New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

🚣

Class I–V

Whitewater rapids

💵

Entrance fee

🌉

876 ft

Bridge above the gorge

💧

Live

New River gauge

🧗

1,400+ routes

Rock climbing

🏕

FCFS, primitive

Several campgrounds

⚠️Water, Climbing & Gorge SafetyWhitewater, cliffs▾

🚣 The New River ranges from calm pools to serious Class III–V whitewater — never enter without appropriate experience, gear, and knowledge of current flows. Rock climbing here is world-class but genuinely dangerous without proper training and equipment; use the park's dedicated climbing safety guidance. Park roads are winding and narrow — drive carefully. Copperheads, ticks, and poison ivy are present throughout the gorge, and lightning and sudden temperature swings can catch hikers off guard. NPS safety info ↗

🎫Park EntryNo entrance fee▾

🗺️ There's no entrance fee or single gate — the park stretches 53 miles along the gorge with multiple access points and visitor centers (Canyon Rim, Sandstone, Thurmond, Grandview). NPS fees info ↗

💧New RiverLive USGS gauge▾

🌉New River Gorge BridgeBridge Day, Oct▾

Canyon Rim Visitor Centerbest bridge view▾

Overlook BoardwalkShort walk to the classic postcard view of the bridge and gorge

Bridge Day3rd Saturday in October▾

BASE Jumping EventThe only day BASE jumping off the bridge is permitted — one of the largest extreme-sports gatherings in the world

🏕CampingFree, primitive▾

⛺ Several small, primitive campgrounds (Stone Cliff, Grandview Sandbar, Army Camp, and others) are scattered along the gorge — first-come, first-served, no fee, minimal facilities. Full camping details on NPS.gov ↗

Park Contact Information

📞 Phone: (304) 465-0508 · Mailing Address: 104 Main Street, Glen Jean, WV 25846 · Official NPS contact page ↗