New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, Park Site in Glen Jean, West Virginia
Park Site

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

Glen Jean · West Virginia

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.

Arts and CultureTheaterAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak Camping

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.

Key Facts

TypePark Site
DesignationNational Park & Preserve

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

8 images

Things to do

Discover New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

mother and child riding bikes on a trail

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.

Learn more
The island below is called Brooks Island. There is a pair of Bald eagles who have a nest on it.

Brooks Overlook

5 Minutes

Brooks Overlook is a favorite viewing spot for visitors and locals. There is a pair of Bald eagles that reside, year round, on Brooks Island and catching a glimpse of them is sure to spark delight.

Learn more
Combination of rocks that include Sandstone, shale, conglomerate, and coal.

Castle Rock Hike

30-120 Minutes

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.

Learn more
rock climber maneuvering around a small overhang

Climbing at New River Gorge

With over 1,400 established climbing routes, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has become one of the most popular climbing locations in the country.

Learn more
girl wearing life jacket and fishing in a river

Fishing at New River Gorge

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers many outstanding opportunities for fishing in teh New River and its tributaries.

Learn more
Main Overlook at Grandview at sunrise

Grandview Main Overlook

15 Minutes

The Grandview Main Overlook is located about two football fields in distance from the parking area near the Grandview Visitor Center. There is a kiosk that is a triangular shaped structure with maps and information and the walking path to the Overlook begins at this location.

Learn more
Colored photo looking down into the gorge at a bend in the New River

Hike the Grandview Rim Trail

0-2 Hours

Hike the Grandview Rim Trail

Learn more
Two men walking in the woods wearing blaze orange hunting vests.

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.

Learn more
View of the Sandstone Falls from an elevation above the falls.

Sandstone Falls Overlook

10 Minutes

Wildlife Observation Nature Observation

Learn more

What visitors say

Reviews.

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

Know a great spot near New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?

Help visitors discover the best local businesses near New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. List your business on Poyst and reach thousands of travelers.

  • Free business listing with photos & reviews
  • Appear in destination & city guides
  • Analytics dashboard to track visibility