Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Grandview Visitor Center: 12:00PM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
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.
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What to See & Do
Trail Run Grandview Rim Trail
Trail run that is 3.1 miles. This is an out and back route that is on different compositions. It is mostly a dirt path with varying degrees of hardness. In fall, when leaves are falling, be aware that the leaves can block view of any dips in the trail terrain.
Hunting in the Park
Hunting is permitted in any areas designated as National Preserve. Knowing your location and rules for that area are the hunter's responsibility. There are areas where hunting is prohibited in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including safety zones near public areas and the 800 acre section of the park at Grandview (these are all the areas designated as New River Gorge National Park, Camp Brookside, the Arrowhead Trail Area, the Park Loop Trail Area, and Burnwood.
Trail run at Endless Wall
Endless Wall Trail is and excellent place for a trail run but due to the volume of other hikers, this trail runner would recommend that this be an early morning location. The trail is easy to moderate for elevation change and if you make a loop and run on the road to connect the two parking areas, the loop will be approximately 3.0 miles in all. There are a few must sees and that is a detour off the main trail and follow the sign for Diamond Point. The view is amazing.
Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail
The 4.0 mile roundtrip trail run or hike is strenuous. The terrain is crushed rock for most of the trail, but there are a few areas that the terrain can be a bit uneven. If you start at the trailhead in the Grandview location, it will be downhill for 2.0 miles and then uphill for 2.0 miles. There will be just over 1000 foot change in elevation for this trail.
Castle Rock Hike
Amazing hike that brings you right next to the layers of rocks that make-up the gorge. The trail is uneven and requires some scrambling over some of the rock obstacles. The steps are made up of rocks and can be super slippery when wet. This trail is not recommended if there is ice or snow due to potential slipping hazards.
Bicycling at New River Gorge
New River Gorge National River offers over fifty miles of mountain bike trails, varying from easy to difficult in terrain and distance.
Self-Guided Tours
Southern Scenic Driving Tour
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve encompasses over 70,000 acres of land as it follows the New River through the lower reaches of West Virginia. Beginning at the Grandview, this riverside driving tour ventures along the Park’s most scenic roads to the southern tip of its boundary, directing visitors towards some great views, recreational opportunities, and historic sites along the way.
Thurmond Walking Tour
Thurmond was the heart of the New River Gorge, carrying shipments of coal from surrounding coal fields to industrial areas nationwide. Visit the historic downtown (open year round) and depot (open seasonally) to learn more about what life was like in and around this railroad town. Service is spotty in Thurmond, we recommend downloading park content for offline use to ensure access to this tour. *NOTE* The railroad tracks are ACTIVE! Please only cross the railroad tracks at the crossing, near the Depot.
African American Heritage Driving Tour
This self-guided auto tour takes the user to nineteen historic sites in Summers, Raleigh, Fayette and Nicholas counties to learn about the history and experiences of the regions African Americans. Browse tour stops here, or hop in the car and follow directions to each tour stop.
Visitor Centers
Grandview Visitor Center
The Grandview Visitor Center is one of our seasonal visitor centers, typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Here there are overlooks of the New River, five hiking trails, ranger-led walks and talks, summer outdoor dramas, and picnic areas with playgrounds.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Canyon Rim Visitor Center is one of the park's primary, year round visitor centers. It is located at the New River Gorge Bridge, just north of Fayetteville. A wooden boardwalk provides scenic views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the gorge. There are no hiking trails that start at the visitor center. The center features exhibits, information, park film, and a book store.
Sandstone Visitor Center
Sandstone Visitor Center is one of the primary visitor centers for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It is a green design building where visitors can learn about the park and the watershed through exhibits and a park film. The center also features a native plant garden, picnic areas, and book store.
Thurmond Depot Visitor Center
Thurmond Depot is a restored railroad depot located in the historic railroad town of Thurmond. Open seasonally (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day), the Depot is an information center and a park store.
Where to Stay
War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
This is the only campground in the park that is not along the river. It is located on a ridgetop near Backus Mountain. There are 8 drive-in sites for tents, RVs, or campers. Only small (less than 25 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites or any parking area is strictly prohibited.
Stone Cliff
This tent only campground located near the historic railroad town of Thurmond offers 7 walk-in sites, 5 on the sandy beach of the New River and 2 in the nearby forest. There are no drive-in sites at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. The Stone Cliff Trailhead also starts at the campground.
Thayer Campground
This tent only campground is located near the community of Thayer along the banks of the New River. It has 4 walk-in sites. There are no drive-in sites at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. Alcohol is prohibited at this campground.
Glade Creek Campground
This forested campground offers both tent and RV sites near the banks of the New River and the Glade Creek Trailhead. There are 6 walk-in tents sites and 5 drive-in sites for tents, RVs, or campers. There is 1 accessible site. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites, walk-in sites, or any parking area is strictly prohibited.
Grandview Sandbar
This campground offers shaded wooded campsites near the banks of the New River. There are 10 wooded drive-in sites for RVs, campers, car camping, and tents; 6 walk-in tents sites; and 2 accessible sites by the river. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs are recommended due to the tight access road. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites, walk-in sites, or any parking area is strictly prohibited.
Army Camp
This campground offers both tent and RV campsites along the banks of the New River at one of its many horseshoe bends. There are 11 drive-in sites for RVs, campers, and tents. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Large RVs or campers are not recommended. Some sites offer partial shade; others are located in the open with no shade. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites is strictly prohibited.
Brooklyn Campground
This tent only campground is located on the banks of the New River near the Cunard River Access point and Southside Trailhead. It offers 4 walk-in tents sites and 1 tent-only drive-in site. There are no drive-in sites for RVs or campers at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited.
Burnwood Group Campsite
Burnwood is located across Route 19 from Canyon Rim Visitor Center and offers group camping. This site is only for groups of 8 or more people and requires a Special Use Permit. For a permit for the group campsites, contact the permits office at 304-465-6531. Permits require a minimum of 10 business days after the application has been received.
Meadow Creek Campground
This primitive campground located along the New River is only one mile from the Sandstone Visitor Center. It offers 17 sites in an open field. The railroad crossing can be dangerous for larger RVs and trailers. The low grade railroad crossing is not suitable for extended wheelbase RVs such as motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers etc. Campers should expect to hear some noise such as train horns.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Operating Hours
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Live Webcams
Click any camera to open the live feed on the NPS website.
Photos
bridge spanning the river
bend in the river
railroad tracks and depot
waterfall spanning the river
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning New River Gorge & Preserve
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