When New River Gorge became the United States’ newest national park in 2020, it quickly captured the attention of outdoor lovers everywhere. Located in the heart of southern West Virginia, the gorge is a playground of sandstone cliffs, roaring rapids, and lush Appalachian forests. It’s not just a destination for thrill-seekers—though there’s plenty of adrenaline to be had—but also a place for hikers, history buffs, and anyone craving fresh mountain air.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, here are the best things to do in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, with expanded hiking, waterfalls, and historic highlights.
Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Whitewater Rafting: Ride the Rapids of the New River
The New River is paradoxically one of the oldest rivers on Earth—over 300 million years old—and rafting it is one of the top adventures in the park.
- Upper New – Great for families and beginners, this section offers Class II–III rapids, plenty of splash, and peaceful stretches for soaking in the scenery.
- Lower New – A powerhouse stretch known for its Class IV–V rapids like the “Double Z” and “Greyhound Bus Stopper.” This is for adrenaline junkies looking for big waves and heart-pounding drops.
Local outfitters in Fayetteville, Lansing, and Hico provide half-day, full-day, and even overnight rafting trips. You don’t need prior experience—guides handle the navigation while you paddle and hang on for the ride.
The New River Gorge Bridge: An Appalachian Icon
Towering 876 feet above the river, the New River Gorge Bridge is the most recognizable landmark in the park. It’s also the third-highest bridge in the United States and one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world.
For a truly unforgettable experience, sign up for the Bridge Walk. This guided tour takes you across the narrow catwalk beneath the bridge, where you’ll feel the thrill of standing high above the gorge with sweeping views all around.
If you’re visiting in October, you might catch Bridge Day, West Virginia’s largest one-day festival. Daredevils BASE jump off the bridge, professional rappellers descend its massive steel arch, and thousands of spectators gather to watch.
Hiking in New River Gorge: Trails With a View
One of the best ways to experience the gorge is on foot. With more than 100 miles of trails, hikers of all levels can find something to love here. Whether you want a short walk to a dramatic overlook or a challenging trek deep into the forest, the gorge delivers. Here are some of the must-hike trails:
Endless Wall Trail
- Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip (can be extended to 3.2 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Panoramic gorge views, world-class climbing cliffs
Regularly ranked as one of the best hikes in the country, the Endless Wall Trail is a must-do. The path winds through a hardwood forest before opening up to dramatic sandstone cliffs with jaw-dropping views of the gorge. Stop at Diamond Point Overlook, where you’ll often see rock climbers scaling the walls below.
Tip: This hike is great any time of year, but in the fall the hardwood forests burst into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Long Point Trail
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: The park’s most iconic view of the New River Gorge Bridge
If you’ve seen photos of the gorge, chances are they were taken from Long Point. This hike starts on a gentle forest path before narrowing into a rocky ridgeline that juts into the gorge. At the end, you’ll stand on a sandstone outcrop with a straight-on, postcard-perfect view of the bridge framed by forest.
Tip: Go early in the morning for sunrise or late afternoon for golden light—you’ll avoid the crowds and get the best photos.
Grandview Rim Trail
- Distance: 3.2 miles one way (connects to Turkey Spur)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Sweeping views of a 7-mile horseshoe bend in the New River
The Grandview section of the park is about 40 minutes from Fayetteville, but it’s worth the drive. The Rim Trail follows the edge of the gorge with multiple overlooks that showcase the river curving through the Appalachian hills. For an added treat, climb the stone steps to Turkey Spur Rock, where you’ll have a 360-degree panorama.
Tip: This area is especially beautiful in spring when rhododendrons bloom, painting the cliffsides with pink and white flowers.
Kaymoor Miners Trail
- Distance: 1 mile down, 1 mile back up (feels much longer!)
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Highlights: Historic mining ruins, steep staircase descent
For a hike that combines history and adventure, try the Kaymoor Miners Trail. This short but grueling trek descends more than 800 steps to the ruins of an old coal mine along the river. You’ll see remnants of the industrial past that shaped the region, including old conveyors and mining equipment. The climb back up will test your stamina, but the history is worth it.
Tip: Bring plenty of water, and save this hike for cooler weather—it’s steep and humid in summer.
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk & Island Loop
- Distance: 0.5 miles round-trip boardwalk; 1.5-mile island loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: The largest waterfall on the New River
At the southern end of the park, Sandstone Falls spans the entire width of the river, creating a spectacular series of cascades. A short boardwalk takes you to multiple overlooks, making this hike accessible for all ages. For more adventure, cross the pedestrian bridge to the island and walk the loop trail for additional perspectives of the falls.
Tip: This is a great picnic spot. Pack lunch and enjoy the sound of rushing water.
Other Notable Trails
- Castle Rock Trail – A 0.7-mile trail near Grandview with dramatic cliff formations.
- Arrowhead Trails – A 12-mile mountain biking system that’s also open to hikers.
- Glade Creek Trail – A peaceful 5.6-mile riverside trail with cascades and swimming holes.
Waterfall Adventures in the Gorge
New River Gorge is home to a variety of stunning waterfalls, each offering unique beauty and photo opportunities.
Sandstone Falls
- Location: Southern end of the park, near Hinton, WV
- Description: Spanning 1,500 feet across the river, Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. Multiple islands divide the cascades, creating a dramatic, layered effect. The falls are most impressive during spring and fall when water levels are higher.
Cathedral Falls
- Location: Near Gauley Bridge
- Description: Tall and narrow, this waterfall resembles a cathedral spire. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s especially photogenic in spring. A short walk from roadside parking leads to the base.
Glade Creek Falls
- Location: Near Glade Creek Campground
- Description: A series of gentle cascades over smooth rocks, perfect for wading and photography. A moderate hike along the Glade Creek Trail brings you to this serene spot.
Mill Creek Falls
- Location: Near Hawk’s Nest State Park
- Description: Multi-tiered and tucked in dense forest, Mill Creek Falls offers a peaceful, secluded setting for visitors seeking quiet reflection.
Sandstone Falls Island Loop
- Description: For a more immersive experience, the Island Loop Trail crosses to an island in the river, offering unique views of Sandstone Falls and surrounding landscapes.
Rock Climbing the Endless Wall
New River Gorge is one of the premier climbing destinations in the world, with more than 1,500 established routes. The sandstone cliffs offer challenging climbs for both trad and sport climbers. Even if you don’t climb, it’s inspiring to watch athletes scale vertical walls while you hike nearby.
Several local outfitters provide guided climbing trips for beginners, so you don’t need your own gear or experience to try it out.
Mountain Biking Adventures
If two wheels are more your speed, you’ll love the Arrowhead Trails. Designed and built by the Boy Scouts of America, this trail system features loops of varying difficulty. Smooth, flowy sections are perfect for beginners, while technical terrain keeps advanced riders on their toes.
Bike rentals are available in Fayetteville if you don’t bring your own.
Ziplining, Rappelling & Aerial Adventures
For a bird’s-eye view of the gorge, sign up for a zipline canopy tour. You’ll soar through the treetops and cross sky bridges high above the forest floor. Some tours even offer nighttime zips for a unique experience under the stars.
Guided rappelling tours are also available for those who want to descend the sandstone cliffs with a rope and harness—another adrenaline-filled way to experience the gorge.
Discover Fayetteville: The Gateway Town
The town of Fayetteville is the cultural heart of the region and a destination in itself. Listed as one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns,” it’s filled with local charm, historic architecture, and a welcoming community.
- Eat: Try Cathedral Café for breakfast, Secret Sandwich Society for gourmet sandwiches, or Pies & Pints for creative pizzas.
- Drink: Grab a craft beer at Bridge Brew Works or coffee at Rangefinder Coffee.
- Shop: Browse the boutiques downtown for art, outdoor gear, and unique West Virginia souvenirs.
Step Back in Time: Thurmond, West Virginia
Thurmond offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history and serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures in New River Gorge.
Historical Significance
- Established in 1900 and named after Captain William D. Thurmond.
- A major coal and railroad town on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, with up to 15 passenger trains daily at its peak.
- Economic decline followed diesel locomotives and the coal industry’s downturn, leaving the town nearly deserted.
Thurmond Depot
- Restored historic depot now serves as a visitor center for the park.
- Seasonal exhibits showcase Thurmond’s railroad and mining past.
Modern-Day Thurmond
- Population: just five residents as of 2020.
- Preservation: Managed by the National Park Service, keeping historic structures intact.
- Outdoor access: Hiking, fishing, and rafting are all easily accessible from town.
Visiting Thurmond is like stepping back in time—a quiet, historic spot surrounded by the natural beauty of the gorge.
Plan Your Adventure
From whitewater rafting to peaceful hikes, waterfalls, and historic towns, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve offers something for every traveler. Lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore West Virginia’s newest crown jewel.
📌 Travel Tip: As a travel agent, I can help you plan a trip that includes the best hikes, rafting outfitters, waterfall spots, and accommodations tailored to your style—whether that’s camping under the stars or relaxing in a cozy lodge. Reach out today, and let’s plan your New River Gorge adventure!
