Alerts & Conditions

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

In support of federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) park facilities including visitor centers, campgrounds, and some restrooms are currently closed (see below for a list of restrooms that are open). All campgrounds in all areas of New River Gorge National River, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River are temporarily closed in response to COVID-19. Hiking trails and river accesses currently remain open. While the park remains open for use, services are limited, and visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles. Please plan to pack out trash and use restroom facilities prior to visiting the park. Popular trailheads such as Long Point and Endless Wall can be very busy on weekends. Hikers are encouraged to spread out and check out some of the less popular trails throughout the park. For more information on hiking trails, check out our hiking page.

Park programs and special events have been cancelled.
The National Park Service (NPS) urges people during this pandemic to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees.
While outdoor spaces remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest health guidance, visitors should seek out areas that are not crowded to allow for adequate social distancing. Stay at least six feet away from people outside your immediate household.
In the event of an emergency, nearby medical service providers are limited. Rescue response may be delayed. Each incident increases risks for park staff and local first responders.
Canyon Rim, Sandstone, Thurmond Depot, and Grandview Visitor Centers are currently closed. Rangers are staffing an outside information desk at Canyon Rim Visitor Center daily.
Many restrooms in the park are currently closed. Restrooms are open at Fayette Station, Kaymoor Top, Sandstone Falls, Long Point, Brooks Falls, Stone Cliff, Short Creek, Cunard, Grandview Sandbar, Endless Wall Trail (Fern Creek and Nuttall Trailheads), Grandview playground area, Glade Creek, and Thurmond. Restrooms are closed at Richmond Hamilton Farm, Sandstone Falls Overlook, Meadow Creek Campground, Grandview Shelters 1, 2, 3, and 4, Grandview Sandbar Walkin Campground, Army Camp. Nuttallburg, Burnwood, Arrowhead Trails, Woods Ferry, Gauley Tailwaters, Masons Branch, and Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Please bring your own hand sanitizer and remember to maintain social distancing.

We are closely monitoring COVID-19 with the federal, state, and local authorities. For updates, visit www.nps.gov/coronavirus

COVID 19: Visitor Guidance

Slowing the spread of novel coronavirus is everyone's responsibility.
For those at higher risk of serious illness, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, please take extra caution.
Following CDC guidance, NPS Public Health Service Officers recommends that everyone should take the following routine precautions:

Avoid close contact with sick people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
As always, it is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Wash with soap and water to destroy the virus. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- While an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol can be used, it’s best to reserve those resources for work locations where soap and water are not readily available.
- If your hands are visibly dirty, soap and water should be used rather than hand sanitizer.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Regular household cleaners will destroy the virus.
Most importantly, stay home when you are sick in order to avoid exposing others.