National Parks

Parks & public lands dot the landscape of West Virginia. Our national parks and park areas, designated by the federal government, are scenic or historically significant areas in West Virginia that are created to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. The parks tell the rich history of the state and showcase the breathtaking beauty of Almost Heaven.

Get to know the nation’s newest National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Home to more than 70,000 acres of public lands, this park has been a hallowed spot for locals for centuries. The recent designation as the nation’s newest national park invites travelers, like you, to visit, explore and discover your own slice of heaven.

Easily accessible by Route 19 and I-64, the New River Gorge is one of West Virginia’s most photographed areas. The iconic steel arch bridge was once the longest in the world and welcomes travelers to this cherished region. Widely known as the second oldest river in the world, the New River cuts through extensive geological formations that make way for diverse flora and fauna. Bald eagles and peregrine falcons call this park home, and you’ll often spot a few along your travels. Hiking trails here take you to spectacular overlooks and through remnants of old coal mining towns.

Visit one of the nation’s premiere historic parks

Harpers Ferry Historical National Park

Located at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park is perhaps one of the most unique places in the United States.

The upper portion of Harpers Ferry is a traditional town, while the lower part is part of a surrounding National Historical Park. The park has plenty of outdoor activities, but the real beauty lies in the old-time offerings in both sections of town. This quaint 19th century town is designated a National Historic District by the National Register. The architecture of the houses and shops reflect the town’s history as a transportation hub 1800 – 1860, a strategic location during the Civil War, a thriving industrial center based on water power in the late 1800s. The Harpers Ferry National Historic Park offers museums, events, and tours. The Appalachian Trail courses through town as its halfway mark between Georgia and Maine.