Take the Exit: Best Sites and Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park

I love being a vanlifer since it gives me the freedom to go places that a traditional RV or travel trailer may find difficult to traverse. I learned this on my most recent trip to New River Gorge National Park, which included driving on some pretty questionable, single-lane backroads.

While traveling through West Virginia on Highway 19, I “took the exit” and discovered the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. When visiting, you will have to take many exits since this unique destination winds its way through many small towns of the southern Appalachian Mountains. This may be a quieter park with fewer visitors, but it is not one to be missed.

Before You Go

When visiting the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve you will discover that getting around is not always an easy thing to do. The two major highways are comfortable to drive, but once you get off them, the roads become very narrow and rustic. If you are not a vanlifer, I highly suggest finding a great campground recommended by the RV Life community and using your tow vehicle to get around the park.

The History

The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and the surrounding areas were rich in coal. With the arrival of the railroad in 1873, it became a mecca for the shipment of coal. The remote wilderness was opened to industry and supported this lifestyle for many decades. Following the Great Depression and the declining reliance on steam train travel, the gorge began reclaiming its land.

Today

The secret of the New River Gorge, as an adventure seekers paradise, was slowly discovered by many who explored the area. The incredible river created a new industry for the whitewater rafting enthusiast. Soon to follow were rock climbers, mountain bikers, hikers, and nature lovers. The treasured landscape not only tells the cultural story of its inhabitants but provides endless opportunities to enjoy nature.

Best Places to Visit

The Visitor Centers

There are three visitor centers in the park, and each is unique to its area. You will learn how the 70,000-acre park is spread along 53 miles of beautiful wilderness and rushing whitewater rapids. It was originally a National River but re-designated as the country’s 63rd National Park in 2020.

• Canyon Rim Visitor Center – This is the original and most visited visitor center in the park. First, explore the exhibits that explain the towns, people, and industry of the region. Then, take in the stunning views of the gorge from the back deck. Finally, hike the short distance that descends into the gorge to see the incredible New River Gorge Bridge, which is over 3,000 feet long and almost 900 feet above the New River.
• Grandview Visitor Center – This center is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Sitting at the highest elevation in the park, it is a basic location with a Park Ranger to answer questions and suggest hikes.
• Sandstone Visitor Center – Located on the south end of the National Park, you are able to view a video on the New River. There are also interactive exhibits on the cultural and natural history of the New River.

Fayette Station Road and New River Gorge Bridge

• Fayette Station Road – Before the New River Gorge was constructed the only way to get across the river was the Fayette Station Road. You can still drive this narrow, curvy, 100-year-old road that takes you below the newly constructed bridge. Begin at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to drive the 8-mile-long road. Once at the bottom, park and take in the reconstructed bridge and the stunning New River, or hike one of the trails.
• New River Gorge Bridge – I was amazed by this stunning architectural bridge that spans the New River Gorge. At 876 feet tall, it is the third-highest bridge in the United States. The Washington Monument and two Statues of Liberty could stand on top of each other under the bridge.

Grandview Overlook

The views from Grandview are some of the most spectacular in the park. Sitting 1,400 feet above the river, the dramatic scenery unfolds below. When the weather is clear, you will be able to see for miles into the gorge, following the New River and the active railway that passes through. During times of rainy weather, don’t be discouraged. The clouds and mist form layers within the gorge that create their own beauty.

Learn about the History of the Coal Industry

• Thurmond Historic District – Thurmond was a main area of the New River Gorge for the coal industry. The historic downtown is still largely intact, and the depot has been restored. It is hard to believe that it was a bustling railroad town based on its size. Take a walking tour with a National Park volunteer and learn about how important this area is.
• Nuttallburg Mine Site – This is one of the few areas I went to on the east side of the park. I have to admit that driving to the mine site in my campervan was a little unnerving at times. The road is mostly single-lane, curvy, and frequently unpaved. I was rewarded with an incredible education into the lives of a coal community. This coal mining complex is one of the most intact industrial sites in West Virginia.

Sandstone Falls

The beauty and size of Sandstone Falls blew me away. It may drop only 10 to 25 feet, but it is an astounding 1500 feet wide. Getting to the falls requires a bit of drive time since there is only one way in, but it is well worth it. You will need to drive to Hinton on the south end of the park and then follow River Road to the falls. Enjoy the boardwalk trail that takes you over two islands to the cascading waterfall.

Activities to Enjoy

There are so many things to do in the National Park that you would need multiple weeks to do them all. No matter what your activity level is, you will find some incredible adventures while enjoying beautiful surroundings.

Hiking

There are over 40 trails to choose from within the park. While some are quite easy and short, there are also some very challenging ones to choose from. I have included a few that I enjoyed.

• Ranger-led hike– There is always a variety of ranger-led hikes that you can join. I checked out the park’s calendar of events to find hikes while I was there.
• Long Point Trail – I hiked this trail for the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the gorge itself. At 3 miles roundtrip, it was not a difficult hike to a stunning rock outcrop with the most amazing views.
• Kaymoor Trail – The hardest part of this hike was finding a place to park along Fayette Station Road. With only a few spots to grab, I was lucky and took the hiking trail to two beautiful waterfalls.
• Tunnel Trail – This is Grandview’s shortest trail that goes into the forest. It was shady, and I found several tunnels within the massive sandstone walls.

Whitewater Rafting

There are a variety of whitewater rafting options and skill levels available within the National Park. The New River is well known for its big rapids that are very difficult, but there are portions that are easier. You can paddle on your own or may want to find an outfitter for your adventure.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is extremely popular, and there are many trails to choose from. Well known for the Arrowhead Trails, the 12.8 miles of stacked loop trails were created by the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scouts of America’s national honor society. I stayed at a campground with direct access to them and enjoyed watching the cyclists. Most trails are for both hiking and biking, so be sure to look out for others when on your bike.

Rock Climbing

The very hard sandstone and varying heights of the cliffs have made the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve a destination for many climbers. You will have your choice of over 1,400 established climbs to choose from. There are guided climbing and rappelling trips you can schedule or climb on your own.

Where to Stay?

There are some campgrounds within the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve that allow RV’s with a maximum of 31.5 feet in length. These are rustic sites with no hookups of any kind, and some of the roads to them are narrow and twisty. Other options can be found outside of the park that offer more amenities and a less challenging drive.

The nation’s 63rd National Park is a unique destination with so many sites to see and things to do. Are you ready to “take the exit” and discover all that the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has to show you?