National Park & Preserve · WV

Things to do in New River Gorge

The National Park Service lists 16 things to do at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. 16 have no extra fee, 16 need no reservation, and 15 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

All (16) Hiking (5)Wildlife Watching (4)Biking (1)Rock Climbing (1)Fishing (1)Hunting (1)Scenic Driving (1)Self-Guided Tours - Walking (1)Boating (1)

Bicycling at New River Gorge

New River Gorge National River offers over fifty miles of mountain bike trails, varying from easy to difficult in terrain and distance.

Year-round Pets allowed

Biking

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

girl wearing life jacket and fishing in a river
Photo: NPS photo

Fishing at New River Gorge

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers many outstanding opportunities for fishing in teh New River and its tributaries.

Pets allowed

Fishing

Main Overlook at Grandview at sunrise
Photo: NPS/ Sheila Malone

Grandview Main Overlook

The Grandview Main Overlook is located about two football fields in distance from the parking area near the Grandview Visitor Center.

15 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Wildlife Watching

Two men walking in the woods wearing blaze orange hunting vests.
Photo: NPS/D. Bieri

Hunting in the Park

Hunting is permitted in any areas designated as National Preserve. Knowing your location and rules for that area are the hunter's responsibility.

Winter, Fall Pets allowed

Hunting

Scenic Drive on Fayette Station Road

The scenic Fayette Station Road provides outstanding views of the gorge and the river while passing under the New River Gorge Bridge three times as it winds up and down the steep sides of the gorge.

45 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed

Scenic Driving

Views of the rock face from Endless Wall Trail
Photo: NPS/Sheila Malone

Trail run at Endless Wall

Endless Wall Trail is and excellent place for a trail run but due to the volume of other hikers, this trail runner would recommend that this be an early morning location.

60-120 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

Colored photo looking down into the gorge at a bend in the New River
Photo: NPS

Trail Run Grandview Rim Trail

Trail run that is 3.1 miles. This is an out and back route that is on different compositions. It is mostly a dirt path with varying degrees of hardness. In fall, when leaves are falling, be aware that the leaves can block view of any dips in the trail terrain.

Pets allowed

Hiking

View of the beginning of the Little Laurel Trail from the Grandview location. The trail is wooded.
Photo: NPS/ John Chapman

Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail

The 4.0 mile roundtrip trail run or hike is strenuous. The terrain is crushed rock for most of the trail, but there are a few areas that the terrain can be a bit uneven.

30-120 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

Whitewater Boating

Whitewater rafting and kayaking is one of the more popular activities at New River Gorge. Boaters can go with an outfitter or on your own if you have the proper experience.

Spring, Summer, Fall

Boating

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for New River Gorge. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

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