Exploring New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
There is so much incredible beauty across the United States, and what better way to find it than by challenging ourselves to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks? It’s amazing how much we can overlook in our own country. Having a travel goal like the 63 National Park Challenge helps us explore and appreciate this beautiful country we call home.
One of the best parts of this journey has been discovering places that might have otherwise stayed off our radar. That’s exactly what happened when we decided to visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. This incredible park is not only filled with adventure, but it also holds the distinction of being the newest addition to the official list of 63 U.S. National Parks.
Travel with us as we explore the rugged canyons, scenic drives, and sweeping bridge views that make New River Gorge such a memorable destination.
Where New River Gorge NP is located
Tucked into the heart of southern West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve stretches across five counties: Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, Nicholas, and Mercer. The park covers over 70,000 acres of protected land. It also has one of the oldest rivers in North America, cutting through the Appalachian Mountains.
Driving
We drove to West Virginia from North Carolina, and the journey itself was part of the adventure! If you’re coming from other regions, Interstate 64, Interstate 77, and U.S. Route 19 are the main highways leading into the area. The park is easy to reach by car, and you’ll definitely want your own vehicle to explore the many scenic overlooks and trailheads spread throughout the park.
By Air
If you are flying in, the Charleston Yeager Airport (CRW) is about an hour’s drive from the park, while the Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) in Beckley is even closer. Both airports are convenient entry points for exploring West Virginia.
Where to Stay
There are quite a few options for places to stay:
- Fayetteville is a local favorite, known for its small-town charm and easy access to the bridge and main hiking areas.
- Beckley offers more hotels and restaurants, ideal for a comfortable overnight stay.
- For nature lovers, there are campgrounds and cabins inside and around the park that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the mountain landscape.
Mind Set On Travel Tip: The journey to the park can be part of the adventure. If you see something of interest, follow your curiosity and check it out!
Things To Do At New River Gorge
There’s so much to see and experience inside New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a scenic wanderer, or someone simply looking to connect with nature, this park delivers!
Hiking
We spent the day hiking several trails, about seven miles in total, and were continually amazed by the beauty around us. With so many options to explore, one of the best ways to find great routes and stay on track is through the AllTrails app. Below are some of the trails we discovered using AllTrails during our visit. You can download the app and follow Mind Set On Travel to see more of the trails we love and recommend!
Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur Rock
This 3.7-mile out-and-back trail offers some of the best panoramic views in New River Gorge National Park.
The trail winds along the rim, revealing breathtaking vistas of the river below and the surrounding forest.
It’s a moderate hike with plenty of scenic spots to pause, take photos, and simply soak in the beauty.
Turkey Spur Overlook
Turkey Spur Overlook marks the turning point of this hike, offering a perfect spot to pause and take in the breathtaking views before heading back.
A short hike with a big payoff, this overlook offers gorgeous, photo-worthy views that capture the very essence of West Virginia.
Standing here, you can see the forested canyon walls stretching endlessly into the distance, with the river winding gracefully through the valley below.
You can even reach this lookout by car. Climb the stairs for the most breathtaking vantage point, though even the view from the parking area is nearly just as stunning.
Castle Rock Trail
Castle Rock Trail was a side trail we decided to explore, and it didn’t disappoint.
This 0.6-mile route offered a new perspective with its towering cliffs, narrow passages, and dramatic rock formations.
A bit more strenuous than some of the other trails, it rewarded us with stunning views and a sense of adventure that made every step worth it.
Tunnel Trail
The Tunnel Trail is a short but fun 0.6-mile loop filled with unique features that make it well worth exploring.
The trail’s natural rock formations and shaded pathways create a sense of adventure.
The namesake tunnel-like passageways carved by time and erosion add a touch of whimsical to the hike.
The New River Bridge Outlook
Canyon Rim Boardwalk and Lower Canyon Rim Boardwalk are must-do trails.
This short 0.4-mile walk leads to an overlook with a full, unobstructed view of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.
This very bridge is featured on the West Virginia state quarter.
It’s a perfect location to pause, take in the views, and snap some memorable photos.
Be sure to stop by the visitor center when you finish your walk. They have an engaging video along with fascinating facts and information about the park that add even more depth to your experience.
Scenic Drives and Overlooks
Even if hiking isn’t your thing, the scenic drives through New River Gorge are unforgettable!
The Fayette Station Road loop takes you down into the gorge itself and underneath the famous bridge. A drive full of tight curves, steep drops, and spectacular views.
During our visit, the fall colors were absolutely breathtaking, painting the landscape in vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange.
No matter when you visit, New River Gorge offers beauty year-round. From the fresh greens of spring and summer to the quiet snow-dusted trails of winter.
White Water Rafting and River Adventures
New River Gorge is famous for white water rafting.
The river offers everything from calm stretches for beginners to intense rapids for seasoned rafters.
We didn’t have time to try it this visit, but it’s at the top of our list for our next visit! The thought of paddling through the gorge, surrounded by the same towering views we hiked above, is thrilling.
Fishing, Camping, and Stewardship
For those who prefer a quieter pace, the park also offers opportunities for fishing, camping, and environmental stewardship.
The river has bass and catfish, while the surrounding woods make for peaceful nights under the stars.
The National Park Service and local organizations host educational programs and volunteer opportunities for conservation and sustainability.
No matter how you spend your time here, the park has a way of reminding you how powerful and healing nature can be.
Mind Set On Travel Tip
If there’s one thing we wish we had done differently, it would be to spend more time here. The park offers so much to see and do. We hope to enjoy more on a future visit. Travel goals like the 63 National Park Challenge encourage us not just to see new places, but to return and explore deeper.
Be Present and Intentional
Even a short visit can be meaningful if you approach it with curiosity, gratitude, and presence. You don’t have to see everything to have an unforgettable experience. Celebrate the moments you do have. They are the wins that build your travel story.
Explore the Natural Parks with All Your Senses
As we hiked through the trails, our senses came alive with the beauty of West Virginia’s fall season.
We could hear the wind rustling gently through the trees and the soft crunch of fallen leaves beneath our feet, mingling with the steady rhythm of our footsteps and the sound of our breathing.
Touching the rough bark of an old oak as we paused to hug it. We felt the connection to nature deepen, while a cool breeze brushed our cheeks and an unexpected acorn tapped us on the head, making us laugh.
Everywhere we looked, the vibrant fall colors surrounded us. The reds, golds, and oranges. The sun glinted off the river.
We sipped refreshing water from our recycled bottles, savoring its coolness as we breathed in the crisp, clean air, grateful for the simple, grounding beauty of the moment.
Final Thoughts: Gratitude and Awe in the New River Gorge
What a wonderful day we had at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve! Even in just a single day, the park left a lasting impression. From the winding hiking trails to the towering New River Gorge Bridge. Every moment reminded us why we love taking on the 63 National Park Challenge.
The fall colors were simply breathtaking. This visit reinforced something we always remind ourselves on our travels: it’s not about how much you see, but how fully you experience it.
We are so grateful that we challenged ourselves to explore this park. Even though there’s more to do, like possibly bungee jumping off the bridge during Bridge Day, we left with memories of adventure, awe, and connection to nature that we’ll carry for a lifetime.
Final Mind Set On Travel Reflection: Every trip is a chance to celebrate wins, big or small. Sometimes the win is simply showing up, exploring a new place, and being present in the moment. New River Gorge reminded us of the power of nature, the excitement of discovery, and the joy of living fully in the adventure.
If you’re looking for your next travel goal or a National Park to explore, consider New River Gorge. Its beauty and opportunities for adventure make it an unforgettable destination.
Plan Your Adventure
If you’d like help planning your own trip to New River Gorge National Park or any other National Park, be sure to check out our Travel Resources page. We share trusted tools, tips, and recommendations to make your adventures easier.
Curious to see the full journey? Explore our 63 National Park Challenge story to read about all the parks we’ve visited so far and the ones still on our list.
Your next adventure is just a click away. Let’s celebrate every travel win together!
Mind Set On Travel Disclaimer
Mind Set On Travel contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of our links, we may receive compensation from the company at no additional cost to you. Read our disclaimer here.