Pets are allowed on all park trails but must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve Planning Guide & Strategy

Q: Is there an entrance fee?

There is no entrance fee for the park.

Q: When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) typically see fewer visitors; weekday visits help avoid peak crowds in summer.

Q: Can I camp anywhere in the park?

Camping is allowed only in designated primitive campgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis; 14 days within a 28-day period.

+2 more

Overview

About This Park

Park is open year-round with no entrance fee and no vehicle reservations. The main rule: monitor Cunard and Fayette Station road statuses; if a road is closed, plan alternative access and avoid driving around barriers. Use Canyon Rim and Sandstone Visitor Centers for current conditions and maps; parking can fill at popular trailheads.

Why Visit

Across a sprawling canyon carved by the New River, this park spans river corridors, cliff lines, and forested rims. It offers a scale of landscape and geology suitable for study, exploration, and long-term stewardship. The arrangement of trails, overlooks, and historic towns along the gorge provides an enduring canvas for fieldwork, learning, and seasonal observation.

Highlights

Top Things to Do

New River Gorge Bridge viewpoints, Endless Wall Trail, Long Point overlook, Grandview Rim, Sandstone Falls, Thurmond Depot (seasonal)

Family Friendly

Junior Ranger activities and family-friendly overlooks; seasonal programs may be available

Accessibility

Limited ADA accessibility; some trails and facilities have improved access; confirm specific trail status before visiting

Photography Tips

Pullouts and overlooks provide safe compositions; avoid blocking traffic; plan for golden-hour light at rim vantage points

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds; July is peak activity

Nearby Services

Beckley and Fayetteville provide food, gas, medical services; lodging available in gateway towns

Tips & Advice

No timed-entry or vehicle reservations
Parking can fill; arrive early
Download offline maps
Dress in layers
Avoid driving Cunard/Fayette in winter

Park Strategy

The 3-Day Plan

Day 1: Drive the rim loop; Day 2: Get into Grandview and Thurmond; Day 3: End with Sandstone Falls and Endless Wall

Traffic Beater

Arrive before 9am for popular trailheads; if main lots are full, use Sandstone/Grandview access points; weekdays see lighter traffic

Where to Sleep

WEST SIDE: Beckley/Oak Hill; EAST SIDE: Fayetteville/Grandview; choose based on dining and weather exposure

The Timing

July is peak activity and mosquitoes; September is crowd-light but cooler; June can be snowy for full road access

Details

When to Visit

Peak Season

June–August

Shoulder Season

Spring and Fall

Winter

Open year-round; winter conditions and road closures possible

Road Openings

Cunard Road reopens end of March; Fayette Station Road closed through winter (as of 1/12/2026)

Getting There & Around

Nearest Airports

PIT (Pittsburgh International), CRW (Charleston, WV), BKW (Beckley Raleigh County Memorial)

Driving Distances

Beckley ~60 miles; Charleston ~120 miles; Pittsburgh ~260 miles

Park Entrances

Main access via US-19/US-60 corridors; Canyon Rim Entrance near the New River Gorge Bridge; Sandstone Visitor Center located on the southern end

Shuttle Services

No internal park-wide shuttle; limited local transit options may exist

Reservations Required

No timed-entry or vehicle reservations required

Parking

Trailhead parking fills quickly at Endless Wall and Long Point; visit on weekdays or early morning

Where to Stay

In-Park Lodging

No on-park lodging available; stay in nearby gateway towns

Campgrounds

Eight primitive campgrounds; first-come, first-served; camping limited to 14 days within a 28-day period

Gateway Towns

Beckley, Oak Hill, Fayetteville, Ansted, Summersville, Lewisburg

Safety Information

Bear Country

Bear country; practice food storage and basic wildlife safety; observe distance and never feed wildlife

Weather Safety

Heat and cold-related illnesses; water safety; lightning risk; snakes, spiders, and poison ivy; cell service limited; download offline maps

Altitude

Varies

Leave No Trace

Pack it out; stay on designated trails

Permits Needed

Backcountry permits may be required; contact the Program Specialist for Commercial/Special Park Uses at 304-465-6517

Wildlife

Wildlife Overview

Black bears, white-tailed deer, assorted birds and small mammals

Where to See Wildlife

Rim overlooks, river corridors, and wooded pullouts along primary trails

Wildlife Safety

Keep distance; do not feed wildlife; secure food and trash; follow posted wildlife guidance

Bear Spray Rentals

Bear spray rentals available at Canyon Rim and Sandstone Visitor Centers

Weather & What to Bring

Weather Averages

Summer highs around 85–90°F; winter lows near 20–30°F; temperate overall with seasonal swings

Precipitation

Moderate year-round; spring rain and summer thunderstorms; winter snow common

Essential Gear

Bear spray, water, layers, sturdy footwear, map

Clothing

No cotton; wool/synthetic layers; rain shell; boot or hiking shoes with grip

Park Regions

Bridge & Canyon Rim

New River Gorge Bridge viewpoints, canyon overlooks

Southern Gorge & Sandstone

Sandstone Falls, southern-end visitor centers, quieter access

Grandview & Rim Trails

Grandview area overlooks, extensive trail network

Thurmond & Historic Towns

Thurmond Depot and historic rail town remnants; seasonal programs

FAQs

Do I need reservations for vehicle access?

No. There are no timed-entry or vehicle reservations for New River Gorge NP & Preserve.

Is there an entrance fee?

Are pets allowed?

When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Can I camp anywhere in the park?

📖 nps.gov 📖 wvnews.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 campbrood.com 📖 wvcabins.com 📖 travelandleisure.com 📖 wvtourism.com 📖 newrivergorgecvb.com 📖 lnt.org 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 afar.com 📖 recreation.gov ⭐ Google Reviews 🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve