Basic Information

cliffs with clouds overhead — Louise McLaughlin

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve protects and preserves 53 miles of the New River as well as over 70,000 acres of the magnificent gorge that this river created.

The park is 53 miles long. Having a good map is essential. A park map can be obtained at any park visitor center. Many roads are narrow and winding. Allow extra time when exploring.

Stop at Canyon Rim Visitor Center any time of year. Sandstone Visitor Center is open spring, summer, and fall, and weekends only in winter. Visitor centers at Grandview and Thurmond are seasonal, generally open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Check the Visitor Centers page for current hours.

There are plenty of things to do in the gorge, from rafting to rock climbing to hiking. The possibilities are endless!

Food, lodging, and full service campgrounds are plentiful in the gateway communities surrounding the park, including Hinton, Fayetteville, and Beckley.

Primitive camping, on a first come - first serve basis, is available without charge at a number of locations within the park.