National Parks to Visit in 2026: New River Gorge, West Virginia

Visiting sites in the park like the still-intact (but now mostly ghost) town of Thurmond allows for an up-close look at what life was like in the West Virginia hills during the beginning of coal production here through its heyday. On the same trip, and perhaps even on the same day, you can raft the New River, hike or climb along the Endless Wall, and even mountain bike on newly minted trail systems just outside the park’s hub town of Fayetteville.

Adventures on the Gorge is a large outdoor resort that offers half- and full-day rafting tours as well as guided hikes and other activities. Kids love the forest adventure park and there are multiple onsite restaurants so you can base an entire trip here and not have to stress about logistics. In town, WaterStone Outdoors is the spot for gear and signups for climbing tours. Pies & Pints should be your pizzeria and pourhouse of choice, or head to Southside Junction Tap House for pub food and beers.

The overall experience at New River Gorge National Park showcases the past and present for this region, as well as its future as a budding hub for outdoor adventurers and national park travelers, combining for a full-circle experience that isn’t always uplifting but is unabashedly honest.

How to reach New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

New River Gorge National Park is fairly easy to reach. Fly into Charleston, West Virginia’s capital, then rent a car to drive to Fayetteville, the park’s gateway town. From Charleston, the drive takes about one hour and rarely has any traffic. Base yourself nearby at Adventures on The Gorge, which offers cabins, camping, and hotel-style accommodations, and you’ll be near the park entrance and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.