Awe-inspiring outdoor adventure, one of the oldest rivers in the world, and the country’s newest national park are just some of the things that await you at New River Gorge National Park. If you’re looking for a fun, active vacation in the New River Gorge, this itinerary is for you!
Where is New River Gorge National Park located?
New River Gorge is located in North America, more specifically the Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia. It boasts some of the best whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking trails in the world. It is also home to the longest steel arch bridge in the United States, the New River Gorge Bridge.
In addition to being an outdoor lovers paradise, the gorge also features a rich history of coal mining, and several other historic sights, including the town of Thurmond. Thurmond was once a booming railroad community, however, today it is practically a ghost town with a rich past, and scenic hiking trails to explore. If you like hiking, and coal mining history, be sure to hike the Southside Trail from Thurmond to Cunard. This trail has some cool coke ovens to explore near it. They are fairly easy to spot, but you will need to keep an eye out for them, or you could miss them. To access Thurmond, take County Route 25 out of Glen Jean and Cunard. Follow the signs to Cunard.
It’s easy to see why New River Gorge was designated as a National Park in 2020 by Congress—it has such a rich history and natural beauty.
When is the Best time to visit New River Gorge National Park?
New River Gorge is a beautiful place in any season. If you’re looking for warm weather and lots of outdoor activities to participate in, summer may be your best bet.
However, summer is the busiest time of year at the park: the trails are crowded with hikers and bikers. On summer weekends you can expect traffic jams in Fayetteville where everyone goes in search of food and cold drinks after enjoying the natural beauty of this place all day long. Maybe consider a weekday in June or early July if you like warm temperatures but want to avoid the crowds as much as possible.
A great time of year in New River Gorge is during the shoulder seasons, spring and fall. During these seasons, you’ll catch the gorge in all of its splendor: in the spring, it will be green and vibrant; and in the fall, the leaves turn vivid oranges and reds.
Where to stay in New River Gorge National Park
When you’re traveling to New River Gorge, National Park, it makes sense that you’d want to stay in accommodations that make the most of your trip. We offer unique, and charming vacation rentals in the heart of the New River Gorge. Our homes are perfect for families, couples, or those traveling with pets (Gorge Getaway is pet-friendly). Each home has been designed with our guest in mind, and offer all of the modern amenities you’ll need for a great stay.
Our Homes
Delightful Downtown Bungalow offers 3/4 bedrooms with 2 baths, sleeping 8. This charming bungalow is within walking distance of downtown Historic Fayetteville.
Delightful Gorge Getaway offers 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, sleeping 8. It is a delightful getaway for families, and friends traveling with their pet.
Our Delightful New River Retreat offers modern comfort and style, with 2 bedrooms + office, and 1 bathroom. It is the perfect basecamp for couples, travel nurses, solo adventurers, and remote work travelers.
New River Gorge 3 Day Itinerary
Check-In: Settle into Your Vacation Home & Enjoy Local Food
Arrive at your vacation home at 4pm for check-in.
Dinner: Pies & Pints
Drop your bags and head over to local favorite Pies & Pints for craft pizza and beer.
For dinner, I recommend: Bone-in chicken wings, a house salad with the balsamic dressing, and the Grape and Gorgonzola Pizza.
Distance from DT Bungalow: 11 minute walk | Distance from Gorge Getaway: 11 minute drive
After dinner, settle in for the night and relax.
Alternative: Drinks at Southside Junction Tap House
Day 1: Breakfast, Hike, Shop, Scenic Drive
Wake up and start your morning with a hot cup of coffee in our fully-equipped kitchen. It’s going to be a fun day! Next stop is breakfast at Wood Iron Eatery.
Breakfast: Wood Iron Eatery
Wood Iron Eatery is a small, local breakfast spot off the beaten path with a good cup of coffee and made from scratch food. My all-time favorite menu item is the Chilaquiles.
Distance from DT Bungalow: 9 minute walk | Distance from Gorge Getaway: 10 minute drive
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
After breakfast, go to Canyon Rim Visitor Center. From there you can see the longest steel arch bridge in the United States; it’s an easy hike out to the main overlook. At the Visitor Center, you can get information about New River Gorge National Park and other areas of interest such as; Bluestone National Scenic River ,and Gauley River National Recreation Area (National Park Service website).
Distance from DT Bungalow: 4 minute drive | Distance from Gorge Getaway: 13 minute drive
The next stop on your trip is Long Point Trail.
Long Point Trail
At 3 miles long, Long Point Trail is a short hike with a big payoff! Located just outside of Fayetteville, this easy hike is an out and back trail with scenic views of the New River and New River Gorge bridge.
Distance from DT Bungalow: 8 minute drive | Distance from Gorge Getaway: 14 minute drive
Other popular trails in the area: Endless Wall Trail, Glade Creek Trail, Grandview Rim Trail to Turkey Spur.
Lunch & Shopping Downtown
Once you have finished your hike head back to Fayetteville historic district for lunch at Cathedral Cafe and shopping.
After lunch, meander through the historic district of charming downtown Fayetteville. Spend the day exploring all of its wonderful local shops, and soak in the unique town history. I recommend a stop at Out of the Ashes, Lost Appalachia Trading Co, Water Stone Outdoors, New River Antique Mall, and Thread for unique finds, and locally crafted gifts.
Evening Drive : Fayette Station Road
A scenic drive down Fayette Station Road should be one of your first stops if you want to enjoy the scenery of the New River Gorge; I especially love this drive in the evening as the sun begins to fade. The beauty of the New River Gorge comes to life as you navigate the twists and turns down to the bottom of the gorge. As the sun sets on the New River, it’s hard not to appreciate how beautiful this part of our state is.
Distance from DT Bungalow: Total driving time 15 minutes | Distance from Gorge Getaway: Total driving time 24 minutes
On the way home stop at Kroger for groceries, and Studio B for the best wine and craft beer selection.
Cook a nice dinner in our comfortable, fully-stocked kitchen. Our delightful kitchens make vacation time a whole lot easier when you can whip up a delicious meal without leaving home.
New River Gorge Itinerary Day 2: Mountain Biking Adventure
Wake up and start your morning with a leisure cup of coffee or tea and breakfast at your delightful home. If you prefer to start breakfast out, Cathedral Cafe is a great place to start your morning.
Morning Adventure: Arrowhead Bike Farm
After breakfast it’s time for your morning mountain biking adventure at Arrowhead Bike Farm, don’t worry, they offer guided tours daily. Their tours are designed for riders of all skill levels who are interested in experiencing the miles of trails in the New River Gorge. Bring your own mountain bike, or rent one at the Bike Farm.
After you’ve finished your bike ride, take some time to relax and refuel at The Handle Bar + Kitchen, located at Arrowhead Bike Farm. The restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere, tasty tacos and a variety of craft beers and local West Virginia brews.
Distance from DT Bungalow: Total driving time 5 minutes | Distance from Gorge Getaway: Total driving time 12 minutes
Alternative Adventures :
Try the Bridge Walk guided tour. This tour is 3-hours and will take you under the New River Gorge Bridge on a 2-foot-wide catwalk that runs the length of the bridge. Don’t worry, you’ll be attached to a safety cable the whole way!
Distance from DT Bungalow: Total driving time 4 minutes | Distance from Gorge Getaway: Total driving time 12 minutes
Ace Adventure Resort: Zip lines
Distance from DT Bungalow: Total driving time 17 minutes | Distance from Gorge Getaway: Total driving time 9 minutes
Enjoy dinner at Wanderlust Creative Foods in Downtown Fayetteville.
Day 3: White Water Rafting
No spring, summer, or fall trip to New River Gorge is complete without a full day of whitewater rafting. It’s not called the Grand Canyon of the East for nothing. The New River Gorge is a breathtaking destination in itself, but throw in some whitewater rafting and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable adventure. If you’re ready for some excitement on your next trip to West Virginia, make sure to check out these local outfitters who offer trips on the New River; New & Gauley River Adventures, River Expeditions, Adventures on the Gorge, and Ace Adventure Resorts.
Upper New River
The upper section of the river is very tame, so make it your first choice if you’re new to rafting or have younger kids in tow. Its gentle riffles and occasional light rapids are great for beginning rafters, making this section of the river perfect for families, church groups and corporate retreats. Several outfitters offer both half-day and full-day trips, so there’s plenty of time to take in the sights while enjoying plenty of fun in the sun.
Lower New River
If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, try the lower New River which offers rapids and technical maneuvers that provide a thrilling adventure for all rafters. The lower gorge offers, along with the Gauley River, some of the best whitewater in the world. For an extra special treat book your Lower New River Rafting trip on Bridge day, which is in late October. One day a year, on Bridge Day, you can raft the Lower New River and catch a glimpse of the base jumpers jumping 876 ft from the New River Gorge bridge.
Dinner
After a long day of white water rafting, there is no better way to relax than with a drink and a bite to eat from Burrito Bar, or Chetty’s Pub. Burrito Bar (open only in the summer) offers fresh food, cold drinks, live music, and amazing sunsets. The atmosphere is laid back and perfect for large groups. If you feel like a more eclectic dining experience, then head over to Chetty’s Pub for some amazing burgers and beer. Chetty’s is known for its laid back atmosphere, live music, and hand crafted burgers. With delicious drinks, food, and atmosphere you will be sure to have a great time!
Alternative Adventures:
For those who would rather stay on dry land to enjoy the great outdoors, there are plenty of other activities in the area to experience. Consider a road trip to the surrounding area of Summersville Lake, White Sulphur Springs, or Sandstone Falls.
Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake is West Virginia’s largest lake. There are several hiking trails with clear blue waterfalls, swimming spots and rock climbing. You can go cliff diving at “Jump Rock” or simply relax on the beach and go fishing.
Distance from DT Bungalow: Total driving time 20 minutes | Distance from Gorge Getaway: Total driving time 29 minutes
White Sulphur Springs
For over 200 years, people have been making the pilgrimage to West Virginia’s White Sulphur Springs. The area has a rich history and was a popular resort town all throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, visitors can spend the day meandering through The Greenbrier Resort or exploring some of the area’s other historic sites.
Distance from DT Bungalow: Total driving time 1hr 23 minutes | Distance from Gorge Getaway: Total driving time 1hr 21 minutes
Sandstone Falls in Hinton
Hinton, WV makes for an easy day trip. The state’s largest waterfall—Sandstone Falls—can be viewed from the Sandstone Falls boardwalk. Activities at the southern portion of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve can be learned about at the Sandstone Visitor Center on I-64.
Distance from DT Bungalow: Total driving time 1hr 18 minutes | Distance from Gorge Getaway: Total driving time 1hr 12 minutes
After your day of adventure head back to the house and relax for the evening. Curl up and watch a movie in the living room, or join around the fire pit at Delightful Downtown Bungalow to recap your afternoon adventures.
Day 4: Head Home
Grab a cup of coffee from Range Finders Coffee, pack up and check out of your delightful retreat by 11am. On your way out grab a quick breakfast at Wood Iron Eatery, or Cathedral Cafe.
