New River Gorge National Park is best known for its world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and adventure activities, but it’s the lush Appalachian forest that makes this place so enchanting. The 74,000 acres of forest that comprise New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are ecologically diverse and chock-full of natural wonders.
In this post you will find all the information you need to experience nature’s majesty in the New River Gorge, and once you get here, you’ll truly understand why West Virginia is referred to as almost heaven. But if you are craving a more in-depth experience, check out New River Gorge Eco Tours. These guided forest walks are led by master naturalists and provide a deep exploration of the forest ecology.
Self-Guided Nature Activities in the New River Gorge
There are plenty of opportunities for group and guided activities in this area but experiencing nature at your own pace is always a treat. Here’s a list of our favorite self-guided nature activities in the Gorge.
Waterfall Chasing
The creeks and rivers that run through the New River Gorge create an abundance of breathtaking waterfalls – from the 60-foot tall Cathedral Falls in Gauley Bridge to the 1,500-foot wide Sandstone Falls near Hinton. Here are our 10 favorite waterfalls in the area, and here are some waterfalls you can drive to.
Discovering Overlooks
There are many great overlooks throughout the New River Gorge region. To see some, you simply need to know where to pull off the road. Others require a good deal of hiking. Check out our comprehensive list of New River Gorge Overlooks for detailed information.
Wildflower, Mushroom, and Wildlife Viewing
April and May are the best months to view spring wildflowers, and Southside Trail is known for its amazing variety. In September and October, Longpoint Trail has a great show of fall wildflowers including fields of goldenrod.
Mushrooms are plentiful throughout the New River Gorge but can be found in abundance during late summer through early fall after a good rain. Park Loop Trail at Fayetteville Town Park also has a surprising amount of mushroom varieties.
The best wildlife viewing is possible right after dawn and right before dusk on trails less traveled in the New River Gorge National Park. By avoiding the most popular hiking areas – and other humans – you are much more likely to see wildlife, find undisturbed flora, and experience the natural rhythms of the forest.
Three Rivers Avian Center
Three Rivers Avian Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to wild bird conservation and to educating and involving people in ecosystem stewardship. Their facility sits high on Brooks Mountain near Hinton, WV. The staff and volunteers at Three Rivers Avian Center take in and rehabilitate injured wild birds. When a bird is to injured to return to the wild, they take up permanent residence. Free public tours of the facility are offered on the first Saturday of each month from May to October from 1:00-5:00.
Trail Running
The New River Gorge provides a challenging terrain for serious trail runners. But moderate trails are also available for those seeking a less strenuous workout. To see the most highly recommended running trails in this area visit TrailRunProject.com.
Mountain Biking
Almost all the New River Gorge National Park trails are open to mountain biking, but the Arrowhead Trails were designed specifically for single-track mountain biking. Right outside of the National Park near Fayetteville is Wolf Creek Park, a new trail system built for bikers by bikers. You can rent or buy mountain bikes from two Fayetteville shops: New River Bikes and Arrowhead Bike Farm.
Fayette Station Road
Before the New River Gorge Bridge was completed in 1977, the only way to the other side of the river was to drive down windy Fayette Station Road to the bottom of the Gorge and then back up again. This 45-minute trip offers breathtaking views of the forest from every elevation, and you can stop at several different trailheads along the way. Once you reach the bottom of the Gorge, park and get out. You can watch rafters and kayakers come through Fayette Station rapids. Download the Fayette Station Road Audio Tour for an extra special experience.
Swimming
There are many opportunities to enjoy fresh water in the New River Gorge. You can snorkel in crystal-clear Summersville Lake (called “The Little Bahamas of the East” by SCUBA enthusiasts), or enjoy a dip in a secluded swimming hole like the one below Glade Creek Falls. But please take note: even the small rapids along the New and Gauley Rivers can be dangerous. Check out this post or more detailed information about where to safely swim in the New River Gorge.
Hiking in the New River Gorge National Park
Our favorite way to experience nature is by hiking and the New River Gorge National Park offers over 100 miles of well-maintained trails in seven defined hiking area.
1. Fayetteville and Lansing Area
This area has twelve trails including the most iconic in the New River Gorge: Long Point Trail and Endless Wall Trail. Trailheads for all 12 trails are within minutes of downtown Fayetteville. A few are even accessible from Fayetteville Town Park which is 5 minutes from Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals.
2. Arrowhead Trails
Arrowhead is a stacked loop of four trails that is primarily used by mountain bikers. It is in the Fayetteville area near many other trailheads.
3. Nuttallburg Area
The seven trails of Nuttallburg allow you to explore the remains of a historic coal-mining complex. Remnants of the Nuttallburg community have been preserved by the National Park Service with markers, maps, and walking trails. The headhouse, conveyor, tipple and coke ovens are still standing in this long-abandoned area that is slowly but surely being reclaimed by nature.
4. Thurmond, Stone Cliff and Cunard Area
These six trails take you along the New River and/or provide beautiful views of the once-bustling railroad town of Thurmond. One of our favorite trails in this area is the Southside Trail. This seven-mile stretch from Cunard to Thurmond runs alongside the New River and provides endless ephemeral wonders. The variety of wildflowers in April and May is amazing and the diversity of mushrooms in July and August is equally impressive.
5. Glade Creek Area
These four trails are the most secluded in the entire New River Gorge National Park. The Glade Creek Trail is a rail-road grade trail that follows its namesake, allowing you to explore beautiful waterfalls and exceptional swimming holes. It contains a spur trail that takes you to the lovely Kate’s Falls. High above the creek, the Kate’s Plateau Trail and the Poll’s Plateau Trail offer opportunities for quiet exploration and wildlife viewing.
6. Grandview Area
Grandview has seven trails with views so spectacular they once comprised their own West Virginia State Park. The National Park Service incorporated the Grandview area into the New River Gorge National River in 1990. It’s easy to spend the day in their area exploring the beautiful rock formations, hiking the woodland trails, and enjoying the iconic view of the New River’s horseshoe bend.
7. Sandstone/Brooks Area
There are five trails in the southern section of the New River Gorge near Hinton, WV. The ¼ mile, accessible Sandstone Falls Boardwalk takes you out into the New River over a series of small islands for an incredible up-close view of the widest waterfall on the New River.
Nearby West Virginia State Parks
There are eight state parks within an hour’s drive of Fayetteville, ensuring that you will never run out of amazing nature to explore. Every park offers trails, picnic areas, vistas, and playgrounds but they each have many unique activities. From boating and swimming to ziplining and aerial trams, check the West Virginia State Parks website to see a full list of amenities offered at each park.
Hawks Nest
This state park is known for its iconic vistas of the New River, hillside trails, and jetboat rides. Our favorite trail here is the Hawk’s Nest Rail Trail which is accessible from the nearby town of Ansted. Hawk’s Nest State Park is just 12 miles from Fayetteville.
Summersville Lake
There are four trails around West Virginia’s largest and most beautiful lake. The crystal-clear water of Summerville Lake is a sight to behold and there is no better place from which to behold it than from the Long Point overlook and the terminus of the Long Point Trail (not to be confused with the Longpoint Trail in Fayetteville). Summersville Lake State Park is 19 miles from Fayetteville.
Carnifex Ferry
This state park and museum is rich in Civil War-era history. It also has great trails and a spectacular view of the Gauley River. We recommend hiking the Patterson Trail during Gauley Season (late Sept. to Oct.) to see the whitewater rafters from high above the river. Carnifex Ferry State Park is 23 miles from Fayetteville.
Babcock
A fantastic place to view fall foliage, Babcock has a diverse trail system, two swinging bridges, and a beautiful lake. Its primary claim to fame is the gorgeous old grist mill that sits along the creek that runs through the park. Babcock State Park is 21 miles from Fayetteville.
Little Beaver
A stocked fishing lake is the most popular attraction at this state park but there is also an extensive trail system. The Rhododendron Run Trail is fabulous in late June when the Rhododendron maximum is in bloom. Little Beaver State Park is 36 miles from Fayetteville.
Plum Orchard Lake
This 202-acre reservoir near Pax, WV is managed by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. We visit this fishing lake every summer to see the abundance of pink and white water lilies in full bloom. It is 18 miles from Fayetteville.
Bluestone State Park & National Scenic River
This state park sits along Bluestone Lake which is part of the Bluestone National Scenic River. Boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities abound. We love the Bluestone Turnpike Tail which is a long, gorgeous trail that follows the river. Bluestone Lake is 64 miles from Fayetteville.
Pipestem Resort State Park
Packed with amenities, this resort state park offers aerial and water adventures, stables, golf, and more. There is also a great nature center with a fascinating bird viewing area. Pipestem Resort State Park is 66 miles from Fayetteville.
Twin Falls Resort State Park
This resort state park boasts a challenging 18-hole golf course, twin waterfalls, many trails, and a working pioneer farm. Twin Falls State Park is 44 miles from Fayetteville.
Camp Creek
Beautiful and abundantly stocked trout streams fill this state park. It’s a popular place for horse owners. The trails and campsites have accommodations for horses. Camp Creek State Park is 48 miles from Fayetteville.
Annual New River Gorge Events that Celebrate Nature
New River Gorge National Park Spring Nature Fling
During the month of April, the National Park Service celebrates spring’s arrival with a program of demonstrations, exhibits, guided hikes, and activities in the New River Gorge and surrounding WV State Parks.
New River Gorge Birding and Nature Festival
This weeklong event in early May features guided birding and nature excursions, world-class speakers, and the finest selection of guides for exploring the species-rich hardwood forests of the New River Gorge.
Tips for Enjoying Nature in the New River Gorge
We have always appreciated the New River Gorge’s natural beauty and we spend most of our free time hiking, but it wasn’t until we completed the West Virginia Master Naturalist Program (a multi-year program of classes, fieldwork, and volunteer hours) that we were able to articulate what we truly enjoyed and how we enjoyed it. It is with this experience that we offer you these four tips for making your time in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve more enjoyable.
1. CHOOSE THE TIME OF DAY WISELY
In the fall, winter and spring it’s nice to get outside in the late afternoon. It’s generally a little warmer and the light in the forest is magical as the sun starts to set for the day. But in the middle of summer, late afternoon is always hot and super humid in the forest. You may want to consider hiking in the early morning or early evening. It’s also helpful to remember that the forest canopy is dense in the New River Gorge. It will protect you from the harsh rays of sunlight and light showers of rain, but the summer canopy will also cause the trails to go dark earlier than you’d expect, especially at the bottom of the Gorge.
2. TAKE TIME FOR MICRO AND MACRO VIEWING
Sometimes we get so focused on the ground, admiring wildflowers or hunting for mushrooms, that we forget to look up and enjoy the beauty surrounding us. Take time to admire the big stuff too: the sunlight filtering through the tree canopy (called “komorebi” in Japanese), the natural fractals on the distant hillsides, and the breathtaking view of the old, deep gorge.
3. MAKE IT A MISSION
When the seasons change, and especially when we travel to new areas, we almost always have a checklist of things we want to see and experience. This generates anticipation and makes our adventures feel a bit like a scavenger hunt. You certainly don’t need a reason to experience nature, but sometimes it makes it more fun! We created a naturalist’s calendar to help you better understand what’s happening in nature throughout the year.
4. LISTEN FOR WATER
Not only is the sound of naturally flowing water soothing, it’s also very alluring. When you are in the forest and you hear the call of water, answer by following it to the source. Discovering rivers, streams, creeks, and springs can be very satisfying on a primal level. If you are lucky enough to come upon a waterfall, let yourself enjoy the positive effects it has on your mind and body. Waterfalls release negative ions: oxygen atoms with extra negatively charged electrons. They are believed to increase serotonin levels which helps alleviate depression and stress. Negative ions also give us a little boost of energy which is always needed while adventuring.
All photos are by Shawn Means with the exceptions of Summersville Lake and Babcock State Park which were provided by WV Tourism.
Craving more insider info for your New River Gorge getaway? Check out the following posts:
- Our 10 Favorite New River Gorge Micro-Seasons
- Our 10 Favorite Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots in New River Gorge
- New River Gorge Explorer: A 7-Day Itinerary
Who are we? Amy & Shawn, New River Gorge hikers, WV Master Naturalists, and owners of Lafayette Flats Boutique Vacation Rentals.
