Located at the southern end of New River Gorge National Park, not only can you visit this waterfall but you can also go on another scenic drive and visit the historic town of Hinton. Valid for one year through the month of purchase. The visitor centers are an excellent starting point when visiting New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando, New River Gorge National River (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map, Best Easy Day Hikes New River Gorge (Best Easy Day Hikes Series), Adventure! When production ceased in 1958, Nuttalburg, like so many other mining towns, began to clear out. Today, visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the gorge while hovering at 876 feet in height. Insect repellent is always a great idea when outdoors, especially if you are around any body of water. Adventure is what brings most tourists to Oak Hill. New River Cleanup takes place at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve each May, hosted by the Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Email needed if you'd like comment updates. However. Best Western Plus Beckley - Free breakfast, laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby are just a few of the amenities provided at Best Western Plus Beckley Inn. In addition, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This is the second-longest arch bridge in the entire world, and at 876 feet tall, it offers up breathtaking views of the gorge below. Rock climbing is an activity that is sometimes overlooked at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Visitor Fees New River Gorge National Park and Preserve does not charge an entrance fee. Even if you dont make either of these events, the dense forests around the river create a spectacular display during fall foliage season, which generally peaks around mid-October. 0. . If you only have time for one hike, opt for the Endless Wall Trail, an easy, 2.2-mile loop that takes hikers past a dramatic view of the New River Gorge and Bridge at a vista point called Diamond Point. Wanderlust Creativefoods is 4 minutes from New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and is an outstanding restaurant you will want to experience during your trip. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Some of the events that take place around Bridge Day include a 5K race, bus rides into the gorge, a chili cookoff, a bridge walk, and vendors galore. The best time to visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve to avoid crowds is in the winter. Late spring is particularly agreeable when it comes to pleasant temperatures, but dont show up without a warm jacket, as cold snaps are not uncommon either. Some of the best places to eat in and around Fayetteville include: Open for breakfast and lunch with a variety of vegan, vegetarian, and meat options, Wood Iron Eatery is one of the best options for a fresh, healthy meal. It offers exciting attractions, recreation opportunities, and amazing options for lodging and dining. Driving to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is half the fun of the vacation. There is a wide variety of animals that make their home in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Nuttalburg was one of nearly 50 mining towns that sprang up during the coal mining boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In that case, below, you will find a list detailing the best times to plan a visit. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. If you can, dont miss the chance to go white water rafting in The New. Visitors are able to enjoy trip after trip to this national park without having to pay a dollar to enter. For this reason, it's a great idea to have alternative routes mapped out. Some favorite menu items include the Nashville hot chicken pizza, the char-grilled hot wings, and the Italian hero. Primitive camping is permitted in 9 different areas of the park, including the Stone Cliff Beach, Grandview Sandbar, and Glade Creek areas. The park is typically dusted in snow, with temperatures dipping down below 20 degrees. Most menu items can be adjusted for those with gluten sensitivities, and there are also several options for vegan and vegetarian diets. Although this national park is one of the newest in the country, the river system is actually quite old. A train ride to New River Gorge and National Park is a wonderful way to fully appreciate a national park vacation. March 29, 2022 There are many things to consider when planning a trip to New River Gorge National Park. Taking a train is a great way to enjoy a national park vacation without the stress of planning the routes and dealing with traffic. Encircling the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the scenic drive is an estimated three-hour trip. The onsite restaurant, The Bistro, features American cuisine. Below weve ranked some of the best trails in the park by difficulty so you know exactly what youre getting into before you even step foot on the trail. While there are usually fewer visitors in autumn, the exception is Bridge Day - held every October. Beckley is located just 7 miles from New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and a wonderful place to stay near the park. They offer a menu serving culinary creations with cultural twists. B.A.R.K. It wasnt until 42 years later that President Donald Trump established the area as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Those who love art and shopping are in for a treat as this town is brimming over with antique malls, boutique stores, and artisan shops all around. We have narrowed down the best places to stay at Shenandoah NP.. Where to stay near New River Gorge FAQ. Hi, I'm Park Ranger John and I am so happy you are here! Sandstone Falls is a fantastic area for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The lush New River Gorge National Park. The bridge was chosen to represent the state on the commemorative quarter released by the U.S. Mint in 2006. There are many special places to visit in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Estimated distance from major cities nearby, Estimated Distance from nearby National Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 287 miles. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was established in 2020 as Americas 63rd national park. Nonstop flights connect to many major U.S. cities such as Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Chicago; Orlando, Florida; and Washington D.C. Airlines served by this airport include American, Breeze, Delta, and United. Check out the former mining sites still standing within the park, learn all about the indigenous tribes that once called the area home at the Sandstone Visitor Center, or take a self-guided drive along the African American Heritage Auto Tour. Over 53 miles of free-flowing river are available in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The News location off of a few major interstates actually makes it surprisingly convenient to access from some of the major cities in the vicinity. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss! Rather explore the trails on two wheels instead of two feet? The Best Places to See Fall Colors in the U.S. Join more than a million of the worlds best travelers. Be a Junior Ranger! The New River Gorge Bridge is the second largest single-steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. The only option for lodging in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is to sleep under the stars in the great outdoors. At 1,400 feet above the river, the scenery is hard to match. The classic cheeseburger or house-made vegetarian beet burger are both delicious options. Visiting in September is a great way to enjoy the beauty of this park while going easy on your budget. This event is geared toward adults and is an incredible way to make new friends and enjoy New River Gorge National Park. The New River Gorge National Park stretches 53 miles and spans both Virginia and West Virginia. With fewer crowds, wildflowers sprouting along the trails, and mild temperatures, spring is a great time to visit New River Gorge National Park. Then grab a bike and hop on one of the areas mountain bike trails, like the easy and scenic Long Point Trail, feature-filled Corona Trail, or the gorge-adjacent Kaymoor Trail. It now offers a wide range of activities, including white-water rafting, climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, climbing, kayaking, SUP, and even base jumping (at least for one day of the year, Bridge Day). Inside, quirky pottery lines the walls behind the bar (think: ceramic mugs with faces molded onto them), while outside, a large yard with picnic tables invites visitors to linger on warm nights. Consider the America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass. There are a couple of budget-friendly hotels, motels, private rentals, and Airbnbs. AFAR participates in affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase an item featured on our site. 2023 AFAR Media. Its especially magical at sunrise, when fog and mist drift in and out the canyon. There is gas stations in the gateway communities near the park. In 1978, the New River was established as a National River by President Jimmy Carter. 48 Hours in New River Gorge National Park, WV Watch on The first gap year inspired a second which ended up being a 23-country down-the-world trip from Canada to Antarctica. The jump takes place on Saturday, but there are many activities that take place on Friday and Sunday. There are also several spectacular events that happen annually. You are going to have a blast no matter when you visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Summer is by far the most popular time of year at The New, so you can expect crowds around every turn. Photo credit: Ann Bush. Near the main entrance of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center is a boardwalk trail guiding visitors to a patio with amazing views of the famous New River Gorge Bridge. This 10-mile-long scenic parkway, lined with towering redwood groves, runs through Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. This relatively flat path follows a peaceful, shady creek on what used to be a functioning railroad and ends just a few yards away from the boat launch ticket counter. Given the unique ecosystems here, that designation, and the additional protections it now receives, is well deserved. Those with more experience should time their trip for Gauley Season, the six weeks after Labor Day in which the nearby dam-controlled Gauley River is open for white-water rafting. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has several towns that are rich in culture and history about Americas past. Camping areas are located along the river. Primitive camping areas have no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities. Courtyard by Marriott Beckley - You can look forward to shopping on site, a firepit, and a coffee shop/caf at Courtyard by Marriott Beckley. Most of the summer crowds are gone, the fall foliage puts on a stunning show (consistently one of the best in the US), and the bounty of the . If you don't mind bundling up, visit in the fall; it's a great time to see the array of colors on the trees throughout the canyon. Hawks Nest State Park, in Ansted, is famous for its bird's eye view of the New River. We usePermethrin Sprayon our clothes before our park trips. It has one of the highest populations of the nearby towns and has several types of lodging opportunities, from state park campgrounds and luxury treehouses to incredible resorts and rustic cabins in the woods. Although the majority of them are best for intermediate climbers (the difficulty grade ranges between 5.105.12), there are a few easier options ideal for beginners. Home to more than 70,000 acres of public lands, this park has been a hallowed spot for locals for centuries. Since there are several areas of the park, several different routes can be utilized to enter the park; it truly depends on where you are headed. The park is typically dusted in snow, with temperatures dipping down below 20 degrees. When visiting New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, be sure to stop by a visitor center or strive to visit all 4 of them as they are all unique and offer exciting amenities. Thurmond is a wonderful railroad town to visit in New River Gorge National Park for those who love history. The original inhabitants of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve were the Native American groups from the Delaware, Tutelo, Saponi, Shawnee, Cherokee, and Mingo tribes. It also has the worlds longest single-arch steel span measuring 1,700 feet. 4-Hour Private Tour. 2 miles from New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is an amazing restaurant called the Secret Sandwich Society. Summer Bash at Camp Brookside takes place in August. Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve First discovered in 1671, the river and surrounding area is thought to be one of the oldest rivers in the United States and may have even been around before dinosaurs roamed the area. Tips to make your visit to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve one you will always remember. While it isnt as close as the other airport, it is the option with the most airlines and is only about an hour from the park. As a result, thunderstorms are not uncommon in the afternoons during the summer months, though luckily, they are usually brief. There are plenty of activities available, such as hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, and bird watching. This sweet town has many hotels, lodges, resorts, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds, making it a great place to set up a home away from home when visiting the park. One of the best ways to see New River Gorge National Park is a from a . Be sure to stop by for a drink or meal when visiting this national park. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments. Exploring Fayette Station Road is to travel back in time before the modern New River Gorge Bridge was built in 1977. Divided by a series of islands, the massive falls mark a transition zone from the river to its bottomlands. But many people first learned about the New River Gorge in 2020 when it became the nations 63rd, and newest, national park. New River Gorge National Park is 53 miles long and follows the course of the New River. Full of hairpin turns and vista points, the road winds down to the bottom of the gorge, across a narrow bridge, and back up to the top. GPS - 37.78320 N, 80.89778 W, Canyon Rim Visitor Center In fact, you may want to get here before more people realize the incredible offerings of this new West Virginian national park. Experienced base jumpers flock to the area on Bridge Day. There are 2 airports near New River Gorge National Park and Preserve that travelers typically utilize when flying in for a visit. Each year, participants work together to rid the river of litter and help preserve the parks natural beauty. Researchers believe this river may be as old as 3 to 360 million years. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Seven outfitters run rafting trips to both. When is the Best time to visit New River Gorge National Park? Located in the Appalachians of southern West Virginia, America's newest national park is easily reached from Interstates 64, 77, and 79, and from U.S. Route 60 (Midland Trail Scenic Highway). The 31-room lodge also has . This unique restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily and offers a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. The National Park Service provides a variety of printable and interactive maps to help you plan your park adventures. I recently had my bachelor weekend at New River Gorge - the 32nd national park I've been to - which ended up being a huge surprise. It serves an extensive menu of specialty pizzas with the option to create your own pie. Highway access is from Route 19, between Beckley and Hico, and from I-64, between Mossy and Sandstone. The warmest month is in July, which is also the month that receives the most rain. This area has a seasonal visitor center that offers a wealth of information and a bookstore for purchasing souvenirs and maps of the park. Make sure to bring your own water bottle and plenty of water with you. This quaint town calls all adventure seekers and also has wonderful accommodations and restaurants. It became one of my favorite national parks. Read More. Most visitors are eager to participate in the rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, and fishing this town provides. While the area wasnt designated a national park until 2020, the history of The New dates far back. Book your trip and embark on a journey to discover the treasures that lie within the boundaries of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The Cardinal, traveling between Chicago and New York, NY, makes scheduled stops at Hinton and Prince, with Thurmond as a flag stop for passengers with reservations. Free Entrance Days-Find the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually. Please note: The minimum age for rafting the Lower New River Gorge is 10yrs. Amenities when camping in any of these areas include a fire ring, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. The Allegheny woodrat, the Virginia big-eared bat, and the Indiana bat all make their home in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Welcome to America's 63rd national parkthe New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. This school taught students from first grade to 9th grade. There are many options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian diets, so every guest has plenty to choose from. This restaurant is located just 5 minutes from New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The New River provides incredible opportunities for those who want to experience this activity. Gauley River trips are split between Upper Gauley, which runs through five class V+ rapids and a 14-foot waterfall, or the comparatively calmer Lower Gauley, which includes 13 miles of class IIIV rapids. The sandstone cliffs provide amazing opportunities for climbers to enjoy. Flying into Yeager Airport is ideal when visiting New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Although its beers, which range from hoppy IPAs to tart farmhouse ales, are the stars here, dont overlook the food menu either. During your visit to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, you must try Wanderlust Creativefoods for a culinary experience you wont forget. Published Aug 12, 2022 With miles of trails, stunning vistas, white water rapids, and waterfalls, New River Gorge is an outdoor dream adventure. This event includes fishing, yard games, campfire gatherings, and Appalachian music. Ranger Learn how your dog can become a B.A.R.K. Get inspiration for your next outdoor adventure with these videos. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. These people groups created trails that helped them get through the forest that surrounds the area. Archaeologists have found human artifacts in the area believed to be at least 12,750 years old. Printable list of US National Parks in Alphabetical Order, Printable List of all 424 US National Park Sites, List of US National Parks in Alphabetical Order, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the newest national. An annual event, Bridge Day (detailed in the next section), takes place on the third Saturday in October, so if you are hoping to avoid crowds, be sure to plan around that. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi. Art by local artists lines the hallways and staircases in this three-story walk-up (unfortunately, there are no elevators and apartments are on the second and third floors), as well as the interior of each uniquely designed apartment. Bridge Day is held annually in October, and even if you dont jump, its certainly one of the most amazing spectator sports youll see in your lifetime. Most operations are unavailable during the cold winter months, so be sure to factor that into your trip itinerary. There are amazing golf courses and an incredible ski resort for winter excitement. The recent designation as the nation's newest national park invites travelers, like you, to visit, explore and discover your own slice of heaven. Learn more about Park Ranger John. With its proximity to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and abundant opportunities for dining, entertainment, and accommodations, Beckley makes an obvious choice for those wanting to stay close by. The colder temperatures deter visitors, making it an excellent time for a solitary visit. This all depends on what you hope to get out of your time here, whether that be sunny weather, vibrant foliage, or some peace and quiet. Visitors can experience it on foot or on wheel on the first Saturday of each . Where Is New River Gorge National Park And Preserve If you are looking for an adventure-filled town near New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, look no further than Oak Hill. You can also review our credit card rating methodology. BKW offers direct daily flights to Charlotte (CLT) and exclusively services Contour Airlines. The red and orange hues are at their peak in late October, and the temperatures around this time are perfect for hiking, biking, and climbing. Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring. Grandma Joy Ryan and her grandson Brad Ryan hike on a . The park is open 24 hour a day, year round. So long as you plan for cold weather, theres no reason you cant enjoy The New in the winter. Park visitors can take a walking tour of the area or hike the trails nearby. Interested in learning all about West Virginias newest national park? You may want to avoid this weekend if youre not planning on taking the leap. For those venturing here for the first time, use this guide to discover what to do, where to eat and drink, and where to stay in the New River Gorge National Park. The best part is that youll likely have much of the park to yourself during this time! Amtrak offers services that take guests to multiple New River Gorge National Park and Preserve areas. olds must be in an oar controlled raft. Hidden within a 5,593-page omnibus spending bill in the final days of 2020 was a provision to reclassify this one-time . Unlike many national parks, the New River Gorge is free to visit. The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced, provided, or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned. Become a New River Gorge Junior Ranger!
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