Today we are going to introduce a new hidden place of West Virginia, actually being too late to say hidden “ New River Gorge National Park and Preserve” constantly coming into the spotlight. Sometimes before, this place looks abandoned, but New River George bridge shapes this rich landscape into a perfect outdoor adventure. Where all ages can find their enthusiast and spend their leisure time for a while. Its 53 mile long whitewater New River offers a lot of wet activities including rafting, paddle- kayaking, fishing and boating. On the other hand its landforest area allows visitors to enjoy picnics, rock climbing, camping or hiking trails with breathtaking scenes.
Here is also something for history seekers, an old coal mine history and deserted railroad town give opportunity to rewrite unheard stories of early native peoples. In this blog, we are going to share about top things to do in the New River Gorge national park and Preserve, What are the attractions you can explore there or the ideal time to visit.
Top Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park
This national park builds up your excitement by offering a lot of amazing outdoor recreation that is surrounded with natural treasures. Here we discuss the best things to do in New River Gorge national park.
Go Whitewater Rafting on the New River
Rafting over New River waves looks like one of the best parts of the trip. On the river site, there are two zones planned for visitors, (class I – III) on the upper part suitable for kids, beginners and family. It gives calm waves in short water levels and a great view of surroundings. While (class IV – V) on the lower part checks the guts of rafting experts in river bedrock. April to October is a time when rafting space can be open for tourists. And offers a trip package that includes a half and full day plan with delicious meals.
Rock Climbing Adventures
Many adventure thrillers often search for a place in America where they can enjoy mountain climbing. The new river Georgia has world class mountain cliffs that stand over 30 to 150 feet high and formed by the river. It is blended with dozens of spots for bouldering, rock climbing and alpine climbing . Whether you are a beginner or proficient in climbing, this area is suitable for all levels.
This activity is never being stopped annually , but in the point of safety and good experience, we recommend you take shots around spring or fall season. If you have never tried a climbing adventure before, so many private clubs and resorts are providing guidance services or trips plans that you can use.
Hiking Trails for All Levels
The New River gorge national park has something special in every new step. During a trail, visitors capture stunning waterfalls, picturesque landmarks, deep forest and historic sites that give countless corners for taking unforgettable pictures. Hiking in New River Gorge is easy for everyone, it’s all upon you what you choose. Those who want a short hike can explore sandstone falls (a large waterfall )and Burnwood trails (Appalachian forests). Long trail: An iconic point of behold New River and Endless Wall trail, fits for moderate level. If you wonder about full day challenges you can steep an old coal mine and broad bridge trail.
Camping & Stargazing
Since this national park is far away from the city pollution. It gives the opportunity to visitors to spend a day in fresh air with a peaceful environment. In the park, you will be getting many camp ground spots on the river side or in the middle of green forest. Those people are juggling from a busy lifestyle and having daily stress. Outdoor camping is the best therapy for their nourishment, where they can come alone for personal space or with family too. OR if you can wait until sunset, the dark night shines more this natural charm underneath the cluster of stars. Up to 1.5 hours after sunset, this place is converted into heaven and looks like a perfect viewpoint for stargazing.
Walk Across the New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge is located 851 feet above the New River, highlighted for its unique curved arch structure. It shares a 3000 foot long walking space for visitors, where you take a fresh walk with your closer or capture beautiful pictures of precious natural charms. Moreover,
On the third Saturday of October Great Virginia celebrated “Bride Day” festival and organized an event for pedestrians to walk over the bridge without vehicle interruption.
Apart from those who want an aerial adventure experience, citywalk is waiting for you. It is a guided tour, organized 25 feet underneath the bridge over a 2ft wide path. Where you will fasten with a safety cable and will be under supervision of experts so you can securely enjoy citywalk activity.
Must-See Attractions in New River Gorge
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is not just all about hiking, climbing or camping. Besides these places features must see attractions that are fascinating visitors and allow them to witness new river georgia itinerary in different angles.
Grandview Overlook
As its name suggests, Grandview overlook is one of the best places for taking a stunning view of the entire park. You can reach there just on a short walk from the parking area and on the opposite it takes a 45 minute boardwalk from the New River bridge. This place is really valuable for spending half of the day with your family and friends. Plus near to the place you can also explore the visitor center, amphitheater and food points.
Sandstone Falls
However Sandstone Falls is pretty far on the southern end of the park and is a 75 minute drive away from the bridge, offering worth-it view of the largest waterfall on the New River.
Here you will get a Sandstone visitor center that provides you exceptional detail of the waterpark while touring. By the way, if you will be exciting to see a waterfall from the close, you can take a way of a short hike or boardwalk too. But make sure not to be close to the waterfall when the water level is up. If you afford 4 to 5 hours then bring up the camera and start clicking pictures of wonderful gifts of nature.
Thurmond Historic District
Once upon a time when Thurmond was being a wealthy town of great virginia but now it is alone and abandoned. When you travel here, you can find a railroad depot or an old coal mine that is near the New River. On the site, it is a visitor center that tells you about its historical impacts and reasons for why this prosperous town is ruined. It is an ideal place for history seekers, also for kids to gain knowledge of rich history. This ghost town is around an 18 mile drive from the river bridge.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge
New River Gorge are never stop their charm, features something magical on each season:
Spring (April to May)
In this season, glaciers go into a melting state. As a result, New Rivers flow on its peak, becoming perfect time for rafting thrills. Furthermore, In spring hiking is also a most popular activity for discovering wildlife. Because temperatures are mild, the greenery and flowers cover the whole park completely. So on the way you can get many sides with beautiful scenery.
Summer (June to August)
In summer time, the park is open completely for visitors to offer as many activities as possible from water fun to site events. In summer, a day goes long which gives more time to explore the city at your pace. Most of the visitors prefer these months to spend leisure time in the park. If you are a first time visitor this warm season is ideal for you. In this time you will get the best experience of this wonderful national park including activities kayaking, rock climbing, rafting, swimming and others.
Fall (September to October)
Autumn season stays less crowded and offers quite cool temperatures for hiking trails. Or as a photographic point of view, the fall season is on top thanks to vibrant fall foliage that shares impressive scenic views in hues of red, yellow and orange. More than that, a big festival of GV occurs on the 3rd Saturday in October and a large number of visitors come there to celebrate.
Winter ( November to March)
When autumn is gone, New River Gorge National park & Reverse covered in the layers of snow makes the environment calm and solitude for visitors.
Where to Stay Near New River Gorge
There are many camps, resorts and hotels on the New River Gorge side which serve accommodation facilities for stay. We will show some names that you can easily access near the adventure site.
ACE Adventure Resort
When we think about a stay option near New river Georgia “Ace Adventure Resorts”comes first in our mind. It’s very close to the New River and is spread over 1500 acres on the lap of Oak hills. For over 40 years it worked to guide visitors until the end of park journey, where they provided dining options, organized livelihood music events, fresh waterparks and countless outdoor activities.
Rifrafters Campground
Rifrafter Campground is a private property located 2 miles from the New River Bridge in Fayetteville. They allot 18 RV sites, camp sites and rustic sites for stay underneath the sky. All the sites have their own fire rings and picnic tables. There is also a big playground available where you can play with your kids and with pets also. Many dining and shopping spots are conventionally available nearby. Moreover they provided a bathhouse, a laundry space and wifi facility.
Travel Tips for Visiting New River Gorge
When somebody visits this park for the first time he will be confused about where to begin and how to complete the tour. Here we will share some essential tips that you may follow for making your first time journey memorable.
- New River gorge park spread over 70000 acres. It is really difficult to see every corner without a vehicle. So first you need to prepare a vehicle facility that takes you to New River Gorge attractions.
- In peak season, New River Gorge keeps busy from footfalls, which is why it is tough to buy a ticket on time, considering that you have to book your desirable activities in advance. In fact, You should try to book one month before travelling to avoid last time harassment.
- It is very common for New River Gorge to face a rain drop year around on th place. If you plan a summer time the chances may be high. So bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket with you when you come on the site.
- New River Gorge is surrounded with lush landscape and with many unfamiliar species like ticks and mosquitos that might disturb your journey. You should use a spray or protection lotion while you walk around the park.
Conclusion
In essence, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a hub of recreational activities including whitewater thrills, rock climbing and year round hiking opportunities. It shares a large body in an expensive biosphere where visitors can see unforgivable sights from the close and spend a day on a campsite. We were shocked when we heard people don’t know about this neutral beauty. It is a must watch place far from the countryside along with family, friends and kids.