National park · United States
New River Gorge National Park and PreserveNew River Gorge NP
Visit New River Gorge: drive to Canyon Rim Visitor Center, hike the Endless Wall (2 km (1.2 mi), moderate) for $0 entry, or book a guided white‑water run in summer; avoid weekends in July‑August, and bring a pass for any other park days.Visit New River Gorge: drive to Canyon Rim Visitor Center, hike the Endless Wall (1.2 mi (2 km), moderate) for $0 entry, or book a guided white‑water run in summer; avoid weekends in July‑August, and bring a pass for any other park days.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
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Area
121 km² (47 sq mi)47 sq mi (121 km²)
approximate
Established
2021
Best months
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 14Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
- South ↗A car is close to essential outside city cores; interstate driving is the cheapest way to cover ground.
- South ↗Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, US$1–2 a drink.
- West Virginia ↗A car is effectively required; many sights and trailheads have no bus or rail access.
- West Virginia ↗In the National Radio Quiet Zone (around Green Bank, Pocahontas County) cell signal drops for dozens of miles — carry printed maps or offline navigation.
- New River and Greenbrier Valleys ↗New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has no entrance fee; some partner sites and activities charge separately.
- New River and Greenbrier Valleys ↗A car is effectively required; regional bus service is infrequent and does not reach trailheads or overlooks.
- New River and Greenbrier Valleys ↗Cell coverage is patchy in the gorge and on back roads — download maps before you drive.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 121 km² (47 sq mi)47 sq mi (121 km²)
- Park area is about 121 km² (land only) as reported by NPS; water surface not included.
- Established
- 2021
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- Not needed
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve protects a deep river canyon with world‑class rock climbing, scenic hikes like Endless Wall and Long Point, and white‑water rafting on Class III‑IV runs, while offering free entry for pass holders and modest camping fees.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2021.
Size and age
121 km² (47 sq mi)47 sq mi (121 km²) · national park since 2021
Park area is about 121 km² (land only) as reported by NPS; water surface not included.
Why go
- World‑class rock climbing on the gorge walls.
- Scenic hikes with river views, e.g., Endless Wall and Long Point.
- White‑water rafting on the New River’s Class III‑IV runs.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold but clear; fewer crowds.
- FebCool, low visitor numbers.
- MarSpring melt, good water flow.
- AprMild temps, full trail access.
- MayWarm, wildflowers, high water.
- JunPeak climbing season.
- JulHot, crowds; river high.
- AugHeat, busy weekends.
- SepCooler, still good water.
- OctFall colors, less traffic.
- NovCool, occasional snow.
- DecCold, quiet.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bald eagleMar–Nov · Often seen soaring above the river. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Black bearApr–Sep · Occasional sightings in forested areas. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Charleston, WV
Drive US‑60 east 45 km (28 mi) to Canyon Rim Visitor Center; follow signs to park gate.Drive US‑60 east 28 mi (45 km) to Canyon Rim Visitor Center; follow signs to park gate.
45 min
From Beckley, WV (Raleigh County Memorial Airport)
Rent a car, take US‑19 north to US‑60 east, then follow park signs.
1 h 15 min
Open the page →
From Roanoke, VA (Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport)
Take I‑81 north to US‑60 east; approx. 2 h drive.
2 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Canyon Rim Visitor Center | Main entrance, information desk, bookstore, trailheads for Endless Wall and Long Point. | Open daily; entry free with pass. |
| Sandstone Visitor Center | South side facilities, trailhead for Kaymoor and Lower New River. | Open seasonally. |
| New River Campground | RV and tent camping along the riverbank. | First‑come, first‑served; reservation optional. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are park headquarters and main visitor centers; trail points are approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (general) | Free | person | Free with America the Beautiful pass or individual pass (check). |
| Camping at New River Campground (per night) | US$27 | site | RV and tent sites; $27 per night. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Backcountry permit no permit
Park rules
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on trails; not on climbing routes.
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds; backcountry camping requires permit.
- Firearms
- Prohibited within park boundaries.
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission.
- Leave No Trace
- Pack out all trash; use provided restrooms.
Where to stay
In the park
New River Campground
Tent and RV sites with river views.
Near the park
Lewisburg
Boutique hotels and B&Bs 15 km (9.3 mi) from the park.Boutique hotels and B&Bs 9.3 mi (15 km) from the park.
Safety
River flooding medium
Steep cliffs high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Canyon Rim Visitor Center has wheelchair‑accessible restrooms and short paved paths.
- Long Point Trail is not wheelchair‑friendly due to steep grades.
Visiting lightly
- Use the park’s reusable water bottle refill stations.
- Stay in locally owned lodging to support the community.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter New River Gorge?
General entry is free with an America the Beautiful pass or a park pass; otherwise $0 per person (check for any seasonal fees).
What are the best hikes in New River Gorge?
Endless Wall (2 km, moderate) and Long Point (6 km, hard) are top choices; both start at Canyon Rim Visitor Center.
When is the best time to visit New River Gorge?
April through October offers mild weather and full trail access; July‑August can be hot and crowded.
Do I need a permit for backcountry camping?
Yes, a backcountry permit is required for overnight stays outside designated campgrounds (check with the park).
Is rafting included in the park fee?
No, rafting is a separate commercial activity; book through a licensed outfitter.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
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