The Ultimate Guide To Rock Climbing West Virginia’s New River Gorge
The New River Gorge is known as the best East Coast climbing destination for a reason: There are more than 1,500 established climbing routes in the area. The stunning views and miles of continuous climbing are all courtesy of the New River, which millennia ago carved out a 1,000-foot-deep gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia. The area is a mix of rugged and welcoming, which makes for a fantastic getaway.
The cliffs are made of nuttall sandstone, which is great for grip and won’t tear up your fingers. With an average wall height of 75-100 feet and most of the ratings at 5.9 or higher, you probably want to know what you’re doing before venturing here. However, if you’re new to outdoor climbing or haven’t started sport climbing outside yet, you still have options available to you. An adventure in West Virginia brings challenging climbs, a slower pace, and fantastic scenery. Not to mention the tasty grub. Here’s what you need to know.