Are you planning a visit and looking for issues to do New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect? We’re right here to assist with planning! We just lately had the pleasure of visiting this implausible spot and had an incredible time.
Oddly, New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect is without doubt one of the latest additions to the nationwide parks lineup. It was established as a nationwide river in 1978 however wasn’t redesignated by the Nationwide Park Service as a full-fledged national park till 2020. That is shocking as a result of the park is wealthy in cultural and pure historical past and provides an abundance of scenic and leisure alternatives, which means there’s something for everybody on this gorge-ous place (pun completely supposed).
The park options the New River, which—regardless of its identify—is definitely one of many oldest rivers in the US. It additionally contains over 70,000 acres of land, deep canyons, the enduring New River Gorge Bridge, densely forested areas, and alternatives for mountaineering, mountain climbing, driving the mountain biking trails, and whitewater rafting. In the event you go to in October you’ll want to try Bridge Day, West Virginia’s largest competition.
Feeling overwhelmed by all of it? Learn on for a three-day itinerary that tells you precisely what to do in your New River Gorge Nationwide Park journey!
Day 1: Canyon Rim Space
Our explorations started within the Canyon Rim Space. This space was a superb beginning place, and I positively advocate you do the identical. Right here’s what to do there!
Cease 1: Go to Canyon Rim Customer Middle
Undoubtedly cease within the Canyon Rim Customer Middle to get oriented first. The rangers listed below are extremely useful, and there are just a few small displays and a film that can assist you get acquainted with the realm’s historical past. So as to add to the expertise, try the gorge views from the again deck of the middle!
There’s additionally a bit store the place you should buy souvenirs or stuff you forgot. Restrooms and water bottle refill stations are additionally out there.
Word: In the event you’re visiting with youngsters, make sure that to choose up your Junior Ranger Books at this middle! There’s a ebook for ages 6–12 and Junior Junior Ranger booklets for ages 2–5, which our toddler actually cherished.
Cease 2: See the New River Gorge Bridge
When you’ve appeared across the customer middle, the subsequent step is to take a look at the well-known New River Gorge Bridge. This bridge is unimaginable in individual and provides a view that can stick with you for years to come back.
There are a variety of the way to see the bridge. One of many best and finest methods is to move down the brief boardwalk that descends into the gorge from the customer middle. From this boardwalk, you’re going to get unobstructed views of the large bridge.
We didn’t really do the boardwalk. As a substitute, we headed down into the gorge by automotive and noticed the bridge from the Bridge Buttress Path. In the event you go this route, bear in mind that you have to climb a steep hill utilizing a rope with grips to get to the implausible view on the finish. It’s price it! Or take a scenic drive alongside Fayette Station Street will even give you gorgeous views of elements of the river and a view of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Cease 3: Do Some Rock Climbing
The following cease for us was one of many extra accessible mountain climbing routes alongside the Bridge Buttress Path. Mountaineering is vastly widespread within the New River Gorge as a result of the sandstone cliffs provide some unimaginable 1,400 established climbing routes, so I knew we wanted to provide it a go.
We had been fortunate sufficient to go to with a good friend with mountain climbing gear and expertise, and he helped my son and me attempt our hand at mountain climbing. I didn’t get tremendous far, however I received larger up than I assumed I would and had a implausible time doing it. I can’t wait to attempt once more!
In the event you aren’t visiting with an skilled mountain climbing good friend, I like to recommend climbing with a information. New River Climbing College is really useful by many.
Cease 4: Hike to Diamond Level Overlook
The final journey of our first day within the park was a 2.4-mile hike alongside the Countless Wall Path to look at the sundown at Diamond Level Overlook.
This path is rated reasonable on AllTrails, nevertheless it was straightforward sufficient for everybody in our get together (together with a toddler). It has 308 toes of elevation achieve and provides some spectacular views, together with the completely gorgeous views of the river, practice tracks, and gorge at Diamond Level Overlook.
Day 2: Grandview and Sandstone Areas
We did these actions over two days, and when you’ve got time, you might do the identical. That mentioned, all of these items might simply match right into a single day.
Cease 1: Test Out Sandstone Customer Middle
That is really what we did on our third day within the park. That mentioned, it’s finest to do it within the morning of your second day in case you attempt to match all the pieces in, because the customer middle closes at 5 pm.
Sandstone Customer Middle is open seven days per week, so that you gained’t want to fret about whether or not it’s a weekend or a weekday once you go. It’s a little out of the way in which in comparison with different elements of the park however is a really good customer middle with some displays which can be price trying out.
You’ll want to watch the park movie whereas at this customer middle!
Cease 2: Stare upon Sandstone Falls
When you’re executed on the customer middle, you might have a alternative: You may both head to the Sandstone Falls viewing space 7 minutes away or drive 35 minutes to the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk.
The viewing space means that you can have a look at the falls from above. It’s lovely and possibly a superb choice in case you’re trying to in the reduction of on driving and don’t need to add extra strolling to the day.
In the meantime, the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk is a brief 0.2-mile stroll to see the falls up shut. The view is unquestionably higher from the boardwalk than it’s from above, however to be trustworthy, we’re undecided it’s well worth the lengthy drive.
Cease 3: Admire the Grand View
Your subsequent cease would be the Grandview Customer Middle. This middle is closed through the week, so we didn’t get to go inside, nevertheless it appeared fairly small, and that wasn’t actually why we had been there anyway.
Along with the customer middle, this car parking zone additionally has a restroom constructing that’s normally open every single day however was closed for repairs whereas we had been there. We had to make use of (surprisingly clear!) porta-potties as an alternative. A playground is close by for the children, with entry to a viewing space in addition to and some trailheads will be discovered only a brief stroll from the lot.
The very first thing we did after parking was head to the viewing space. This was positively the most effective views we received whereas within the park, so you’ll want to cease. We had been fortunate sufficient to reach proper after a brief rain, so there was plenty of mist coming off Backus Mountain, creating puffy little clouds throughout it. Tremendous cool to see! As cool because it was, although, I nonetheless most popular the clear view we received once we visited once more on the way in which again to the automotive.
Cease 4: Stroll the Tunnel Path
Subsequent, we headed down the Tunnel Path. This can be a tremendous straightforward 0.5-mile path that the children completely adored. There have been locations to boulder, small “caves,” and even some rock tunnels all alongside the path. Whereas most of the caves and tunnels had been gated off at a sure level for security, we might nonetheless go far sufficient within them for the children to really feel like they had been on an journey. Take flashlights or headlamps, so that you do the identical!
The path had some muddy spots due to the rain, however nothing we couldn’t stroll round. In addition to that, this is without doubt one of the most enjoyable trails we’ve executed shortly.
Cease 5: Hike Fort Rock Path
We additionally checked out the mile-long Fort Rock Path, which is situated throughout from the Tunnel Path. Whereas this path doesn’t have any of these superior caves or tunnels, it does have some fairly cool rock formations, together with some outcroppings that the children loved climbing as much as.
All that mentioned, the principle sights on this path are the views you get when you loop round to the highest of the rock wall. Ensure you cease on the numerous viewing factors so you’ll be able to see all of them!
Along with fairly views and funky rocks, we additionally noticed just a few animals alongside this path, together with deer and salamanders, so preserve your eyes peeled. You’ll additionally need to preserve a watch out for mud—which was positively ample alongside the way in which—in addition to rocky spots the place it would be best to take it sluggish. The mud, rocks, and small elevation achieve make this a reasonable path, however I nonetheless suppose most individuals might deal with it.
Day 3: Thurmond Space
This final day is extra easy-going and would possibly even be a half-day reasonably than a full day of journey. We plan issues this fashion so we’ve got further time to catch one thing we could have missed earlier within the journey.
Cease 1: Test Out Thurmond Depot Customer Middle
Sadly, we didn’t get to see this customer middle, because it’s solely open on weekends within the fall, and we had been there through the week. That mentioned, it appears to be like like a very cool little customer middle and could be price trying out.
The constructing is definitely the previous Thurmond Prepare Depot, and the displays inside discover the historical past of railroading within the space. Being a little bit of a practice nerd, this could be enjoyable to see, even when the museum is on the smaller facet.
Word: In case you have youngsters in tow, that is the purpose when it would be best to seize your Junior Ranger Badges, because it’s your final customer middle cease for the journey!
Cease 2: Attempt White Water Rafting
Okay, so we didn’t go whitewater rafting whereas we had been within the park. We had our three-year-old with us, and rafting journeys simply weren’t going to suit into our plans very nicely. I did watch some rafters, although, and it appears to be like like a complete blast! That is on the highest of my to-do checklist for subsequent time, even when it means my husband and I’ve to take turns watching our youngest.
In keeping with the NPS web site, the stretch of river between Hinton and Thurmond is good for much less skilled rafters, and firms like West Virginia Adventures concentrate on taking guests (together with whole newbies) out on rafting adventures.
When to Go to New River Gorge Nationwide Park
New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect is open year-round and is gorgeous irrespective of once you go to. That mentioned, West Virginia does get some tremendous chilly winters, and chilly climate isn’t supreme for the actions supplied within the park. Subsequently, we extremely advocate visiting within the spring, summer time, or fall.
April by means of October are the perfect months, and we might slim that down additional by saying we might select to keep away from the warmth and crowds through the months of July and August. We visited throughout September, and regardless that there have been festivals occurring within the park on the weekend earlier than and after our go to, we didn’t have any hassle with crowds, and we skilled practically good climate.
What to Eat Close to New River Gorge Nationwide Park
The city of Beckley is correct outdoors of the park and is chock-full of just about any chain restaurant you might need. Since we hadn’t seen a few of our favourite chains for months on the time of our go to, we took benefit of the chance to eat a few of our tried-and-true favorites. We gained’t checklist these as a result of anybody can discover their favourite chain eating places.
That mentioned, we did attempt just a few native locations price noting!
Cathedral Cafe & E book Retailer
This Fayetteville cafe is situated in an previous cathedral, making it a very cool place to dine. The decor is artsy and eclectic, and the vibe is laid-back and welcoming. I might spend a day working right here.
The menu at Cathedral Cafe is kind of in depth. You may simply seize a espresso and a pastry for a day pick-me-up, after all, or you’ll be able to order a full meal (of which there are various choices). We advocate the bagel sandwiches for a fast and filling breakfast earlier than a hike or climb. It doesn’t matter what you order, you’re positive to understand the standard of meals supplied right here.
Word: This place is tremendous widespread! Go to with time to attend in your meals. It’s price it.
Pies and Pints
That is really a regional chain with places in North Carolina, Kentucky, and Alabama, which means in case you adore it as a lot as we did, you would possibly simply have an opportunity to go to on a future trip.
The placement we visited was in Fayetteville. We cherished that there was a small playground out again for the children to make use of whereas we waited for our desk, which took about half-hour.
Our get together ordered a pulled pork and bacon pizza, a pepperoni pizza, and a mushroom and garlic pizza. The adults cherished the pulled pork and mushroom pizzas, however the youngsters thought the pepperoni was too spicy. As soon as we pulled the pepperoni off, they did just like the precise pizza. I additionally received a easy salad with the home dressing, and it was scrumptious.
The place to Keep Close to New River Gorge Nationwide Park
Lastly, we must always speak about the place to remain throughout your time in New River Gorge Nationwide Park. We had our RV with us, which means we selected an RV tenting choice. That mentioned, tenting shouldn’t be the one choice, so relaxation assured you’ll be able to keep in consolation whether or not you might have an RV or not.
Campgrounds
From state parks to fancy RV resorts, there are every kind of tenting choices in and round New River Gorge Nationwide Park. Beneath we’ve listed a few of our favourite choices.
Nationwide Park Primitive Campgrounds
The NPS really runs many primitive campgrounds all through the park. All of those are completely free to make use of, and some enable RV tenting, which means you might keep in New River Gorge Nationwide Park in your rig with out paying a dime.
Sadly, we couldn’t discover a primitive campground that might match our rig, so in case your RV is longer than about 30 toes, you will want to look elsewhere. Nonetheless, I needed to say this for the van lifers and small RV homeowners on the market who don’t thoughts tenting with out facilities.
The Outpost at New River Gorge
In search of one thing for an even bigger RV? Favor to remain someplace with hookups? The Outpost at New River Gorge would possibly simply be your spot!
This campground has tent websites, cabins, and RV websites with each partial and full hookups. Restrooms with showers can be found, as is a clubhouse. The most effective half? The campground is simply minutes from the nationwide park!
Resorts
Favor the comforts supplied by a conventional resort? As talked about above, there are fairly just a few beautiful resorts within the city of Beckley. The 2 under are fantastic selections.
Tru by Hilton Beckley is a favourite Beckley resort for a cause. The property provides free parking and free Wi-Fi and is even pet-friendly. There are a number of rooms out there, so discovering one which fits your wants isn’t any drawback. You might be additionally surrounded by nice locations to eat, and the drive to the park is a brief and simple one.
One other nice Beckley resort, Hampton Inn Beckley, provides a swimming pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms. The enterprise middle is ideal for many who must get work executed throughout their journey, and the included breakfast buffet is the perfect option to begin your day. After all, you’ll additionally love the situation close to eating, purchasing, and the nationwide park!
Trip Rental Properties
Those that need to unfold out would possibly need to have a whole residence to themselves. On this case, a rental house is the best choice. We actually like the 2 rental properties listed under.
Need to totally immerse your self in the great thing about the realm? Why not keep proper on the river at this beautiful riverfront cabin?
This cabin sleeps as much as 8 individuals so to deliver the entire household. A hearth is included for these chilly nights, and the toilet and kitchen are totally stocked. Video games and books can be found for leisure functions, and the nationwide park is simply minutes away once you need to get energetic.
Able to expertise New River Gorge Nationwide Park and Protect for your self? E book your lodging immediately, pack your baggage, and prepare for an unimaginable out of doors journey!
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Chelsea is a wandering, roadschooling mother to 2 little adventurers. She has been dwelling and touring in her RV for over 5 years and likes to share suggestions, methods, and data with anybody who will learn what she has to say. In addition to touring and writing, Chelsea can also be loves studying about historical past, Irish dancing, and visiting Disney World.
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