Explore New River Gorge National Park.

Looking for the best resources to help plan your New River Gorge National Park vacation?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am a national parks-obsessed mom who has compiled all of the details, itineraries, and hiking information for the perfect trip to West Virginia’s only national park.

Whether you need to know what kid-friendly activities to add to your itinerary or where you should camp, you’ll find it here.

I only write about places I’ve been and experiences that I’ve had, so you’re getting up-to-date advice from a parent who has been there.

New River Gorge at a glance

  • Covers 70,000 acres

  • Located in West Virginia

  • Borders 53 miles of the New River, which is (ironically) one of the oldest rivers in the world

  • Best known for its historic mining towns and the longest arch bridge in the western hemisphere

  • Has hiking trails, a ghost town, and active railroads

Start here.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting New River Gorge National Park with Kids

If you only read one of my New River Gorge guides, make it this one.

This New River Gorge National Park with kids guide shares everything you could possibly think about when planning a vacation here from where to stay to where to pick up your Junior Ranger booklets.

Camping

While New River Gorge National Park does have campgrounds inside its borders, we preferred to stay outside of the park.

Doing so allowed us to make reservations ahead of time (unlike the national parks’ campgrounds), have full hook-ups and have easy access to local highways and I-77.

The author's camper in site 9 at Rifrafters Campground in Fayetteville, West Virginia
playground equipment at campground with blue fence around it
Campground bath house with blue benches out front
Rifrafters Campground in Fayetteville, West Virginia: A Review

New River Gorge National Park Must Haves

  • GuideAlong Audio Tour

    We LOVE these inexpensive but excellent tours for our national parks visits. Purchase the New River Gorge National Parks audio guide to learn about the park’s history, geology, wildlife, and important figures as you drive.

    It doesn’t need wifi after you’ve downloaded the tour, and it starts and stops automatically as you approach areas of interest!

  • Hiking Shoes

    Getting out onto a trail in New River Gorge is the best way to experience this park!

    I swear by my Altra Timp Trail Runners, which are lightweight and sturdy.

    I also love my Keen Newport H2 hiking sandals, but only bring these if you’re visiting West Virginia in the summer.

  • AllTrails + National Park Pass

    Do not go to any of the U.S. national parks without this incredible deal!

    For just a few dollars more than the cost of a regular NPS annual pass, you can get an annual AllTrail subscription and your national parks pass bundle.

    Now, you’re ready to hit the trail and explore the parks!

  • Garmin InReach Mini

    I never go hiking without this tiny GPS attached to my pack.

    Since I’m often hiking alone with my kids, the Garmin InReach gives me peace of mind that we could get help quickly if one of them (or me!) got hurt or sick on the trail.

    Depending on where you are in the park, you won’t always have great cell reception, but you can always reach help with this unit.

  • Rental Car

    There isn’t public transportation into New River Gorge National Park, and you’ll want your own rental car to fully explore this area of West Virginia.

    Check for the best rates at DiscoverCars.com with convenient pick-up options at all area airports.

    If plans change, they also offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before you were scheduled to get your car.

  • Travel Insurance

    Visiting the national parks can be the trip of a lifetime, and you don’t want to let sickness or flight delays to ruin your trip.

    Be sure to secure travel insurance from Visitors Coverage before you leave, and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you.

Best Tours for Kids in New River Gorge National Park

  • Family Rafting Tour on the New River

    Private rafting tour for kids 5 and up

    Book tour

  • New River Gorge Treetop Ziplining Course

    Treetop zipline and swinging bridges for kids 10 and up

    Book tour

  • Family Paddleboarding Tour of New River Gorge

    Family tour of local lakes and rivers for kids 3 and up

    Book tour

  • Self-Guided Driving Tour of New River Gorge

    Excellent audio tour of the national park for all ages

    Book tour

Other Helpful Resources