New River Gorge National River
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New River Gorge National River, West Virginia (courtesy, National Park Service)
Together, the New River and its gorge present a majestic display of natural forces. The gorge remained almost inaccessible along its entire length until the railroad opened this isolated part of West Virginia in 1873. The railroad followed the riverbank and made possible the shipment of coal to the outside world. At one time, company men clashed with miners in now-famous disputes that defined American labor history. Read More »
New River Gorge National River Highlights
- Raft the roiling New River, which cuts through the Allegheny Mountains in a 750-foot, 50-mile-long freefall through the New River Gorge from Bluestone Dam to Gauley Bridge. The upper portion, actually in the south, mixes long pools (good for fishing, too) with runnable Class III rapids. Things get more raucous at the lower portion of the New, with some wild Class III-V rapids. Run the river with Wildwater Expeditions, the region's foremost outfitter.
- Scale the hard-sandstone cliffs in the New River Gorge, home to more than 1,400 established climbing routes with difficulty levels that range from 5.9 to 5.12. Pitches range from 30 to 120 feet in length, with a mix of face and crack routes. The climbing season runs from April through November. Visit New River Mountain Guides in Fayetteville for gear, guides, and classes.
- Take a bike ride on the Brooklyn to Southside Junction Trail, a popular multiuse trail that follows the New River along an abandoned railway line. This six-mile trail takes in views of the river and gorge, plus some historic mining encampments and its share of endo-inducing rocks and roots.
- Roll into town for the New River Gorge Bridge Day, an adrenaline-charged festival held on the third Saturday in October (coinciding with the last weekend of the Gauley rafting season). This is the world's biggest BASE jumping event; more than 100,000 spectators crowd the 1,700-foot main span of the New River Gorge Bridge (the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere at 3,030 total feet) to watch 377 daredevils from ten countries leap 876 feet into the abyss.
- Hike the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, a moderate 10.5-mile route that connects Pipestem Resort State Park with Bluestone State Park. This hike offers shady stands of birch and sycamore, the calming company of the Bluestone River, and several cooling swimming holes.
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New River Gorge National River Travel Q&A
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What's your favorite hike? Where's the best campsite? Join the conversation! Ask Your Question
What You Can Do in New River Gorge National River
Articles & Advice on New River Gorge National River
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- Jump into Spring
- Bike West Virginia
- New River Gorge National Wild & Scenic River
- Long Point Trail
- New River Gorge National Wild & Scenic River
- Thurmond to Minton Trail
- New River Gorge National Wild & Scenic River
- Brooklyn to Southside Junction Trail
- New River Gorge National Wild & Scenic River
- Multi-Use Trails
- New River Gorge National Wild & Scenic River
- Kaymoor Miners Trail
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Parks Near New River Gorge National River
- Gauley River National Recreation Area, WV (25 mi.)
- Jefferson National Forest, VA (49 mi.)
- Douthat State Park, VA (69 mi.)
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