Ultimate Weekend Guide to New River Gorge National Park Adventures

New River Gorge is the newest National Park in America. It became a National Park when the Preserve Designation Act was signed into law on December 2020. Many people asked me for my top recommendations for the park, so here is what we suggest:

1. 📍 Endless Wall Trail

   This is a super fun 3-mile hike with a view that's totally worth it. I'd say it's moderate to easy, and here's why. We tackled it with a bunch of kids and even brought along a stroller. Managing the stroller was a bit of a challenge, but we pulled it off (using a Bob stroller). The kids were all about the adventure. There are some pretty steep steel ladders, and some are kind of hidden, so keep your eyes peeled for those. We loved the ladders. They're steep and tricky, so depending on how old the kids are, they might not be great for the little ones. This trail is definitely at the top of our list.

   

   

   
   
   

2. 📍 Canyon Rim Visitor Center

   Just outside the visitor center, there's a wooden path that offers a pleasant view of the bridge. If you descend 158 steps, you'll enjoy an even more impressive view of the bridge. The effort is definitely rewarding if you're able to manage the steps.

   

   Visitor Center (our usual NP sign photo)

   
   

3. 📍 Fayette Station Road Scenic Drive

   This is about an 8-mile drive around the park. We loved that it's a great way for people who can't walk much to see everything. The road is small, but it's super beautiful and definitely worth it. You'll get lots of different views and angles of the bridge, plus you'll drive over a smaller wooden bridge too.

   

   New River Gorge National Park Bridge

   
   

4. Bridge Walk

   We really wanted to do the bridge walk, where you get to walk under the bridge, but we couldn't fit it in because of time and the weather. It's definitely on our list for the next visit!

5. Whitewater Rafting

   This park is famous for whitewater rafting, so if you're visiting during the right season, you should definitely add it to your to-do list.

View from Canyon Rim Visitor Center (New River Gorge National Park)