• New River flowing through the gorge

    New River Gorge

    National River West Virginia

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Cunard Road construction completed

    Construction on the Cunard Road has been completed and the road is now open. Access may be delayed at times while striping is being painted.

  • Rend Trail closure

    Repairs to the stone retention wall will cause closures from June through September, 2013. More »

Reptiles

black rat snake

black rat snake

Nearly 40 species of reptiles have been documented at New River Gorge National River. Species of special concern that occur within the park include the common map turtle, eastern river cooter, broadhead skink, eastern worm snake, and rough green snake.

Fence lizards, five-lined skinks, black rat snakes, garter snakes, ringneck snakes, copperheads, and eastern box turtles are all commonly seen throughout the park.

Hikers will occasionally encounter a copperhead or timber rattlesnake, the two venomous snakes found in the park. They are not normally aggressive if you keep away and give them a chance to escape. See the page on snake safety for further information.

 
snapping turtle

Snapping Turtle

 
Northern Water Snake

Northern Water Snake

Did You Know?

Peregrine Falcon

Between 1987 and 1991, over thirty peregrine falcons were released within New River Gorge. Think you saw one? If so, please contact the park wildlife biologist at (304) 465-6542. More...