[FULL GUIDE] 50 Things to Do at New River Gorge National Park for Outdoor Adventures

Key Takeaways:

• New River Gorge National Park offers stunning natural beauty with its rugged cliffs, scenic rivers, and abundant outdoor activities.
• The park is a haven for adventure lovers, with activities like rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking, along with rich cultural history.
• Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or tranquil outdoor escapes, New River Gorge provides an unforgettable experience for all.

New River Gorge National Park, located in the heart of West Virginia, is a strikingly beautiful destination known for its rugged mountains, dense forests, and the powerful New River that winds through it. As the newest national park, it offers visitors an exciting mix of outdoor activities, including world-class rock climbing, white-water rafting, and scenic hikes. The park also has a rich cultural history, with remnants of its coal mining past scattered throughout the area. New River Gorge is not just a place for adventure; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility in nature, with breathtaking views and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking to relax and reconnect with nature, New River Gorge National Park has something for everyone.

50 Things to Do at New River Gorge National Park:

#1 Hike the Endless Wall Trail:
This popular trail offers stunning views of the New River Gorge and its rugged cliffs.

#2 Go White-Water Rafting on the New River:
Experience thrilling rapids on the New River, one of the best white-water rafting spots in the U.S.

#3 Climb at the Bridge Buttress:
This area is famous for rock climbing with incredible views of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

#4 Take a Scenic Drive on the Fayette Station Road:
Drive the Fayette Station Road for panoramic views of the gorge, especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.

#5 Visit the New River Gorge Bridge:
Admire the majestic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest and highest steel arch bridges in the world.

#6 Explore the Sandstone Falls:
Visit Sandstone Falls, the largest waterfall on the New River, offering a stunning, peaceful landscape.

#7 Go Ziplining at Ace Adventure Resort:
Fly through the treetops and over the gorge on an exhilarating zipline tour.

#8 Hike to the Long Point Overlook:
Take a short hike to the Long Point Overlook for breathtaking views of the New River Gorge.

#9 Go Mountain Biking on the Arrowhead Trail:
Bike through forested trails with scenic views and varying levels of difficulty for all skill levels.

#10 Visit the Canyon Rim Visitor Center:
Stop by the Canyon Rim Visitor Center for maps, exhibits, and breathtaking views of the gorge.

#11 Camp at the Grandview Campground:
Set up camp in Grandview Campground, offering spectacular views of the gorge and easy access to trails.

#12 Go Horseback Riding at Babcock State Park:
Take a guided horseback ride through Babcock State Park, known for its scenic trails and rolling hills.

#13 Explore the Coal Mine History at the Thurmond Historic District:
Step back in time and learn about the area’s coal mining history in the historic town of Thurmond.

#14 Go Kayaking on the New River:
Paddle the New River for a tranquil experience, offering views of towering cliffs and lush forests.

#15 Take a Photography Tour:
Join a photography tour to capture the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and historic sites throughout the park.

#16 Visit the Glade Creek Grist Mill:
See the historic Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully operational water mill located in Babcock State Park.

#17 Hike the Kaymoor Trail:
Hike down the steep Kaymoor Trail to explore an old coal mining site with remnants of the past.

#18 Go Rock Climbing at Summersville Lake:
Climb the limestone cliffs surrounding Summersville Lake for spectacular views and challenging routes.

#19 Take a Rafting and Climbing Combo Tour:
Combine white-water rafting and rock climbing in a thrilling adventure that explores the gorge’s beauty from land and water.

#20 Go Fishing at the New River:
Cast a line into the New River for a relaxing day of fishing in one of the region’s most scenic spots.

#21 Take a Guided Cave Tour at the Mystery Cave:
Explore the Mystery Cave for an underground adventure and learn about the geological formations below ground.

#22 Go Birdwatching at the Gorge:
New River Gorge is home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, making it a great spot for birdwatching.

#23 Visit the Fayetteville Historic District:
Explore the charming historic district of Fayetteville, filled with local shops, restaurants, and cultural sites.

#24 Hike the Craig Branch Trail:
This moderate trail offers excellent views of the gorge and is perfect for a scenic hike through nature.

#25 Go Paddleboarding at Summersville Lake:
Try stand-up paddleboarding on the calm waters of Summersville Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and forests.

#26 Visit the National Park Visitor Center:
Stop by the National Park Visitor Center to get information about hiking, tours, and the park’s history.

#27 Take the Bridge Walk:
Walk across the New River Gorge Bridge on a guided tour, enjoying incredible views of the gorge below.

#28 Explore the Babcock State Park Trails:
Hike through Babcock State Park, known for its scenic trails and peaceful, untouched wilderness.

#29 Go Rock Climbing at Beauty Mountain:
Beauty Mountain offers some of the best rock climbing routes in the park, with fantastic views of the gorge.

#30 Visit the Appalachian Trailhead:
The Appalachian Trail passes through the park, offering an incredible opportunity to explore part of this historic trail.

#31 Hike the Laurel Creek Trail:
The Laurel Creek Trail offers views of waterfalls, wildflowers, and the stunning New River Gorge.

#32 Go Mountain Biking at the New River Gorge Bike Trail:
Ride the well-maintained bike trails that offer scenic views and varying terrain for cyclists of all levels.

#33 Visit the New River Gorge Bridge Day Festival:
Join in the fun at Bridge Day, an annual festival celebrating the bridge with skydiving, bungee jumping, and more.

#34 Explore the Richwood Trail:
Hike through the Richwood Trail to see pristine forested areas, with opportunities for wildlife watching.

#35 Take a Guided White-Water Rafting Trip:
Experience the thrill of guided white-water rafting through the New River Gorge’s exciting rapids.

#36 Go Cross-Country Skiing in Winter:
When winter brings snow to the park, cross-country skiing is an excellent way to explore its beauty.

#37 Take the Glade Creek Trail:
Hike the Glade Creek Trail to enjoy views of waterfalls, lush forests, and serene surroundings.

#38 Visit the Historic Thurmond Depot:
Explore the historic Thurmond Depot, once a key transportation hub during the coal mining boom.

#39 Hike the Southside Trail:
The Southside Trail offers scenic views of the New River and is perfect for an afternoon hike.

#40 Take a Scenic Boat Ride on the New River:
Relax and enjoy the stunning beauty of the New River Gorge from the comfort of a scenic boat ride.

#41 Go Horseback Riding at the New River Gorge Preserve:
Take a scenic horseback ride through the New River Gorge Preserve, offering stunning views of the river.

#42 Join a Guided History Tour:
Explore the park’s history with a knowledgeable guide, learning about its coal mining past and cultural significance.

#43 Take the Windy Ridge Trail:
The Windy Ridge Trail offers a peaceful hike with panoramic views of the gorge and the surrounding area.

#44 Go Caving at the Glade Creek Cave:
Explore Glade Creek Cave, an incredible underground system that offers a unique adventure experience.

#45 Visit the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine:
Take a tour of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine to learn about the region’s coal mining history.

#46 Explore the Summersville Lake Trail:
The Summersville Lake Trail offers excellent hiking opportunities with views of the lake and surrounding cliffs.

#47 Go Canoeing on the Gauley River:
Canoe the thrilling waters of the Gauley River, known for its exciting rapids and scenic beauty.

#48 Take a Guided Kayaking Trip:
Explore the New River’s scenic waters on a guided kayaking trip, perfect for beginners and experts alike.

#49 Visit the New River Gorge National Park Visitor Center:
Get all the information you need about the park’s trails, activities, and history at the Visitor Center.

#50 Go Trail Running in the Gorge:
Take to the park’s trails for a refreshing trail running experience through lush forests and scenic vistas.

For a hassle-free and tailored experience, use PlanMyWeekend.ai to plan your perfect adventure in New River Gorge National Park!

Author: Dejon Brooks

Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai