New River Gorge National Park: A First-Timer’s Guide

Tucked away in the mountains of West Virginia, the New River Gorge has largely been an underrated travel destination. Yes, locals have long known about this incredible natural playground—it’s been popular among white-water rafting enthusiasts for decades, and Appalachian families have lived symbiotically with the land for generations. But many people first learned about the New River Gorge in 2020 when it became the nation’s 63rd, and newest, national park.

Given the unique ecosystems here, that designation, and the additional protections it now receives, is well deserved. Despite its name, the New River is estimated to be between 10 million and 360 million years old, making it the second oldest in the world. The forest around it is home to over 1,500 different plant species, one of the most biodiverse in the Appalachian region.

Humans too have an ancient and storied presence here. Archaeologists have found human artifacts in the area believed to be at least 12,750 years old. More recently, between the late 1800s and the 1950s, the area was home to a large number of coal mines. Remains of these coal mines and the nearby towns can still be found throughout the park.

In the 1970s, the area began gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and was first named a protected area in 1978 when it became a national river. It now offers a wide range of activities, including white-water rafting, climbing, mountain biking, hiking, fishing,…