New River Gorge National Park Is West Virginia's Best Park, According To Readers

West Virginia lives up to its “Wild and Wonderful” slogan, and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve—voted the best park in the state in our annual South's Best Awards—perhaps epitomizes this catchphrase most of all. Home to dense stands of old-growth forest, sky-high cliffs, waterfalls, and powerful river runs, it heralds a future that local officials hope will shift the economy from mining and extraction to preservation and tourism. Since the designation of the national park in 2020, hundreds of new jobs have helped revitalize the region.

Things To Do

Situated where the churning New River cuts a groove of canyon 1,500 feet deep into slabs of shale and Nuttall sandstone, this is one of those rare gems that allows people to get their nature fix via a wide variety of activities. The ripply shoals and mellow Class III whitewater of the Upper New River let visitors paddle downstream on a guided rafting trip. For a bit more adrenaline, the Class IV New River Dries section rushes through soaring, narrow cliffs as rafters navigate tight boulder jams and giant waves. (Both trips can be booked with guides via Adventures on the Gorge.) Or enjoy the scenery from above on one of the region’s famed rock climbing routes. The certified instructors at New River Mountain Guides can set you up gear and a customized experience. 

The New River Gorge Bridge boasts a slew of superlatives, notably for being the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the United States. Stroll past sugar maples and Eastern hemlocks on the 3.2-mile round-trip Long Point Trail for a panoramic view of the legendary structure. For thrill seekers, Bridge Walk offers a spine-tingling catwalk (harnesses included) across the underbelly of this metal rainbow. 

A day at the New River Gorge doesn’t have to be wild, though. In a park this scenic, even a drive can feel adventurous. Fayette Station Road, a winding 100-year-old byway that meanders through hardwood forest, provides vistas that are second to none. In the late afternoon, motor down this wooded detour to watch rafters float under the narrow Tunney Hunsaker Bridge in their neon polyvinyl boats for an epic photo op. Or, if you’re up for a saunter, stroll past sugar maples and eastern hemlocks on the three-mile (round trip) trail to Long Point for an even more panoramic view of the park’s legendary steel structure.

What To Know Before You Visit

The park is free and open 24 hours a day year-round. There are four visitor centers in the park which provide maps and restrooms, as well as interpretive exhibits. When driving through the park, many roads are narrow and winding, so park officials recommend building extra time for travel. There are eight primitive campgrounds with sites that are available on a first-come, first served basis (reservations are not available).

Where To Eat And Stay

Turn the volume down from wild to wonderful and refuel on Memphis-style baby back ribs with a stellar sunset gorge view at Smokey’s, or venture into Fayetteville and chow down on a hand-tossed pizza at Pies & Pints. Finally, settle in for the night while immersing yourself in the West Virginia of yesteryear at the idyllic, Victorian-style Historic Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast.