Discover the New River Gorge on Your Greatest Road Trip Yet

While in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, you must try whitewater rafting on the mighty New River. ACE Adventure Resort offers a range of guided rafting trips for families with children of all ages. The upper New River has more mild rapids and is best for younger kiddos or leisure explorers. The lower New River is a little more challenging and better suited for adventurers twelve years of age or older.

Bonus: Kids ages 6-11 can raft for free with a paying adult at ACE.

While you’re trekking about the park’s 70,000+ acres, you’ll find yourself stopping several times on the way. With such surreal natural beauty, don’t forget to stop to take it all in. To do so, we recommend taking the trail-less-traveled. Here, you’ll discover all that America’s newest national park has to offer. There’s a mysterious beauty that you’ll find off the beaten path. Here are some trails to get you started on your journey.

Moments of sheer wonder will certainly define your trip to the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is well-known for its extensive opportunities for rock climbing. What better way to explore this park than with a birds-eye view? Book a full or half-day climbing and rappelling adventure with River Expeditions to take on the cliffs with expert guides by your side.

Take a break from your day-to-day scene and go on a wildlife viewing adventure. Bring your binoculars and head to Sandstone Falls–you just might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle. Or head to Grandview and keep your eyes peeled for the majestic monarch butterfly or a couple of darling black bear cubs.

Remember: Wildlife viewing is best done from afar– keeping a safe and respectful distance from WV’s wild and wonderful creatures.

After a grand exploration, you’re likely to have a big appetite. Thankfully, scrumptious starters, specialty pizzas and savory sandwiches await you at Pies & Pints. This restaurant is a local favorite and a must-try when you’re visiting Fayetteville.

With filling food and immaculate service, The Market on Courthouse Square represents the good-natured atmosphere associated with the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. A diverse menu will be sure to leave your road trip crew satisfied after a long day of adventuring.

If made-from-scratch eats are on your bucket list, head to Wood Iron Eatery in nearby Fayetteville. This spot serves up breakfast treats to start your morning on a high note, as well as freshly roasted espresso. Enjoy a mid-day pick me up in the form of a Wood Iron Smash Burger or Vegan Green Bowl.

Perched on the rim of the New River Gorge, Adventures on the Gorge provides visitors adventure by day and cozy stays by night. This resort offers cabins, vacation homes and the main lodge to suit every traveler’s needs, along with rafting trips, climbing tours and fishing lessons. Play well, stay well.

Nestled in the woods of Appalachia, you’ll find this unique stay at the New River Gorge. To get the ultimate glamping experience on this road trip, you’ll want to visit The Barn Loft, a light and airy rustic barn in Fayetteville.

Can’t get enough of these magical West Virginia woods? Maybe you want a place the family can get together and unwind after a long day of adventuring? Look no further than Country Road Cabins in Hico. These deluxe cabins offer the comforts of home mixed with the remoteness of the wilderness. In addition to its cabins, there’s also a yurt or treehouse you could stay in. No matter in which you decide to stay, you’ll need to rest up for another day of exploration.

Escape to a luxurious hideaway nestled in the mountains just 25 minutes away from the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The Resort at Glade Springs is the perfect place to rest your head after a day of adventure. Opt for a cozy suite in the Inn or decompress in a private villa.