New River Gorge National Park

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, America's newest national park, protects one of the oldest rivers on Earth. The New River has carved a spectacular 1,000-foot deep canyon through the Appalachian Plateau, exposing billion-year-old rocks. This geological wonder creates world-class rock climbing on endless miles of sandstone cliffs. The park encompasses 70,000 acres of rugged, forested terrain harboring exceptional biodiversity. Over 1,400 established climbing routes draw adventurers globally while 53 miles of the New River provide outstanding whitewater rafting. The iconic New River Gorge Bridge, once the world's longest steel arch, spans the canyon 876 feet above the river. Abandoned coal mining towns dot the landscape, their ruins reclaimed by forest, telling stories of Appalachian industry and resilience. The gorge serves as a critical wildlife corridor supporting black bears, peregrine falcons, and diverse plant communities. Miles of trails follow old railroad grades and wind through rhododendron thickets to spectacular overlooks. This landscape of natural beauty and industrial heritage showcases Appalachian wilderness at its finest.

Water Features

New River, tributaries, waterfalls

Ecosystem

This destination features a temperate forest ecosystem.