National Park & Preserve · West Virginia
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.
Things to do
- Arts and Culture
- Theater
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- RV Camping
- Climbing
- Rock Climbing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Fly Fishing
- Food
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Weather & when to go
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.
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.
Campgrounds
Thayer Campground
Stone Cliff
War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
Army Camp
Glade Creek Campground
Grandview Sandbar
Burnwood Group Campsite
Brooklyn Campground
Meadow Creek Campground
FAQ
- Is New River Gorge National Park & Preserve free to visit?
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at New River Gorge National Park & 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…
- Do I need a reservation for New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
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