New River Gorge National Park Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Eat, and When to Visit

If there’s one place in America that blends jaw-dropping scenery, thrilling adventure, and fascinating history, it’s New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. The very first time I stood on the overlook at Canyon Rim, watching the New River twist its way through towering sandstone cliffs, I understood why this park has become such a beloved destination. And when I strapped into a harness to do the Bridge Walk beneath the world-famous New River Gorge Bridge, I realized this wasn’t just a place to see—it’s a place to experience.

This New River Gorge National Park travel guide will give you everything you need: history, the best times to visit, can’t-miss activities, restaurant picks, and practical FAQs to help you plan your trip. Whether you’re a hiker, a history buff, a foodie, or someone who just wants to stand in awe of one of America’s most beautiful landscapes, this guide has you covered.

History of New River Gorge

Despite its name, the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers on the continent—geologists estimate it’s over 300 million years old. The river carved deep into the Appalachian Plateau, creating the dramatic gorge we know today.

For thousands of years, Native American tribes including the Shawnee and Cherokee used the gorge as a hunting ground and travel corridor. By the 1800s, settlers and entrepreneurs arrived, drawn by the region’s rich coal seams. Entire towns sprang up along the riverbanks, and the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway cut through the gorge to move coal to market.

Coal mining dominated life here for decades. Towns like Thurmond, Kaymoor, and Nuttallburg buzzed with activity—until the coal industry declined, leaving behind ghost towns and ruins that now sit quietly in the forest.

The New River Gorge Bridge, completed in 1977, transformed the area. Spanning 3,030 feet, it’s one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world. Before it existed, crossing the gorge took nearly an hour; with the bridge, it takes less than a minute. Today, it’s the park’s centerpiece, a symbol of engineering achievement and a stage for heart-stopping events like Bridge Day.

In December 2020, Congress officially redesignated the area as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, making it the country’s 63rd national park. The designation protects the gorge’s natural beauty while recognizing its cultural and industrial history.

Museums

• Canyon Rim Visitor Center: Your first stop for park maps, ranger advice, and exhibits about geology, history, and wildlife. The overlooks here offer some of the best views of the bridge.
• Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine: A short drive from the gorge, this underground tour with former miners brings the coal heritage to life.
• Nuttallburg Coal Mining Complex: Preserved ruins of a once-bustling coal town, with conveyor systems and coke ovens still standing.
  

Historic Areas

• Thurmond: Once a thriving rail town, today it’s nearly abandoned, with preserved buildings that feel like stepping into the early 1900s.
• Kaymoor: A hike leads to the remains of a coal mine and company town, complete with structures overtaken by forest.
• Glen Jean Historic District: Former coal town that now houses park headquarters and historic buildings.
  

Restaurants

After a day outside, food always tastes better. Luckily, Fayetteville (the park’s gateway town) delivers:

• Pies & Pints: Famous for craft beer and pizzas. Try the grape and gorgonzola pizza—it sounds odd, but trust me, it works.
• Cathedral Café: A local favorite breakfast spot inside a converted church. The pancakes are legendary.
• Secret Sandwich Society: Burgers and sandwiches named after U.S. presidents. The “FDR” with pulled pork and pickled jalapeños is unforgettable.
• Wood Iron Eatery: A modern café perfect for brunch, with fresh-baked pastries and hearty bowls.
  

Outdoor Activities

• The Bridge Walk: If you do only one thing here, make it this. Harnessed in for safety, you’ll walk the catwalk running the entire length of the New River Gorge Bridge—25 feet beneath the road, with nothing but air and spectacular views all around. The perspective is unlike anything else: you see the gorge, the river, and the bridge’s sheer size in a way no overlook can match. Tours run year-round, and sunrise or sunset walks are especially breathtaking.
• Hiking: The Endless Wall Trail (3 miles) offers cliff-top views and is often ranked among the best hikes in America. The Long Point Trail (1.6 miles) leads to a stunning view directly across from the bridge.
• Whitewater Rafting: Outfitters run trips on both the Lower and Upper New River. The Lower delivers thrilling Class IV rapids; the Upper is gentler, great for families.
• Rock Climbing: With over 1,400 routes, “The New” is one of the top climbing destinations in the world. Beginners can book guided trips; advanced climbers will find endless challenges.
• Fishing: Smallmouth bass, catfish, and walleye thrive here. Bring your license and cast in quieter pools along the river.
• Camping: From developed campgrounds to backcountry sites, you can fall asleep to the sound of the river rushing below.