The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.
Photo: Gary Hartley
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent.
- LocationGlen Jean, WV
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now76°F Sunny
- Alerts 3 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- African American Heritage
- Animals
- Arts
- Birds
- Bridges
- Climate Change
- Deciduous Forests
- Endangered
28 more topics
- Explosions
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fire
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Geology
- Industry
- Korean War
- Labor Movement
- Laborer and Worker
- Military
- Mining
- Mountains
- Native American Heritage
- Rare
- River and Riparian
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Tragic Events
- Trails
- Trains and Railroads
- Transportation
- Unique Species
- US Army
- Wars and Conflicts
- Watersheds
Alerts (3)
InformationBurnwood Campground and Restroom Closure The Burnwood group campground will be closed from October 5 through mid November due to a construction project to replac… Read more
The Burnwood group campground will be closed from October 5 through mid November due to a construction project to replace water lines. During that time restroom facilities will be closed at the Burnwood Trailhead.
InformationRend Trail Closed through December 2027 The Rend Trail is closed for trail Improvements that will include a new parking area, restroom, and a small picnic area… Read more
The Rend Trail is closed for trail Improvements that will include a new parking area, restroom, and a small picnic area overlooking Arbuckle Creek at the Minden trailhead, structural improvements to five historic railroad trestles along the trail, and full trail surface rehabilitation. Additionally, construction of a large accessible ramp over the ‘big rock’ will replace a stairway, resulting in the only fully accessible earthen surface trail located within the park.
InformationKaymoor Miners Trail Closure From June 15 through November 19 the upper part of the Kaymoor Miners Trail (from Kaymoor Top down to the mine site at t… Read more
From June 15 through November 19 the upper part of the Kaymoor Miners Trail (from Kaymoor Top down to the mine site at the junction with the Kaymoor Trail) will be closed Monday through Thursday due to a trail rehab project. The trail is expected to be fully open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Things to Do
45 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife Watching
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
- Biking
- Guided Tours
- Birdwatching
- Horse Trekking
Show 33 more activities
- Climbing
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Picnicking
- Arts and Culture
- Auto and ATV
- Backcountry Camping
- Backcountry Hiking
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Canoe or Kayak Camping
- Canoeing
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Fly Fishing
- Food
- Freshwater Fishing
- Front-Country Hiking
- Group Camping
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Hunting and Gathering
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- Park Film
- Playground
- Road Biking
- Rock Climbing
- RV Camping
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Shopping
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Theater
- Whitewater Rafting
Camping
6 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Brooklyn Campground
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
This tent only campground is located on the banks of the New River near the Cunard River Access point and Southside Trailhead. It offers 4 walk-in tents sites and 1…
Details
This tent only campground is located on the banks of the New River near the Cunard River Access point and Southside Trailhead. It offers 4 walk-in tents sites and 1 tent-only drive-in site. There are no drive-in sites for RVs or campers at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. -
Grandview Playground Shelter
Reservable Campground
The Playground Picnic Shelter is the main shelter at Grandview. It is closest to the main playground and ball fields, located just past the amphitheater. The Grandview…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Day Use Area
Details
Overview
The Playground Picnic Shelter is the main shelter at Grandview. It is closest to the main playground and ball fields, located just past the amphitheater.Recreation
The Grandview area of New River Gorge National River features five hiking trails, overlooks, a seasonal visitor center, ranger-led activities, summer outdoor dramas (Theatre West Virginia), playgrounds, volleyball court, baseball field, and basketball court.Facilities
The Playground Picnic Shelter at Grandview is the largest and can accommodate up to 200 people. It is ideal for large family reunions or picnics. It offers a covered eating area, three charcoal grills, and six electrical outlets. Restrooms and drinking fountain are nearby.Natural Features
Grandview became part of New River Gorge National River in 1990, after more than 50 years as one of West Virginia's most popular day use state parks. The area offers spectacular views of the New River and stunning displays of rhododendron. At the Main Overlook, 1,400 feet above the river, you see an active railway and the town of Quinnimont, where coal companies first shipped coal out of the gorge in 1873.Nearby Attractions
The city of Beckley is approximately 12 miles from Grandview and offers a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Popular attractions include a children's museum and Exhibition Coal Mine.Charges & Cancellations
Refunds are not issued due to rain.
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Grandview Shelter 1
Reservable Campground
Grandview Shelter #1 is a smaller shelter located on a hill just off the Grandview Rim Trail near the North Rim Overlook. It can accommodate 40 people inside the shelter…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Day Use Area
Details
Fees: Refunds are not issued due to rain.
Overview
Grandview Shelter #1 is a smaller shelter located on a hill just off the Grandview Rim Trail near the North Rim Overlook. It can accommodate 40 people inside the shelter and approximately 35 people outside. This shelter is not handicapped accessible. It requires climbing up a small set of stone stairs and a short walk up a small hill.Recreation
The Grandview area of New River Gorge National River features five hiking trails, overlooks, a seasonal visitor center, ranger-led activities, summer outdoor dramas (Theatre West Virginia), playgrounds, volleyball court, baseball field, and basketball court.Facilities
Shelter #1 is enclosed on three sides with a stone fireplace inside. It offers two electrical outlets, one charcoal grill plus a fireplace grate. Playground equipment, horse shoe pit, drinking fountain with side spigot, and restrooms are nearby. This shelter is not handicapped accessible and is not easily accessible for the elderly. Additional chairs, tables, and canopy tent are allowed.Natural Features
Grandview became part of New River Gorge National River in 1990, after more than 50 years as one of West Virginia's most popular day use state parks. The area offers spectacular views of the New River and beautiful displays of rhododendron. At the Main Overlook, 1,400 feet above the river, you see an active railway and the town of Quinnimont, where the first coal was shipped out of the gorge in 1873.Nearby Attractions
The city of Beckley is approximately 12 miles from Grandview. It offers a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Popular attractions include a children's museum, and Exhibition Coal Mine. -
Grandview Shelter 2
Reservable Campground
Grandview Shelter #2 is a larger shelter located under the canopy of the forest. It can accommodate up to 80 people inside and 55 people outside the shelter for a total…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Day Use Area
Details
Overview
Grandview Shelter #2 is a larger shelter located under the canopy of the forest. It can accommodate up to 80 people inside and 55 people outside the shelter for a total of about 135 people.Recreation
The Grandview area of New River Gorge National River features five hiking trails, overlooks, a seasonal visitor center, ranger-led activities, summer outdoor dramas (Theatre West Virginia), playgrounds, volleyball court, baseball field, and basketball court.Facilities
Shelter #2 offers two electrical outlets, and four charcoal grills. Playground equipment, horse shoe pit, drinking fountain with side spigot, and a handicapped accessible restroom are nearby. This shelter is also handicapped accessible with an asphalt walkway to the shelter for handicapped/elderly. Additional chairs, tables, and canopy tents are allowed.Natural Features
Grandview became part of New River Gorge National River in 1990, after more than 50 years as one of West Virginia's most popular day use state parks. The area offers spectacular views of the New River and beautiful displays of rhododendron. At the Main Overlook, 1,400 feet above the river, you see an active railway and the town of Quinnimont, where the first coal was shipped out of the gorge in 1873.Nearby Attractions
The city of Beckley is approximately 12 miles from Grandview. It offers a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Popular attractions include a children's museum, and Exhibition Coal Mine.Charges & Cancellations
Refunds are not issued due to rain.
Show 2 more campgrounds
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Grandview Shelter 3
Reservable Campground
Grandview Shelter #3 is a small shelter shaded by the canopy of the forest. It will hold approximately 30 people inside and 42 outside. The Grandview area of New River…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Day Use Area
Details
Overview
Grandview Shelter #3 is a small shelter shaded by the canopy of the forest. It will hold approximately 30 people inside and 42 outside.Recreation
The Grandview area of New River Gorge National River features five hiking trails, overlooks, a seasonal visitor center, ranger-led activities, summer outdoor dramas (Theatre West Virginia), playgrounds, volleyball court, baseball field, and basketball court.Facilities
Shelter #3 offers two charcoal grills, and one electrical outlet. Playground equipment, drinking fountain with side spigot, and a handicapped accessible restroom are nearby. This shelter is also handicapped accessible with an asphalt walkway to the shelter for handicapped/elderly. Additional chairs, tables, and canopy tents are allowed.Natural Features
Grandview became part of New River Gorge National River in 1990, after more than 50 years as one of West Virginia's most popular day use state parks. The area offers spectacular views of the New River and beautiful displays of rhododendron. At the Main Overlook, 1,400 feet above the river, you see an active railway and the town of Quinnimont, where the first coal was shipped out of the gorge in 1873.Nearby Attractions
The city of Beckley is approximately 12 miles from Grandview. It offers a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Popular attractions include a children's museum, and Exhibition Coal Mine.Charges & Cancellations
Refunds are not issued due to rain.
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Grandview Shelter 4
Reservable Campground
Grandview Shelter #4 is a medium size shelter located under the canopy of the forest. It can accommodate up to 64 people inside and 26 people outside the shelter for a…
Reserve on Recreation.gov- Picnicking
- Day Use Area
Details
Overview
Grandview Shelter #4 is a medium size shelter located under the canopy of the forest. It can accommodate up to 64 people inside and 26 people outside the shelter for a total of about 90 people.Recreation
The Grandview area of New River Gorge National River features five hiking trails, overlooks, a seasonal visitor center, ranger-led activities, summer outdoor dramas (Theatre West Virginia), playgrounds, volleyball court, baseball field, and basketball court.Facilities
Shelter #4 offers one electrical outlet, and two charcoal grills. Playground equipment, horse shoe pit, drinking fountain with side spigot, and a handicapped accessible restroom are nearby. This shelter is handicapped accessible but the asphalt walkway ends prior to the shelter (10 - 15'). Additional chairs, tables, and canopy tents are allowed.Natural Features
Grandview became part of New River Gorge National River in 1990, after more than 50 years as one of West Virginia's most popular day use state parks. The area offers spectacular views of the New River and beautiful displays of rhododendron. At the Main Overlook, 1,400 feet above the river, you see an active railway and the town of Quinnimont, where the first coal was shipped out of the gorge in 1873.Nearby Attractions
The city of Beckley is approximately 12 miles from Grandview. It offers a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Popular attractions include a children's museum, and Exhibition Coal Mine.Charges & Cancellations
Refunds are not issued due to rain.
Facilities & Services
Find tours, tickets and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Tours & Tickets
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New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Tours
Ticket Facility
De Soto National Memorial is located on mouth of the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida. This small 26-acre waterfront park offers lots of opportunity to view the…
Book tickets on Recreation.gov 104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV
Details
De Soto National Memorial is located on mouth of the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida. This small 26-acre waterfront park offers lots of opportunity to view the Manatee River and Tampa Bay. The Park was established in 1948 to commemorate the 1539 expedition of Hernando de Soto. We invite you to explore the park's natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich history.
Other Visitor Services
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Army Camp
Facility
This campground offers both tent and RV campsites along the banks of the New River at one of its many horseshoe bends. There are 11 drive-in sites for RVs, campers, and…
Army Camp Campground, Prince, WV (304) 465-0508 Directions
Details
This campground offers both tent and RV campsites along the banks of the New River at one of its many horseshoe bends. There are 11 drive-in sites for RVs, campers, and tents. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Large RVs or campers are not recommended. Some sites offer partial shade; others are located in the open with no shade. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites is strictly prohibited. -
Burnwood Group Campsite
Facility
Burnwood is located across Route 19 from Canyon Rim Visitor Center and offers group camping. This site is only for groups of 8 or more people and requires a Special Use…
83 Burnwood Campground Road, Lansing, WV (304) 465-0508 Directions
Details
Burnwood is located across Route 19 from Canyon Rim Visitor Center and offers group camping. This site is only for groups of 8 or more people and requires a Special Use Permit. For a permit for the group campsites, contact the permits office at 304-465-6531. Permits require a minimum of 10 business days after the application has been received. -
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Facility
Canyon Rim Visitor Center is one of the park's primary, year round visitor centers. It is located at the New River Gorge Bridge, just north of Fayetteville. Boardwalk…
162 Visitor Center Road, Lansing, WV (304) 574-2115 Directions
Details
Canyon Rim Visitor Center is one of the park's primary, year round visitor centers. It is located at the New River Gorge Bridge, just north of Fayetteville. Boardwalk trails provide fantastic views of the bridge and the gorge. The center features exhibits, information, park film, and a book store. -
Glade Creek Campground
Facility
This forested campground offers both tent and RV sites near the banks of the New River and the Glade Creek Trailhead. There are 6 walk-in tents sites and 5 drive-in…
Glade Creek Campground, Prince, WV (304) 465-0508 Directions
Details
This forested campground offers both tent and RV sites near the banks of the New River and the Glade Creek Trailhead. There are 6 walk-in tents sites and 5 drive-in sites for tents, RVs, or campers. There is 1 accessible site. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites, walk-in sites, or any parking area is strictly prohibited. -
Grandview Sandbar
Facility
This campground offers shaded wooded campsites near the banks of the New River. There are 10 wooded drive-in sites for RVs, campers, car camping, and tents; 6 walk-in…
Grandview Sandbar Campground, Prince, WV (304) 465-0508 Directions
Details
This campground offers shaded wooded campsites near the banks of the New River. There are 10 wooded drive-in sites for RVs, campers, car camping, and tents; 6 walk-in tents sites; and 2 accessible sites by the river. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs are recommended due to the tight access road. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites, walk-in sites, or any parking area is strictly prohibited.
Show 7 more facilities
Other Visitor Services
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Grandview Visitor Center
Facility
The Grandview section of the park features include overlooks of the New River, a visitor center (open seasonally), five hiking trails, ranger-led walks and talks, summer…
4700 Grandview Road, Beaver, WV (304) 763-3715 Directions
Details
The Grandview section of the park features include overlooks of the New River, a visitor center (open seasonally), five hiking trails, ranger-led walks and talks, summer outdoor dramas, and picnic areas with playgrounds. -
Meadow Creek Campground
Facility
This primitive campground located along the New River is only one mile from the Sandstone Visitor Center. It offers 17 sites in an open field. The railroad crossing can…
774 South Riverside Road, Sandstone, WV (304) 465-0508 Directions
Details
This primitive campground located along the New River is only one mile from the Sandstone Visitor Center. It offers 17 sites in an open field. The railroad crossing can be dangerous for larger RVs and trailers. The low grade railroad crossing is not suitable for extended wheelbase RVs such as motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers etc. Campers should expect to hear some noise such as train horns. -
Sandstone Visitor Center
Facility
Sandstone Visitor Center is one of the primary visitor centers for the park. It is a green design building where visitors can learn about the park and the watershed…
330 Meadow Creek Road, Sandstone, WV (304) 466-0417 Directions
Details
Sandstone Visitor Center is one of the primary visitor centers for the park. It is a green design building where visitors can learn about the park and the watershed through exhibits and a park film. The center also features a native plant garden, picnic areas, and book store. -
Stone Cliff
Facility
This tent only campground located near the historic railroad town of Thurmond offers 7 walk-in sites, 5 on the sandy beach of the New River and 2 in the nearby forest…
Stone Cliff Campground, Thurmond, WV (304) 465-0508 Directions
Details
This tent only campground located near the historic railroad town of Thurmond offers 7 walk-in sites, 5 on the sandy beach of the New River and 2 in the nearby forest. There are no drive-in sites at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. The Stone Cliff Trailhead also starts at the campground. -
Thayer Campground
Facility
This tent only campground is located near the community of Thayer along the banks of the New River. It has 4 walk-in sites. There are no drive-in sites at this location…
Thayer Campground, Thurmond, WV (304) 465-0508 Directions
Details
This tent only campground is located near the community of Thayer along the banks of the New River. It has 4 walk-in sites. There are no drive-in sites at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. Alcohol is prohibited at this campground. -
Thurmond Depot Visitor Center
Facility
Thurmond Depot is a restored railroad depot located in the historic railroad town of Thurmond. When open, the Depot is an information center and a park store.
254 River Crest Road, Thurmond, WV (304) 465-8550 Directions
Details
Thurmond Depot is a restored railroad depot located in the historic railroad town of Thurmond. When open, the Depot is an information center and a park store. -
War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground
Facility
This is the only campground in the park that is not along the river. It is located on a ridgetop near Backus Mountain. There are 8 drive-in sites for tents, RVs, or…
War Ridge Campground, Prince, WV (304) 465-0508 Directions
Details
This is the only campground in the park that is not along the river. It is located on a ridgetop near Backus Mountain. There are 8 drive-in sites for tents, RVs, or campers. Only small (less than 25 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites or any parking area is strictly prohibited.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Hours details
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New River Gorge National Park and PreserveOpen 24 hours, daily
The park itself is open 24 hour a day, year round. The park's two main visitor centers at Canyon Rim and Sandstone are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day). There are two seasonal Visitor Centers located in Thurmond and Grandview. They are typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
76°F
Sunny · feels like 72°
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Today
77° 54°
Sunny5% rain
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Tomorrow
79° 60°
Overcast72% rain -
Saturday
61° 50°
Light rain shower93% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
10 coming up-
Patio Talk at Canyon Rim Visitor Center
About
Join a ranger at 10:00 for programs about various topics. Topics vary daily. Check the "whats happening today" board at Canyon Rim Visitor Center or ask a ranger for the topic of the day and the program starting location.
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Finding New Flora
About
Find plant identification puzzling? Join a no-stress introduction to dichotomous keys, where we will learn about West Virginia wildflowers and native tree species.
Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center.
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Hornyheads, Madtoms, and Darters
About
Join author and fisheries scientist Stuart Welsh for a book signing and presentation about Central Appalachian fishes.
Stuart Welsh is a fisheries research scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, where he addresses research and technical needs of the U.S. Geological Survey, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other natural resource agencies and organizations. He also serves as Professor of Ichthyology at West Virginia University, where he mentors graduate students and conducts fish research in the areas of taxonomy and systematics, species distributions, invasive species, movement ecology, habitat use, and endangered species.
Program will atke place in the theater at Canyon Rim Visitor Center
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Thurmond Walk
About
Unlike many turn of the century towns in New River Gorge, Thurmond was a railroad town instead of a coal town. For years, this small town brought in millions of dollars for the C&O Railway with a bustling downtown district and trains rolling through every 15 minutes. Now, over 100 years since the boom time of Thurmond, the town is all but abandoned. Join a ranger as you walk through the remnants of the downtown district while learning more about this unique place and the people who lived there. This outdoors walking tour will cover approximately 0.25 miles one way on mostly flat paved and graveled walkways. Some terrain may become slightly uneven. Good shoes, water, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. The path through town is located directly next to active CSX railroad mainline; loud freight trains may be encountered during the tour.
Meet at the Thurmond Depot Visitor Center. The road to Thurmond is narrow and winding; RVs and trailers are not recommended on this road. Since parking is limited at the depot, overflow and large vehicle parking is available across the river in the Dunglen area. Visitors in this parking lot can access the town by walking across the road bridge.
Show 6 more events
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Tree Talk
About
Learn about one of the park’s iconic trees, the Eastern Hemlock. Learn about the threat it faces from an invasive insect, and how the National Park Service is treating it.
Meet at Grandview Visitor Center.
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Nature Hike at Grandview
About
Join us for a 0.5-mile hike on the Grandview Rim Trail. Learn about the botanical, historical, and geological feature of New River Gorge. Meet at: Grandview Main Overlook Pathway.
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Recreating Responsibly
About
Learn to recreate responsibly in our National Parks through Leave No Trace principles, and basic safety practices.
Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center
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The New River...Like it Is
About
How does an area become a unit of the National Park Service? Learn the story of how New River Gorge became America’s 63rd National Park!
Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center
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The Wheel of Time
About
In celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, learn how the history of the New River Gorge connects to the larger tapestry of American history!
Meet at Sandstone Visitor Center
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Fall Migration Birding Hike
About
It's time for fall migration in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve! Join a Park Ranger for a guided birding hike on the Endless Wall trail to try and spot some of these birds in action. Meet at the Main parking lot trailhead (just past Nuttall Trailhead on Lansing Edmond Road) at 7:00 AM and prepare for an easy to moderate 3-mile hike. Bring water and good walking shoes.
Photos
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Thurmond Depot — NPS photo/Louise McLaughlin -
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Getting There
Glen Jean, WV 25846
To reach Park Headquarters take Route 19 North from Beckley to the Glen Jean exit. Upon exiting Rt 19, make an immediate left turn.
Full directions
At the next intersection, turn right. Park Headquarters will be straight ahead on the right. GPS Coordinates for Headquarters: 81.15587W, 37.92775N PLEASE NOTE: Third party search and map apps may direct you to an potentially inaccessible area of the park with no amenities or rangers stations. Please refer to the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters addresses for directions.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 246, Glen Jean, WV 25846
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