlook and the Turkey Spur Overlook are the major viewpoints to check out while visiting Grandview. But the area is also known for its eye-popping collection of Catawba rhododendrons, which are in full bloom in the spring. A great place to watch the sunrise.
Grandview Rim Trail - this moderate 1.6-mile hiking trail connects the Main Overlook and the Turkey Spur Overlook and is one of the best hikes for first-time visitors.
Castle Rock Trail - Hikers will find close-up views of towering fortress-like rock walls and exposed coal seams. The Castle Rock Trail and Grandview Rim Trail can make a great one mile loop.
***We did this trail and the boys loved climbing on all the rocks.
Tunnel Trail: 0.5 miles, moderate. Cool off along Grandview's shortest and shadiest trail. The moist earth, lush vegetation, and cold-to-the-touch sandstone walls make a stroll along this forest trail a special experience, even on the hottest day. The ½ mile trail passes several tunnels in the rock and passes beneath a large rock overhang.
Glade Creek Trail: This moderate 5.6-mile multi-use trail follows an abandoned narrow-gauge rail line and is one of the best hikes in the park, especially if you’re seeking a refreshing swimming hole. You can take the 0.2 mile spur to see Kate’s Fall. Start from the Upper Glade Creek Trailhead for faster access to Kate’s Fall. Start from the Lower Creek Trailhead for faster access to swimming holes.
***We did this, and really enjoyed it. We swam at the swimming hole 0.9 miles down. Check out this Glade Creek Hike website for exact mileage to swimming holes.
SandStone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. Water cascades around a series of islands, and the river drops 15 to 25 feet through the falls. Here, the river is nearly 1,500 feet wide, and the falls begin its transition from a broad river to the narrow mountain river roaring through a deep boulder strewn V- shaped gorge. The falls form the dramatic starting line for the New River’s final rush through the New River Gorge to its confluence with the Gauley River to form the Kanawha River. Great place to watch the sunset. Take bug spray.
The trip to Sandstone will take you along two of the park’s most scenic roads — Route 20 and River Road. Most visitors will find the best starting point for their journey to Sandstone Falls at the Sandstone Visitor Center at the Sandstone exit 139 on I-64.
As you drive south, high above the river on Route 20 to Hinton you will pass two park vistas. The Sandstone Falls Overlook provides an aerial view of the falls from 600 feet above the river. Brooks Overlook looks down on the mile-long Brooks Island, a perennial bald eagle nesting site.
Hinton is the southern gateway to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. A once booming railroad center, the town has a large historic district, railroad museum, antique shops, and restaurants.
Try Lucky Rivers Cafe, a charming eatery inspired by Appalachian flavors.
After crossing the bridge at Hinton you will begin driving alongside the New River down River Road. There are great riverside vistas, several river access points, a trail, picnic area and small boardwalk view (0.2 miles) at Brooks Falls, a powerful Class III rapid. The journey ends at the Sandstone Falls day use area, where you begin your walk along the boardwalk and bridges that span the two islands below the falls. The Island Loop Trail is an easy 0.5 mile loop trail goes around the largest island below Sandstone Falls, which was once the site of a prominent grist mill.
Whitewater Rafting
They have a variety of trips for various ages and levels of adventure. Kids raft free with paying adults, even on Saturdays.
If you’re with a young family the Beginner Rafting trip (Class 1 and 2 rapids with two Class 3 rapids) allows you to ride in a group raft or in a single or double “duckie”, or inflatable kayak. We loved the experience with the duckies!
Wear a bathing suit, shorts, t-shirt, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and old tennis shoes or water shoes/sandals. They don’t recommend bringing a phone. Souvenir photos and videos are available upon request and pre-purchase. Lock valuables in your vehicle and leave your keys with them prior to departing for the river.
***We were very happy with the pricing and experience we had with River Expeditions.
Minimum age 6, full day, lunch included. Kids raft free with a paying adult (not valid on Saturdays)
Has a family tour that is for kids ages 5 and up. Full day and half day trips available.
Kids raft free with a paying adult, (not valid on Saturdays). Most days you’ll be in an inflatable kayak. If the water level is high you’ll be on a raft with a guide. Full day trip with lunch and time to swim included. Try “Jump Rock”!
This is a more expensive option, kids don’t raft free.
Full and half day trips are available, kids don’t raft free.
Here’s a list of local white water rafting outfitters.
Additional New River Gorge Activities:
Take the 3 hour Bridge Walk tour, and walk across the New River Gorge bridge on the 24” catwalk.
Rappelling
Adventures on the Gorge (2 hour trip, ages 8 and up)
Ace Adventure Resort (6-8 hour trip, lunch included, minimum age of 10)
Spring fed lake waterpark features two 40’ tall Wet Willie waterslides, two 40’ tower zip lines, a giant 200’ waterslide, 50 inflatable toys, and an obstacle course. Half day and full day passes are available. Hiking and biking trails and a snack bar are on site.
Mountain Biking
New River Gorge Mountain Bike Rentals at Arrowhead Bike Farms
This mountain bike course was highly recommended by friends. You can also take the bikes and bike Long Point Trail.
New River Gorge Dining:
Breakfast
Tudor’s Biscuit World
Cathedral Cafe (inside an old Cathedral). They have cinnamon bun pancakes.
Lunch
Try Lucky Rivers Cafe, a charming eatery inspired by Appalachian flavors near Sandstone Falls in Hinton.
Wood Iron Eatery in Fayetteville (Open for breakfast, lunch and baked goods 8-12 weekdays, 8-2:30 weekend)
Dinner (in Fayetteville)
Wanderlust Creative Foods (Fusion Restaurant)
Pies and Pints (Pizza)
Don Rizo (Mexican)
FreeFolk - live music Friday and Saturday nights (Greek food)
Other places of note…
Charleston (1 hour away from New River Gorge)
The State Capital has the highest state capitol dome in the US.
West Virginia State Museum
The Elk City neighborhood looks very charming with lots of fun shops and restaurants. Check out Kin Ship Goods (cozy boutique with apparel and home decor). The Vandalia Company - from scratch doughnuts, including their best seller - Strawberry Pretzel. You can stroll along the Elk River
1010 Bridge Restaurant - Appalachian ingredients with Low Country flair.
The Pitch is a fun sports bar. Try the Sloppy Angelo - italian sausage sandwich with house-made queso.
Ellen’s Homemade ice cream - try the pawpaw ice cream.
Summersville Lake
Known as the Little Bahamas of the East, it’s the largest lake in the state with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, scuba, wading, and boating.
20 minutes northeast of Fayetteville
The Seneca Rocks area looks very cool. 3 hours NE of Fayetteville.
Blackwater Falls State Park looks beautiful. 3 hours NE of Fayetteville.
Cathedral Falls is about 20 minutes NW of Fayetteville.
New River Gorge Lodging:
River Expeditions (***This is where we stayed. We were very happy with the amenities and lodging here)
Book 3 nights, 4th night is free. They have a wide variety of lodging options (tents, RV, rustic cabins, modern cabins).
Every site has access to a shower house, pool, and hot tub.
Continental Breakfast (pastries, fruit, granola bars and juice) available each morning.
Check in at 4 pm, out at 11 am
Cabins, tents, RV sites all available.
National Park Camping
Camping - New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)
All but one campground (War Ridge) offer streamside campsites, and all are equipped with fire rings, lantern posts, picnic tables, composting or pit toilets, and garbage and recycling collection service.
Brooklyn — Five tent-only primitive campsites on a shady stretch of New River shoreline near the abandoned townsite/coal camp of Brooklyn.
Stonecliff Beach — Seven campsites. The tree-shaded, shoreline walk-in sites can also accommodate boat-in, boat-out camping for paddlers.
Thayer — The park’s smallest campground offers off-the-beaten-track travelers four walk-in, boat-in, tents-only campsites adjacent to the New River and abutting the tiny, unincorporated community of Thayer. (You will hear the train here)
Army Camp — Eleven drive-to sites, some partially shaded, for tents or small RVs are available at this campground, located on the site of a U.S. Army training facility for assembling floating pontoon bridges during the 1950s.
Sandbar — About two miles upstream (south) of Army Camp off Glade Creek Road, 18 campsites can be found on a wooded stretch of New River shoreline at Grandview Sandbar Campground.
Glade Creek — Glade Creek Campground and its 12 campsites is located about five miles further down Glade Creek Road from Grandview Sandbar Campground. You can’t miss the campground because it is located at the end of the road, near the point where Glade Creek flows into the New River. Gives easy access to the Glade Creek Trail with all the swimming holes.
Meadow Creek — The park’s largest, newest and southernmost campground can be found only about two miles off Interstate 64’s Sandstone interchange. Meadow Creek Campground contains 26 drive-to tent campsites. It’s located in an open field.
War Ridge/Backus Mountain — The only campground in the park not located along the New River has 8 campsites. On a field with no shade and no restroom.
The State Park has the Glade Creek Grist Mill. Beside the mill runs Glade Creek, which falls over a short cliff and into a perfect swimming hole.
There are tent sites and cabins available.
Tent camping and camping cabins are available.
Glamping with 2 queen beds and a bathroom
Hip Camp has lots of privately owned options with a variety of locations and amenities.
Wooded tent camping available.
New River Campground
Has a bathhouse, on the river. Sites look relatively close together.
It’s the closest campground to the bridge (0.5 mile away) with easy access to Endless Wall other hiking options.
Has a bathouse, tents only, friendly hosts. Reviewers say it’s the best price around for camping, but there is some highway noise.
In Fayetteville, less than 10 minutes from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.
About 22 minutes from Grandview Visitor Center and 27 minutes from Sandstone Visitor Center.
Hawk’s Nest State Park
They have a lodge, no camping
Aerial Tramway
Nature Museum
Scenic Overlook of the New River Gorge National Park
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1: Drive to River Expeditions Campground, check in, settle, explore the campground.
Breakfast: At home
Lunch: Picnic on the road: Chicken Salad wraps, grapes, sunchips, chocolate chip cookies
Dinner: Hamburgers (buns, ketchup, mustard, pickles), watermelon, potato packets, rice krispie treats
Day 2: White water rafting on the river. Check in at 8:20 am.
Breakfast: Continental Breakfast included
Lunch: Included with white water rafting
Dinner: Pulled pork (made and frozen), buns, bbq sauce, green beans (can opener), mac’n’cheese, s’mores
Day 3: Explore the southern part of New River Gorge National Park (Grandview, Glade Creek Swimming Holes, Hinton and Sandstone Falls. 3 hours 15 minutes of total drive time)
Breakfast: Continental Breakfast included
Lunch: Ham and cheese on croissants, chips, clementines, veggies and dip, oatmeal raisin cookies
Dinner: Eat Out in Hinton
The Market on Courthouse Square (order at the counter, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, open 11-7)
Lucky River Cafe (Appalachia inspired food, closed on Sundays, open 11-9 on Saturdays)
Day 4: Explore the northern part of New River Gorge National Park
(In order: see the Canyon Rim Visitors Center, Nuttallburg, drive the Fayette Station Road, hike the Long Point Trail, and then drive farther south to Thurmond if time allows. This would be 2 ½ hours of total drive time)
Breakfast: Continental Breakfast included
Lunch: Summer Sausage, cheese sticks, crackers, hummus, baby carrots, apples, chocolate chip cookies
Dinner: Fajitas (chicken marinated and frozen), chopped peppers/onions, salsa, sour cream, cheese, tortilla shells, refried beans, rice mix, rice krispie treats
Day 5 (optional extra day or substitute for the southern part of the park to cut down on drive time):
Book a rappelling trip, take the Bridge Tour, or do a mountain bike trip.
Day 6: Stop in Charleston to explore for a few hours. Drive home.
Breakfast: Continental Breakfast included
Lunch: Eat out in Charleston
Dinner: PB&J, chips, leftover veggies, apples, oatmeal raisin cookies
