Rate New River Gorge National River
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National River
Operating Hours & Seasons
New River Gorge National River
The park is open 24 hour a day, year round. Park Headquarters in Glen Jean is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. 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).
Standard Hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Entrance Fee
New River Gorge National River does not charge an entrance fee.
About
A River Runs Through It
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.
Directions
To reach Park Headquarters take Route 19 North from Beckley to the Glen Jean exit. Upon exiting Rt 19, make an immediate left turn. At the next intersection, turn right. Park Headquarters will be straight ahead on the right. GPS Coordinates for Headquarters: 81.15587W, 37.92775N
Visitor Centers
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Canyon Rim Visitor Center is one of the park’s primary, year round visitor centers. It is located at the New River Gorge Bridge, just north of Fayetteville. Boardwalk trails provide fantastic views of the bridge and the gorge. The center features exhibits, information, park film, and a book store. Sandstone Visitor Center
Sandstone Visitor Center is one of the primary year-round visitor centers for the park. It is a green design building where visitors can learn about the park and the watershed through exhibits and a park film. The center also features a native plant garden, picnic areas, and book store. Grandview Visitor Center
The Grandview section of the park features include overlooks of the New River, a visitor center (open seasonally), five hiking trails, ranger-led walks and talks, summer outdoor dramas, and picnic areas with playgrounds. Thurmond Depot Visitor Center
Thurmond Depot is a restored railroad depot located in the historic railroad town of Thurmond.
Weather
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.
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