What Not to Miss on Your First Trip to the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

West Virginia is home to one of America’s newest national parks, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Spanning more than 70,000 acres, this park is overflowing with stunning views, unique lodging options and one-of-a-kind outdoor recreation opportunities. Visiting for the first time? We have you covered on all the must-sees and dos!

Trails

✔️ Swing by the Canyon Rim Visitors Center before setting out on any trails to learn more about the area and walk down the boardwalk for impressive vantage points of the sprawling New River Gorge Bridge.

🌄 A park favorite, Long Point Trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back trail that leads to a rock outcrop with panoramic views of the gorge and bridge. 

🌿 Cross Fern Creek and zig-zag along the cliff’s edge when on Endless Wall Trail. A 2.4-mile moderate walk, the shining star on this route is Diamond Point Overlook. Catch views of the gorge 1,000 feet below and hear the voices of whitewater rafters if listening carefully.

🥾 One of the area’s most unique hiking options, Kaymoor Miners Trail descends steeply from the top of the gorge with rocky stairs and switchbacks to the abandoned coal town of Kaymoor. From the mine site, a set of 821 wooden steps continues down to the remains of the coal processing plant and town site near river level.

Adventure

😮 Don’t miss strolling along the structural beams of the New River Gorge Bridge – 851 feet above the New River with a Bridge Walk tour. A unique belay system keeps you harnessed at all times while your guide educates you on the history of the New River Gorge.

🌊 From meandering family-friendly floaters to daunting class V rapids, whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge is an experience like none other. Be led by a local outfitter as you journey along the New or Gauley River.

🚤 For a slower-paced adventure, take a New River Jetboat ride to witness spectacular views of the bridge and the surrounding landscape.

🚲 Take a guided mountain biking tour at Arrowhead Bike Farm, located just outside of Fayetteville. This International Mountain Bicycling Association built trail system is composed of a stacked loop network of rides for beginners and experts alike.

Eats

☕ Once a beautiful church, Cathedral Cafe is a favorite among locals serving the best coffee in town, along with homemade desserts, soups, pastries and more tasty bites that pair perfectly with a solo escape.

🥪 Devourer piled-high creative combinations at Secret Sandwich Society. The delicious toppings and homemade spreads are sure to blow your mind.

🍕 For dinner, try Pies and Pints for unique and mouthwatering pizza creations, as well as local brews.

Stay

🧳 Find yourself in an outdoor oasis when staying at Adventures on the Gorge. From rafting and fishing to mountain biking and ziplining, there are endless activities right at your fingertips.

☀️ ACE Adventure Resort makes another great stay for those itching to pack as much adventure into their visit as possible. Here, there are cabins large enough to accommodate all your family and friends.

🌳 Make your fairytale come to life with a stay at Country Road Cabins. Here, guests can sleep among the trees in a magical tree house or within the forest in a glamping dome.

🏠 Stay overnight in Lafayette Flats, where four vacation rentals are found in one historic building. In walking distance to the entire town of Fayetteville, these rentals mix the upscale design of a boutique hotel with the local, unique flavor of the town. 

Discover more Almost Heaven destinations with the help of our 2025 Vacation Guide.

This post was last updated on May 1, 2025