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The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, or districts, which spiral clockwise from the city's center. But dont forget that the end of summer in West Virginia doesnt mark the end of the states season for outdoor adventure. The Best Things To Do at New River Gorge: Hiking, History & More The main attraction here is the series of impressive overlooks into the New River Gorge. Find the travel option that best suits you. Some points of interest include the Fern Creek, Diamond point, and Nuttall trailheads. It's class III-V rapids, including one waterfall that will leave you drenched. This is a super easy 0.5-mile trail that the kids absolutely adored. Getting to the top requires handling a rope while pulling yourself up so it is not for folks with mobility issues. Ive done both and have to admit I prefer fall, but thats because Im usually partaking in strenuous physical activities where summer heat is a nuisance. And the train travels there during the day. There were places to boulder, small caves, and even some rock tunnels all along the trail. New River Jet Boats. Start your adventures in lively Cologne: go for a walking tour to see the city's cathedral and other highlights, or kick back and relax on a sightseeing river cruise. To create this film we spent a few weeks on location in New River Gorge National Park as part of a partnership with West Virginia Toursim. As such, the region includes the now far-flung suburbs of the Paris metropolis, together with several large surrounding towns that form part of the larger conurbanation. From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Restrooms and water bottle refill stations are also available. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) You are only limited by the amount of time you have to spend here. We plan things this way so we have extra time to catch something we may have missed earlier in the trip. FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va.Visiting America's newest national park? 2. We recommend the bagel sandwiches for a quick and filling breakfast before a hike or climb. Surrounded by the natural beauty and clean air of the Allegheny Mountains, the Greenbrier Va, Traveling West Virginias iconic country roads during the fall is an experience you cant find anywhere else. A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. New River is one of the oldest rivers flowing in North America. Prefer to stay somewhere with hookups? There are 178 stairs that descend down to the final overlook on this boardwalk so if mobility is an issue for you I recommend stopping at the first overlook which requires no stair climbing. This center is closed during the week, so we didnt get to go inside, but it seemed pretty small, and that wasnt really why we were there anyway. The Upper New River is a calm section of river with a few mild waves. Ive rafted both the New and the Gauley rivers and it is scenic and a blast (did the Upper Gauley in a high-adventure smaller raft (5-person) during a dam release weekend and did not regret it. Are you planning a trip and trying to find things to do New River Gorge National Park and Preserve? The view is definitely better from the boardwalk than it is from above, but to be honest, were not sure its worth the long drive. This scenic wonder is a must-see stop for any first-timer, providing historical and . But the New River Gorge area also offers lots of unique opportunities for history buffs, adventurers, and even foodies and beer lovers. 12 Things You Must Do In New River Gorge National Park - Seen By Amy The Lower New River tackles class II-IV rapids and is good for anyone except small children. From state parks to fancy RV resorts, there are all kinds of camping options in and around New River Gorge National Park. 900 Broadway Ave 4 miles south of the New River Gorge Bridge, Oak Hill, WV 25901-2315. Can you picture yourself sitting in a hot tub on your private deck, snow falling all around you? Fayetteville is also home to a good selection of restaurants and shops. Despite the park not officially maintaining this, the path is very clear and appears to be well maintained by the climbing community. This is a truly unique place that is a must-stop. The business center is perfect for those who need to get work done during their trip, and the included breakfast buffet is the ideal way to start your day. Interesting to read the views of the newbies. | Legal | Contact, Step Back in Time and Explore Ghost Towns, Aerial Tram and Jet Boat Ride Hawks Nest State Park, Places for a Drink around New River Gorge, hiking in and around New River Gorge National Park, Best Hikes in New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia Road Trip 17 Wild and Wonderful Places to See. Interestingly enough, the overlook itself is technically not located within the official boundaries of the national park but everything you can see from the overlook is. If you only have one day in New River Gorge National Park, this is a great place to spend your time. The park provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the cultural history of the area and visit some of the historic sites within the park. Wild Blue Adventure Company offers scenic flights over the gorge (and optional extensions to see other West Virginia beauties) in a WW2 Stearman Biplane. Conservation measures that keep more water stored in Lake Mead have reduced flows downstream through habitats for endangered fish, birds and snakes, necessitating ever more intervention to avoid . There are actually a few options for rafting in this region and all of them are a ton of fun. Its unique ecosystem consisting of pockets of grassy fields, mixed mesophytic forests, high bluffs, and a blend of riparian areas, hosts a horde of neotropical migrants in Spring. Youll even find some coal chunks just lying on the forest floor. Unfortunately, we didnt get to see this visitor center, as its only open on weekends in the fall, and we were there during the week. Tru by Hilton Beckleyis a favorite Beckley hotel for a reason. 26 West Virginia United States of America North America Place 26 comments Thurmond is a cool place to check out, it's a ghost town. The New River Gorge is also home to other animals, such as raccoons, groundhogs, white-tailed deer, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, and minks. Were Will Pattiz and Jim Pattiz, collectively known as the Pattiz Brothers (and sometimes the Parks Brothers) and we absolutely LOVE the national parks. Stop by the Hawks Nest nature center and get hands with animal tracks. No spam. Everything's more exciting in the dark! Theres also a little shop where you can purchase souvenirs or things you forgot. It is worth it. You can just grab a coffee and a pastry for an afternoon pick-me-up, of course, or you can order a full meal (of which there are many options). If you prefer a more mainstream experience, I like the Hampton Inn Beckley and dinner at Campestres. Our goal here at More Than Just Parks is to share the beauty of Americas national parks and public lands through stunning short films in an effort to get Americans and the world to see the true value in land conservation. For those who brave the rope and reach the top of the buttress the views are amazing. Required fields are marked *. Being a bit of a train nerd, this would be fun to see, even if the museum is on the smaller side. Passengers can marvel at some of New Zealand's best examples of European and Chinese gold mining. The whitewater rafting is an award-winning opportunity to explore the many class V+ rapids to family-friendly float trips at one of the best rivers on the East Coast and the countrys oldest waterways. Novices (that would be me) will find plenty of outfitters to show you the ropes -- pun totally intended -- but experienced climbers can check out the sandstone rock walls on their own. Its a little out of the way from the main areas of the park, but its worth the trip as you wind along rivers and encounter lots of scenic overlooks. The beer garden has a huge variety of local and national craft beers, ciders, and hard kombucha. Below weve listed some of our favorite options. This past year my team spent a few weeks trying out all of the incredible things to do in New River Gorge National Park to create a short film as part of a partnership with West Virginia Tourism. It also includes over 70,000 acres of land, deep canyons, the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, densely forested areas, and opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, riding the mountain biking trails, and whitewater rafting. In this case, a rental home is the best option. The water is really warm in the summer. Did You Know? You'll tour a real, former mine and visit the museum exhibits as well. We chose, and highly recommend, New & Gauley River Adventures, a small, locally owned and operated outfit with expert rafters as guides. Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything youve ever seen before. Here there are truly endless recreation opportunities. Wildflower hikes. This was one of our favorite things to do on our New River Gorge National Park road trip, by far. There were lots of mouth-watering pizza options, and gluten-free crusts were available as well. But there are lots of options for families with smaller children and for shorter trips. Here are our recommendations for the best hikes, the best viewpoints of the famous New River Gorge bridge, and other activities to help you plan your trip to West Virginia. Nuttalburg Head House & Conveyer Trail, Top 5 Best Things to Do at New River Gorge National Park, Map of Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park, List of Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park, Pin Things to Do at New River Gorge National Park, Tips for Visiting New River Gorge National Park (or any national park), 10 Amazing New River Gorge National Park Facts to Know, 8 Surprising West Virginia National Parks Worth Visiting, The Best Maps of Redwood National Park (Updated 2023), 4 EPIC National Parks Near Raleigh Youll Love (Photos + Guide), 12 (AMAZING) Things to Do in Virgin Islands National Park 2022, New River Gorge Bridge Overlook & Canyon Rim Boardwalk Trail, Checking the weather before going out on a hike, Maintaining a safe distance between wildlife which means at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from predators. Your email address will not be published. We chose the day-long adventure trip on the Lower New River. Here youll feel really confused about the laws of gravity and physics in a really fun way. When first immersing themselves in the magic of the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, many visitors begin at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. 11 East Coast National Parks You Will Want to Visit, Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Best Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers some solitude during quieter times of the day and serves you with beautiful views along the way. Click for Privacy Policy / Disclosure Policy. Bridge Brew Works is another local brewery offering a wide variety of styles from IPAs to crisp Kolsch. In December 2020, the New River Gorge National River that winds through the Appalachian Mountains got re-designated to national park status, making New River Gorge National Park and Preserve the 63rd national park in the US - and the very first in the state of West Virginia. The two below are wonderful choices. According to the NPS website, the stretch of river between Hinton and Thurmond is ideal for less experienced rafters, and companies like West Virginia Adventures specialize in taking visitors (including total newbies) out on rafting adventures. Grand Lake is one of the best spots in Colorado for swimming, fishing, boating and soaking up some sun. I hadnt heard that this was being designated a national park! We had to use (surprisingly clean!) As relative novices, we visited in late spring/early summer when the water levels were relatively low. Another abandoned place is Nuttallburg, more of an abandoned coal mine. Its also an adrenaline-soaked playground for adventure sports. Pies & Pints was one of our favorite places in nearby Fayetteville. 48 Hours in New River Gorge National Park, WV Watch on These trails are perfect for solo, group or family mountain biking, allowing you to soak in the sights and sounds along some of the countrys most epic mountain bike trails. This 2.4 mile trail passes through Fern creek and rich, bushy rhododendron forests before zig-zagging along the epic cliff edge. This former railroad town is a fascinating glimpse into West Virginias industrial past, with well-preserved buildings dating back to the early 1900s. The Lower New River tackles class II-IV rapids and is good for anyone except small children. Note: This place is super popular! And yes, its beautiful even in mid-winter. This heart-pumping adventure is not for the faint of heart, but its sure to be a thrilling experience youll never forget. Whether visiting for a day or staying an entire week, this 1,500-acre paradise is a necessary stop. Whether you like history or just eerie places, hiking to these abandoned mining towns should be a stop on your New River Gorge National Park road trip. New River Gorge CVB says region's addition to Ascend WV program will benefit local economy. All that said, the main attractions on this trail are the views you get once you loop around to the top of the rock wall. But the most impressive part is seeing just how powerful mother nature can be as the New River, Gauley River and Kanawha Rivers collide in this v-shaped gorge. There are many special places to visit in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The mud, rocks, and small elevation gain make this a moderate trail, but I still think most people could handle it. Your email address will not be published. Several can be easily connected to make for longer excursions. 31 Top Things to Do in Colorado - U.S. News Travel Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park, Things to Know Before You Visit New River Gorge National Park, Top 20 Best Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park, 19. She has been living and traveling in her RV for over five years and loves to share tips, tricks, and info with anyone who will read what she has to say. Besides traveling and writing, Chelsea is also loves learning about history, Irish dancing, and visiting Disney World. Like most of our national park visits, there was much to see and do, and not enough hours in the day. Celebrate West Virginias wildlife by discovering the natural waterfalls in the Ne, More than just gateways to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, these neighboring mountain towns are must adds to your travel pl, Spring has arrived and we are more than ready for sunny outdoor activities. This is also where the New River Jet Boats depart from, for a ride to the bridge and back. If youd rather be sightDOING than sightseeing, youre in the right place. The location we visited was in Fayetteville. One of the easiest and best ways is to head down the short boardwalk that descends into the gorge from the visitor center. Use it. Especially this one which I never leave the house without because it plays nice with our dear friend, earth . Trade bucolic scenery for urban buzz, and dedicate your final day to exploring the Lower Rhine's major cities. Canyon Rim. These routes offer spectacular views of the sandstone walls and the River below. The dual zips mean that you can race your friends for bragging rights, and with two sky bridges, you can look down below on the trees and a mountain stream. There's no shortage of hiking, scenic overlooks, and wildlife, as is the typical fare in America's National Parks. Make sure you stop at the various viewing points so you can see them all! The most popular times of year to visit are summer, for long days and lots of water activities, or autumn for fall foliage, Bridge Day, and Gauley rafting. Peregrine Falcons can be seen doing deep dives in the clear waters, while the ever-elusive Blue-winged Warblers can be spotted perching in the lush rhododendron thickets. Visit with time to wait for your food. Another favorite is the Burrito Bar, where youll have your pick of lots of tasty burritos, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. Youll get a glimpse of the old coal conveyor and go back through history when you visit the abandoned coal mines. 15 reviews New River Gorge, Fayetteville, WV 25840 0.1 miles from New River Gorge Bridge New River Gorge #9 of 784 things to do in West Virginia 220 reviews WV 0.4 miles from New River Gorge Bridge Book a Tour New River Gorge ATV Adventure Tour from $179.49 More Info New River Gorge Side by Side Family Tour from $405.13 More Info See All porta-potties instead. If that's not scary enough for you, see if you can time it for one of the few full moon walks. We lived in Colorado in the high peaks of the Rockies for many years with the Arkansas River. Still, I wanted to mention this for the van lifers and small RV owners out there who dont mind camping without amenities. Explore the Rivers edge as whitewater rafters take on the Fayette Station Rapid and take a snap of the clear views of the New River Gorge Bridge before walking back to the old bridge for photos. The purpose of the video is to highlight the parks unique scenic, historic, and adventurous character as well as promote responsible recreation within. Hawks Nest State Park is also worth a visit with sweeping views over a different section of the New River. This is easily avoided by: New River Gorge Facts: 10 Amazing New River Gorge National Park Facts to Know, West Virginia National Parks: 8 Surprising West Virginia National Parks Worth Visiting, West Virginia Historic Sites: 10 Must-See West Virginia Historic Sites, In: Featured, National Parks, Things to Do, Your email address will not be published. You can also find cozy cabins, a ziplining course, whitewater rafting, fine dining and more, at ACE. 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park As parks become increasingly crowded more has to be done to safeguard them which means controlling the hundreds of millions of people who visit these places each year. Super cool to see! It is as exciting as it is beautiful. Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Brian Evans/Getty Images The New River Gorge is known for not only its historic sites but also fun recreational opportunities, including mountain biking, rock climbing, and especially whitewater raftingnext on my own list to try! It has 308 feet of elevation gain and offers some spectacular views, including the absolutely stunning views of the river, train tracks, and gorge at Diamond Point Overlook. Drink it. There are tours that will take you right under the bridge, but I'd actually recommend heading to the no-wake zone at nearby Summersville Lake (Battle Run). And as a craft beer lover, there were tons of local beer and cider options to pair with your pie. Are you planning a trip and trying to find things to do New River Gorge National Park and Preserve? My goal is to share stories, travel tips, and inspiration so you can plan your own adventures around the globe. Rock climbing is hugely popular in the New River Gorge because the sandstone cliffs offer some incredible 1,400 established climbing routes, so I knew we needed to give it a go. Cant get enough of that bridge? For reservations check out the official bridgewalk website. The show is 100% community funded and free to watch. 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park - Earth Trekkers 20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park Julie Last updated: February 6, 2023 United States 7 Comments For millions of years, the New River has been carving out a 73,000 acre gorge in West Virginia. There are some great food options around New River Gorge National Park. River rats can try whitewater rafting or kayaking the 53 miles of riverjust be sure to brace yourself for its wild flip-you-off-your-raft Class IV and Class V rapids. 11+ Things to do in New River Gorge National Park [Plus 3 Day Itinerary] But dont worry if youre afraid of heights because theres still a way to experience this incredible bridge walk. All is not urban sprawl, however: the region is also known for its natural . Park Home Plan Your Visit Things To Do Things To Do Last updated: January 19, 2023 Was this page helpful? Since this park is brand new, its not yet determined what activities will officially be allowed within park boundaries and which ones will be right outside but its safe to say that travelers can squeeze them all in anyway. The picturesque mountains and valleys of the New River Gorge National River provide the perfect stopover habitat for migrating birds. Whether you are a whitewater junkie or a new river runner, we can guarantee that youll enjoy the crashing waves, big holes and boulders, and clean, steep drops over smooth granite. Find out what interpretive programs are going on in the park. Thurmond Historic District is a classic town whose massive coal deposits made it a city of choice for many coral barons for the first two decades of the 1900s. Located in close proximity to the nations newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve,Fayetteville is a must-visit location for those looking to tap into their adventurous side.