New River Gorge National Park: planning guide
A deep river gorge in West Virginia with cliffs, forest, and a big steel arch bridge. Hiking, climbing, and rafting are common.
New River Gorge National Park is in WV, United States. The nearest town is Fayetteville — roughly 1.8 mi (2.8 km) out, about 5 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: March through May, then September through November. Shoulder season: February and December.
Midsummer is hot, humid, and buggy; winter is mild and one of the better times to visit.
Biting insects and afternoon storms dominate summer. Repellent and a rain shell matter more than warm layers.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | 1.8 mi (2.8 km) | 5 min |
| Oak Hill | 7.7 mi (12.4 km) | 21 min |
| Montgomery | 15.5 mi (25 km) | 39 min |
| Rainelle | 18.4 mi (29.6 km) | 44 min |
| Summersville | 19.1 mi (30.8 km) | 45 min |
| Beckley | 21 mi (33.8 km) | 48 min |
| Clay | 27 mi (43.4 km) | 58 min |
| Hinton | 29.3 mi (47.1 km) | 1 hr 2 min |
Before you go
New River Gorge National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Tours | Guided tour | Timed ticket |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grandview Playground Shelter | Reservable | — |
| Grandview Shelter 1 | Reservable | — |
| Grandview Shelter 2 | Reservable | — |
| Grandview Shelter 3 | Reservable | — |
| Grandview Shelter 4 | Reservable | — |
Where New River Gorge National Park sits
Official New River Gorge National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park sits close enough to Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Shenandoah National Park | 151 mi (244 km) | 4 hr 2 min |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 218 mi (351 km) | 5 hr 37 min |
| Cuyahoga Valley National Park | 220 mi (355 km) | 5 hr 40 min |
Parks close by
- Shenandoah National Park
A long Blue Ridge park in Virginia with Skyline Drive along the crest. Overlooks, hardwood forest, and day hikes.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Forested Appalachian mountains on the Tennessee–North Carolina line. Busy, green, and known for misty ridges and wildlife.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
A green river valley between Cleveland and Akron. Towpath trails, waterfalls, and a train — more local park than wilderness.
- Point Pelee National Park
Canada’s southern mainland tip — marsh, beach, and a major migratory bird and monarch stopover.
Common questions
Where is New River Gorge National Park?
New River Gorge National Park sits in WV, United States. Fayetteville, about 1.8 mi (2.8 km) away — roughly 5 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit New River Gorge National Park?
Generally March through May, then September through November, with February and December quieter on either side.
Can you camp in New River Gorge National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 5 campgrounds at New River Gorge National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.