National Park & Preserve

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is a National Park & Preserve in West Virginia. The NPS currently lists 3 active alerts, 9 campgrounds and 4 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.

West Virginia National Park & Preserve No entrance fee

Updated · NPS Data API

bend in the river
Horseshoe Bend from Grandview · Photo: NPS photo/Louise McLaughlin (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

Active alerts

3

Closures

0

Campgrounds

9

Visitor centers

4

Current alerts and closures

3 active NPS alerts as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 0 caution and 3 information.

Information

Burnwood Campground and Restroom Closure

The Burnwood group campground will be closed from October 5 through mid November due to a construction project to replace water lines. During that time restroom facilities will be closed at the Burnwood Trailhead.

Posted or updated Sep 9, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Information

Rend Trail Closed through December 2027

The Rend Trail is closed for trail Improvements that will include a new parking area, restroom, and a small picnic area overlooking Arbuckle Creek at the Minden trailhead, structural improvements to five historic railroad trestles along the trail, and full trail surface rehabilitation. Additionally, construction of a large accessible ramp over the ‘big rock’ will replace a stairway, resulting in the only fully accessible earthen surface trail located within the park.

Posted or updated Aug 5, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Information

Kaymoor Miners Trail Closure

From June 15 through November 19 the upper part of the Kaymoor Miners Trail (from Kaymoor Top down to the mine site at the junction with the Kaymoor Trail) will be closed Monday through Thursday due to a trail rehab project. The trail is expected to be fully open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Posted or updated May 28, 2026 ·Park conditions on nps.gov

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.

Things to do

The island below is called Brooks Island. There is a pair of Bald eagles who have a nest on it.
Photo: NPS/Sheila Malone

Brooks Overlook

Brooks Overlook is a favorite viewing spot for visitors and locals. There is a pair of Bald eagles that reside, year round, on Brooks Island and catching a glimpse of them is sure to spark delight.

5 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Wildlife Watching

Combination of rocks that include Sandstone, shale, conglomerate, and coal.
Photo: NPS/ Sheila Malone

Castle Rock Hike

Amazing hike that brings you right next to the layers of rocks that make-up the gorge. The trail is uneven and requires some scrambling over some of the rock obstacles. The steps are made up of rocks and can be super slippery when wet.

30-120 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

rock climber maneuvering around a small overhang
Photo: NPS photo/Dave Bieri

Climbing at New River Gorge

With over 1,400 established climbing routes, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has become one of the most popular climbing locations in the country.

Pets allowed

Rock Climbing

See all 16 things to do in New River Gorge →

Activities the NPS lists for New River Gorge.

Arts and CultureTheaterAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyBikingMountain BikingRoad BikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingClimbingRock ClimbingFishingFreshwater FishingFly FishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingSelf-Guided Tours - AutoHikingBackcountry HikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingWhitewater RaftingJunior Ranger ProgramPlaygroundWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmMuseum ExhibitsShoppingBookstore and Park Store

Operating hours

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…

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
DayHours
MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

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.

Contact and directions

Phone
304-465-0508
Email
[email protected]
Address
104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV 25846
Coordinates
37.8688, -80.9996· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Canyon Rim Visitor CenterDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM3045742115Yes
Grandview Visitor CenterDaily: 12:00PM - 5:00PM3047633715Yes
Sandstone Visitor CenterDaily: 9:00AM - 5:00PM3044660417Yes
Thurmond Depot Visitor CenterDaily: 10:00AM - 5:00PM3044658550Yes

Campgrounds

CampgroundTotal sitesReservableFirst-comeRVsFeeReserve
Army Camp11011Yes, up to 31 ftFree—
Brooklyn Campground505NoFree—
Burnwood Group Campsite110Yes$75—
Glade Creek Campground11011Yes, up to 31 ftFree—
Grandview Sandbar16016Yes, up to 31 ftFree—
Meadow Creek Campground1700NoFree—
Stone Cliff707NoFree—
Thayer Campground404NoFree—
War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground808Yes, up to 25 ftFree—

Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.

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More parks in West Virginia

Appalachian National Scenic TrailBluestone National Scenic RiverChesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical ParkChesapeake BayGauley River National Recreation AreaHarpers Ferry National Historical ParkLewis & Clark National Historic TrailAll in West Virginia

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.