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New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Intersected by one of the continent’s oldest rivers, New River Gorge National Park is a special place where the rugged, whitewater New River flows northward through deep canyons, intersecting southern West Virginia in the Appalachian Mountains. First explored by fur traders in the 1600s, native peoples lived in the region for centuries prior.
Established by Congress in 1978 to preserve and protect this important free-flowing waterway, today 53 miles of the river and its gorge — along with 40 miles of tributaries — are officially protected as New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area and the Bluestone National Scenic River.
The New River was born when the North American and African plates collided to form the supercontinent Pangaea, uplifting the Appalachian Mountains to Himalayan heights. These headwaters and this basin have remained in their current configurations for over 300 million years, a true testament to the endurance of nature.
Exposing eons of geologic history as it slices through the rock layers that tilted as the Appalachians rose, New River Gorge is now a popular fishing, hiking, biking and rafting destination that should top your to-dos.
The Flora And Fauna
Emergent rocks, rock outcrops, trails and coal mines serve as diverse habitats for a dizzying array of flora and fauna. The New River corridor shepherds the movement of southern plant and animal species into West
Virginia, while limiting the east-west distribution of other species.
At the heart of the world’s largest remaining block of almostunfragmented, mid-latitude forest landscape, find oak-hickory, oakmaple, mixed oak, oak-yellow pine, hemlock-hardwoods, cove hardwoods, northern hardwoods, and bottomland and floodplain hardwoods.
Gradient extremes between the rim and river support the most diverse assemblage of plants of any river gorge in the central and southern Appalachians. Significantly, along the New River’s flat sandstone ledges grows a rare Appalachian Flatrock plant community of cedars, sedges and pines.
Keep watch for whiteish-pink great rhododendron in forests; showy rosepurple catawba rhododendron around the Grandview parking areas; and mountain laurel at overlooks.
Long a migration corridor for both plants and animals, the park also protects reclusive, mostly nocturnal black bears and bobcats; coyotes and red and gray foxes; and endangered Virginia big-eared and Indiana bats.
Nearly 40 reptile species share the land with hellbenders, benthic macroinvertebrates and migratory birds, such as thrushes, wood warblers and vireos. Bald eagles nest on Brooks Island and a peregrine falcons reintroduction program aims to initiate and foster a population. Meanwhile, the New River watershed serves as a habitat for 89 species of fish, eight of which are endemic.
The Weather
Sweltering summers give way to cold winters, with temperatures that are considerably cooler in higher elevations.
Prone to sudden storms, unpredictable weather in the Appalachian Mountains can quickly change. Although the park’s warmest month is July, that’s also when it receives the most precipitation. Expect average highs around 101 F and lows of about 78 F. The coldest month is December, seeing an average low of 42 F and high of 63 F.
Plan for changing weather and check the park website so you’re aware of conditions and closings.
The Hikes, Drives and Viewpoints
Endless Wall Trail
Passing through dense forest, crossing Fern Creek and following the cliffedge, the moderate, 2.3-mile Endless Wall Trail gains 400 feet in elevation, rising to 2,030 feet to an overlook with views of “Endless Wall,” Nuttall sandstone ridges high above the gorge. This can be hiked as a loop or as an out-and-back trek depending on the route you choose.
Long Point Trail
Ending at its namesake viewpoint, the 3-mile Long Point Trail gains 400 feet of elevation for gorgeous views of the gorge, river and 3,030-foot steel arch New River Gorge Bridge.
Kaymoore Miners Trail
The 1.6-mile, out-and-back Kaymoor Miners Trail is strenuous, ascending 1,000 feet beginning at the upper rim of the gorge; descending rapidly toward the river; and heading to the historic Kaymoor One mining complex.
Castle Rock Trail
The moderately challenging, .6-mile Castle Rock Trail traverses several large cliffs and coal steams along Grandview Rim, intersecting with the Grandview Rim Trail.
New River Gorge Scenic Drive
For a beautiful, winding exploration on wheels, take the 83-mile New River Gorge Scenic Drive, revealing many of the park’s wonders — including the gorge and its river. Two park visitor centers, Canyon Rim and Sandstone, are situated along the picturesque road.
About The Park
Location - Southern West Virginia in the Appalachian Mountains
Established - November 10, 1978
Area - 70,000 acres
