Getting to New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park sits in WV, United States, with Fayetteville the nearest town of any size — about 1.8 mi (2.8 km) out, or roughly 5 min of driving.
New River Gorge National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
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 |
Towns to base yourself in
| 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 |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to New River Gorge National Park?
Fayetteville, about 1.8 mi (2.8 km) away — roughly 5 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting New River Gorge National Park?
The practical bases are Fayetteville, Oak Hill, and Montgomery — all within a reasonable drive of the park.