NPS photo/Louise McLaughlin New River Gorge National Park and Preserve lies at the core of the largest remaining block of relatively unfragmented, mid-latitude forest in the world. The gorge section of the park supports the most diverse plant assemblage of any river gorge in the central and southern Appalachians. This is due, in part, to the moisture gradient extremes that exist between the rim and river. The park provides critical habitat for abundant and diverse breeding populations of migratory birds (including the Cerulean warbler, a species in decline elsewhere in its range) Also located in the park is the rare Appalachian Flatrock plant community which includes sedges, cedars and pines. This plant assemblage occurs on flat sandstone ledges along the New River and is dependent on the scouring caused by occasional flooding for its long-term integrity. Check out the Wildflowers Photo Gallery for photos of some of the more common flowers found at New River Gorge.
Rhododendrons
Learn more about the beautiful rhododendrons found at Grandview and throughout the park. 
Winter Greenery
Learn about some of the unique plants of New River Gorge that remain green through the winter. 
Invasive Species
Learn more about the invasive species that threaten ecosystems in the park. |
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Last updated: July 31, 2023