A River Runs Through It

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. Read More

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Hello Rock! This is probably the most photographed rapid on the Upper Gauley.

And one that personally still gives me butterflies. Even after 8 years of running. (laughing). Here we go Hello Rock! Class 5!

(Video of a kayaker in the white water rapids).

(Video of a parachutist jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge). (Video of a mountain biker). (Video of a rock climber). (Video of white water rafters). (Video of rock climber) (Video of white water rafters) (Video of a mountain biker). (Video of a paddle boarder). (Video of kayakers navigating rapids). (Video of paddle boarder). (Video of rock climber). (Video of kayaker navigating rapids). (Video from above tree line of the forest). (Video of a fly fisherman fishing). (video of a young person tracing the map on the floor in the Sandstone Visitor Center) (Video of tadpoles in the water). Video of young person chasing lightning bugs (Video of a butterfly on a plant). (Video of young people inspecting bugs). (Video of white water rafters). (Video of fish in the river). (Video of white water rafter in the rapids).

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Duration:
2 minutes, 16 seconds

A wild and wonderful introduction to the National Parks of Southern West Virginia.

boaters on the river
Plan Your Visit

Before you visit the park, visit our website to learn more about all you can do at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

A large white and blue RV in a paved parking lot in front of trees.
Visiting with an RV

Visiting New River Gorge in an RV? Get started here with tips on RV accessible areas, campgrounds, and more.

white farmhouse with a white picket fence
Off the Beaten Path

We have some hidden gems in the park that are not well known. This is a spotlight on some of our best off the beaten path locations.

wildflower painting
Wildflower Art Contest

Learn how you can enter the 2025 Youth Arts in the Parks Wildflower Art Contest.

Stand up paddle boarders on the river
Guided Activities

Find out what interpretive programs are going on in the park.

scenic view of a river flowing through a deep, forested gorge
Deferred Maintenance/Excess Structures

Get information on proposed investments to infrastructure and historic structures in the park

two girls with Junior Ranger badges
Be a Junior Ranger!

Become a New River Gorge Junior Ranger! Find out how you can earn your Junior Ranger badge and patch.

students and school bus
Education

Plan a field trip to New River Gorge, or learn about our curriculum programs and teachers resources.

A happy grey and white dog with a bark ranger tag shaped like a gold badge
B.A.R.K. Ranger

Learn how your dog can become a B.A.R.K. Ranger!

close-up of park ranger
Plan Like a Park Ranger - Top 10 Tips

Tips to make your visit to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve one you will always remember.

volunteer behind a visitor center desk
Volunteer In Parks

We are looking for volunteers for various positions. Learn about ways you can help support your park.

friends group doing trail work
Become a Friend

Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve supports the management of the New, Gauley, and Bluestone Rivers in Southern WV.

Sandstone Falls
Photos and Multimedia

Check out photo galleries, videos, social media, audio tours, and our webcam.

Five goats in a vegetation filled area munching on the greenery
Resource Management Minutes

Learn about what our resource management staff is up to through a series of short videos.

Peregrine Falcons
Nature

Learn about the animals, plants, natural features, and ecosystems of the New River Gorge.

Thurmond Depot
History

Learn more about the people, places, and stories that make up the rich cultural history of the New River Gorge.

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 246, 104 Main Street
Glen Jean, WV 25846

Phone:

304-465-0508

Contact Us