New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
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New River Gorge at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, September–December
- Trip length
- 3–5 days
- Don't miss
- Hike the Grandview Rim Trail
- Nearby city
- Glen Jean, WV
Explore this park
About New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.
3 current NPS alerts
- Information: Burnwood Campground and Restroom Closure
- Information: Rend Trail Closed through December 2027
- Information: Kaymoor Miners Trail Closure
Source: National Park Service (as of Nov 5, 2026). Official New River Gorge National Park & Preserve page on nps.gov
Weather Information
Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.
Operating Hours
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The park itself is open 24 hour a day, year round. The park's two main visitor centers at Canyon Rim and Sandstone are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day). There are two seasonal Visitor Centers located in Thurmond and Grandview. They are typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Common questions
Planning New River Gorge
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts and Permits for live updates.
TrailVerse lists 1 reservation type on the Permits tab, including New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Tours. Recreation.gov listings can change seasonally — confirm current rules before you set dates.
