New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia, USA - map, photos and visitor information

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia extends along a long river corridor rather than one entrance road. Canyon Rim is a useful start for bridge views, while Grandview and Sandstone Falls serve different parts of the gorge. Choose a district before setting navigation, and treat a river trip as a separate activity with its own skills and equipment.

Highlights along the gorge

• Canyon Rim: See the New River Gorge Bridge from visitor-center overlooks.
• Grandview: Explore another gorge viewpoint and its surrounding trail network.
• Sandstone Falls: Follow boardwalk access to river islands and waterfall views.
• Industrial history: Former mining and railway communities add context to the forested landscape.

Plan a visit by district

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Use the official closure list to distinguish a closed segment from the rest of a trail.

Bridge Day takes place on the third Saturday in October and changes normal use around the bridge. Check event traffic arrangements before using this area during that weekend.

Cliffs and a powerful river

The river has strong currents, deep holes, rocks, and sudden changes in depth. NPS recommends a life jacket for river activities, including time near the banks. Swimming is strongly discouraged. Read the river safety guidance before choosing an access point or activity.

Whitewater requires specific skills, and conditions change with water level. Agree on a put-in, takeout, and suitable river section before starting. For a guided activity, discuss the trip’s demands and conditions with the provider.

On land, prepare for steep terrain, exposed edges, heat, storms, ticks, and uneven paths. Carry water and use designated parking. Narrow winding roads can make travel between nearby map points slower than expected.

Respect trails, private land, and historic remains

Stay on permitted routes and respect private property within the wider park boundary. Leave historic objects and natural features undisturbed. Bicycles belong on designated bicycle routes rather than every hiking trail.

Pets can use park trails on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet. They cannot enter visitor centers or other park buildings, or join ranger-led programs. Carry extra water and remove pet waste.

Primitive camping and group arrangements

Ordinary primitive campsites operate first come, first served, without reservations. Camp only in designated sites and observe the limit of fourteen days within a twenty-eight-day period. Have another place to stay in mind during busy periods. The campground guide explains which sites permit vehicle camping.

Group camping at Burnwood requires a special-use permit. Allow at least 10 business days after NPS receives the application for processing. Grandview picnic shelters have a separate reservation process through Recreation.gov. Ask about current operation before applying, particularly when construction affects facilities.

Choose a visitor center or named trailhead

Canyon Rim Visitor Center is at 162 Visitor Center Road, Lansing, WV 25862, off US 19 north of Fayetteville. Sandstone Visitor Center is at 330 Meadow Creek Road, Meadow Bridge, WV 25976, near Interstate 64 Exit 139.

Use the official destination addresses and a park map. A central park pin may lead toward rough terrain rather than a visitor facility. Canyon Rim, Grandview, and Sandstone Falls need separate route planning.

Nearby state parks

• Babcock State Park: A road-accessible stop near Clifftop, at 486 Babcock Road.
• Hawks Nest State Park: An option near Ansted, at 49 Hawks Nest Park Road.

Overlooks, walks, and river activities

At Canyon Rim, the upper boardwalk viewpoint has a ramped approach. Reaching the lower overlook involves 178 steps. Choose the level that fits your group rather than assuming both have the same access.

Sandstone Falls has a quarter-mile boardwalk crossing bridges to observation areas. It offers a way to view the river without entering the water. The wider trail network includes forest walks, gorge overlooks, and routes to historic sites; ask for a current map and check the condition of your chosen trail.

For biking, climbing, or rafting, choose a permitted location and equipment appropriate to the activity. These need more preparation than stopping at an overlook. Small trailhead lots can fill, so keep an alternative walk available.

Visitor services and primitive overnight sites

Canyon Rim and Sandstone visitor centers provide accessible visitor facilities, with captioned films. Sandstone also offers assistive listening and audio-description devices on request. Water fountains or bottle-filling points are available at visitor centers; trailheads do not provide drinking water.

NPS campgrounds have no drinking water, electricity, or utility hookups, and restroom provision is limited. Bring supplies before using the gravel or dirt access roads. Accessible campsites are identified at Glade Creek and Grandview Sandbar.

For hotels, cabins, food, showers, or full-service camping, use the surrounding communities, including Fayetteville, Beckley, and Hinton. The park accessibility guide explains route differences and facility arrangements.

About New River Gorge

A river linking communities

The gorge preserves evidence of Indigenous use, later settlement, rail transport, coal mining, and logging. Town remains and industrial structures help explain why this landscape was once a working corridor. Learn from them without entering restricted structures or crossing onto railway property.

A corridor between habitats

The river and surrounding terrain form a movement corridor for wildlife. Forests, streams, and rocky slopes support mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Some animals occur near the limits of their broader ranges, while others have adapted to the gorge’s isolated habitats. Observe without feeding or disturbing them.

Contact New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Call Canyon Rim at 304-574-2115 or Sandstone at 304-466-0417. The official contact page includes an email form. Mail goes to PO Box 246, Glen Jean, WV 25846-0246.