What to Do in New River Gorge National Park with Kids
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New River Gorge National Park has some incredible views! This is from Long Point Trail.
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Charletta on our rafting trip along the New River
If you’re looking for things to do at New River Gorge National Park with kids (or without!), you’re in the right place. This new National Park is home to the New River which is the oldest river in North America and the second oldest river in the World. This river is also unique in that the water flows Northward. The New River is estimated to be between 10 and 300 million years old! Inside this National Park, you will also find the New River Gorge Bridge. This bridge is the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere coming in at 876 feet tall and spanning over 3,000 feet in length. The New River Gorge is also an astounding 1,600 feet deep. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is America’s newest National Park and is a must-see for anyone on a road trip down the East Coast. President Jimmy Carter designated this area a National River in 1978, but in December 2020 the designation was changed to become America’s 63rd National Park. New River Gorge National Park is visited by approximately 1.4 million people annually and is made up of about 72,808 acres of protected land. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you’ll absolutely fall in love with all the things to do in New River Gorge!
Every visitor should make a stop at one of the four visitor centers to get a New River Gorge National Park map, get a weather update, info about the park’s land and water conditions, and possible closures. You can also visit HERE to see up-to-date closures and weather. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the most popular Visitor Center in the park. There you can take a short hike for sweeping views of the New River Gorge Bridge. Thurman Depot and Grandview Visitor Center are smaller and are more information stations than full visitor centers. Sandstone Visitor Center is the southernmost visitor center. It is gorgeous. It offers the park video, an interactive museum, and some small trails. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots and what New River Gorge activities are their favorite!
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When to Visit New River Gorge National Park
Summertime is New River Gorge’s busiest and warmest season. April to late October is arguably the best time to visit New River Gorge. This time of year the park is fully open; trails, visitor centers, water activities, etc. Between these months you’ll be able to get the full outdoor experience which is what makes this park so special. It is also a wonderful time to explore the cheap things to do in West Virginia like hiking, biking, and auto touring — a visit to a National Park does not have to be expensive with guided adventure tours!
We visited in August in the middle of peak season. The park was not crowded at all. We visited 3 visitor centers and the only one with several other people was the Canyon Rim visitor center. The temperature was warm to hot during the day and cool in the early morning and evening. Summertime does mean mosquitos though, so bring the bug spray!
Winter can be very cold, but absolutely gorgeous. It snows in New River Gorge National Park and leaves behind a winter wonderland. If you visit in winter, be prepared with snowshoes, lots of layers, crampons for icy conditions, tire chains for the snow, etc. Also, come prepared to witness the absolute beauty of the Gorge in winter. Check the National Park Service site for trail closures, road closures, and winter hours for the visitor centers.
The average annual weather for New River Gorge NP — reference COURTESY of google.com
How to get to New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is centrally located on the East Coast of he United States in South East region of West Virginia. The park is within easy driving distance from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington DC.
Obligatory national park sign photo!
Washington DC to New River Gorge National park is 4 hours, 45 minutes
How far is New River Gorge National Park from Raleigh? 4 hours, 20 minutes
Charlotte to New River Gorge National Park is 3 hours, 30 minutes
Pittsburgh to New River Gorge park is 3 hours, 45 minutes
Cincinnati to New River Gorge National park is 4 hours, 30 minutes
Shenandoah National Park to New River Gorge National Park is 2 and half hours
New River Gorge National Park is in West Virginia. The park is narrow and long; it stretches 53 miles from top to bottom. Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the most Northern Visitor Center and is considered the main area of the National Park. When we visited, we drove in from the South to see Sandstone Falls and Grand View on our way up to Canyon Rim. When planning to visit this park be sure to account for the substantial driving distances.
READ NEXT: Cuyahoga Valley National Park with Kids (Ohio)
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How Much Does it Cost to Get into New River Gorge National Park?
Grandview visitor center in new river gorge National park
Entrance Fee
There is no fee to visit New River Gorge National Park!
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Where to Stay in New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park Lodges:
We stayedin a cabin at Ace Adventure Park — i highly reccomend staying here! There is so much to do!
There are no lodges in New River Gorge National Park. However, there are many amazing places to stay in the surrounding area. Check the West Virginia State Park website for more information on State Park lodges.
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ace adventure resort has endless activities for families
New River Gorge National Park Campgrounds:
New River Gorge National Park Camping: There are 9 campgrounds inside New River Gorge National Park. All of the campgrounds located in New River Gorge are considered primitive and backcountry. All sites are FREE and first-come, first-serve.
The campgrounds are diispersed throughout the park
Stone Cliff Beach Campground: First Come, First Serve. This campground has 6 walk-in sites and one site that is accessible by vehicle. 2 vehicles allowed in sites. Each site has a fire ring. This campground has no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities.
Army Camp: First Come, First Serve. This campground has 11 drive-in sites. 2 vehicles allowed in sites. Each site has a fire ring. This campground has no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities.
Grandview Sandbar Campground: First come, first serve. This campground offers 10 tent sites, 6 walk-in sites, and 2 accessible sites by the river. 2 vehicles allowed in sites. Each site has a fire ring. This campground has no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities.
Glade Creek Campground: First come, first serve. This campground offers6 walk-in sites and five drive-in sites for tents or small RVs. There is also one accessible site. 2 vehicles allowed in sites. Each site has a fire ring. This campground has no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities.
War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground: First come, first serve. This campground offers eight drive-in sites that can host tents or small RVs and one site that is for tent only. 2 vehicles allowed in sites. Each site has a fire ring. This campground has no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities.
Brooklyn Campground: First come, first serve. This campground offers 4 walk-in sites and one drive in site that is for tents only. 2 vehicles allowed in drive-in sites. Each site has a fire ring. This campground has no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities.
Thayer Campground: First come, first serve. This campground offers four walk-in sites. Each site has a fire ring. This campground has no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities.
Meadow Creek Campground: First come, first serve. This campground offers grass and gravel sites. Visitors do have to cross 4 sets of railroad tracks, so RVs be aware! This campground has great reviews!
Gauley Tailwaters Campground: First come, first serve. This campground offers 18 drive-in sites for tents and RVs 2 vehicles allowed in sites. Each site has a fire ring. This campground has no drinking water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
The campgrounds are dispersed through the park
The Playground at ace adventure resort is awesome!
The kids had the best time on the aerial adventure park at ace!
Where to Stay Outside of New River Gorge National Park
We stayed for 3 nights at Ace Adventure resort — it is a perfect place for families
New River Gorge National Park has many options for staying outside the park, but outside of the park doesn’t mean what you think. We spent 3 nights at Ace Adventure Resort and the extensive property includes river front on the New River which is the National Park! The property is privately owned but still gives direct access to the park. In our opinion, it is the best New River Gorge Resort!
Recommended Hotel Near New River Gorge National Park:
Ace Adventure Resort: This property is amazing. Ace’s expansive 1500-acre property includes over 20 adventure activities, cabins, multiple restaurant options, and an incredible 5 acre lake which has been transformed into a massive waterpark that includes waterslides, ziplines, giant inflatable obstacles, and a white sandy beach. Here at Ace you can camp in the RV park, stay in your tent, or rent one of their rustic cabins or stay in a more luxurious cabin with all the comforts. Ace Adventure Resort’s activities include white water rafting, the massive waterpark, a playground, an aerial park, paddle boarding, kayaking, mountain biking, paintballing, climbing, and so much more. My family loved this place. Every day was packed full of adventure and every evening we cooked smore’s and sat in the hot tub relaxing. We will be 100% staying here again.
Other Recommended places to stay near New River Gorge National Park:
If you prefer to stay in hotels, use the map below to find a hotel that fits your family size and budget. Also be sure to check Hawks Nest State Park which is 10-miles North of NRG or Babcock State Park which is 20-miles south of NRGNP.
Us standing at the end of long point trail — the views are 100000% worth the hike!
What to do in New River Gorge National Park with Kids
The kids at the grandview overlook in new river gorge national park
1) Hike
Hiking is one of the best free things to do in West Virginia! New River Gorge National Park has hiking for any ability. From short, easy hikes with incredible views to longer more challenging trails, New River Gorge hiking has something for everyone. Below are the best hikes New River Gorge has to offer!
Best Hikes for Toddlers in New River Gorge National Park:
sitting by sandstone falls
Sandstone Falls Boardwalk: (Sandstone Area) I highly recommend this hike. This very easy and very short 1/4 mile hike is accessible. It leads hikers down through riverside flat rock and ends at the New River here you can see the sandstone falls. You are able to get down into the water, so bring water shoes if you’d like to get in!
Tunnel Trail: (Grandview Area) This very easy 0.6-mile is one of the shortest trails in the Grandview Area. This trail takes hikers past several tunnels in the rock and passes beneath a large rock overhang. It’s a gorgeous spot.
Big Buck Trail: (Grandview Area) This easy 0.9-mile trail takes hikers through a rolling section of forest. There are flora identification signs along the way explaining the great diversity of the Appalachian forest.
the view from lower bridge view at canyon rim visitor center
Best Hikes for Kids in New River Gorge National Park:
The kids hiking at sunrise to long point
Long Point Trail: (Fayetteville Area) This moderate hike is AMAZING. We did this hike at sunrise with 5 little kids aged 9 years to 4 years. The trail is 3 miles (approx 1.6 miles one way) and most of it is through a forest, but then it opens to a clearing with phenomenal views of the New River Gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. If there is only one trail you do in NRG, pick this one. This is the best hike in New River Gorge in my opinion.
Castle Rock Trail: (Grandview Area) This strenuous 0.6-mile trail takes hikers along towering fortress-like rock walls. It also offers hikers great views along the Grandview Rim trail. Pair this trail with Grandview Rim Trail for a great 1-mile loop hike. ***Keep young children close on this trail, there are drop-offs***
Grandview Rim Trail: (Grandview Area) This moderate 3.2-mile hike rewards hikers with many breathtaking views of the gorge and river far below.
Big Branch Trail: (Sandstone Area) This strenuous 2 loop is a great choice in the early spring when wildflowers are in bloom. Hikers are rewarded by crossing a stream, passing several waterfalls, and even passing what’s left of an old farmstead. The trail climbs moderately up to the ridge top where there are views of the gorge and the river below.
Glade Creek Trail: (Glade Creek Area) This moderate 5.6-mile trail follows an abandoned narrow-gauge railroad along Glade Creek. The trail is perfect for those in search of swimming holes. Hikers are rewarded with views of several cascades and small waterfalls. Feel free to stop and swim or run around at any point.
Kates Falls Trail: (Glade Creek Area) This is a very short 2/10 mile, but steep trail that takes hikers to Kates Falls. This trail is a spur trail from Glade Creek Trail.
Endless Wall Trail: (Fayetteville Area) This moderate 2.4-mile trail was high on our list. Unfortunately, the rain changed our plans. This trail starts with a walk through the forest and then zig-zags along the cliff’s edge. Hikers will have many views of the New River and the Gorge. You can often hear the rafters navigating the waters below as they hike. If you want to shorten the hike to 2 miles out and back, turn around at the Diamond Point Overlook.
Bridge Trail: (Fayetteville Area) This trail is short but strenuous. It takes hikers 0.86 miles and crosses underneath the New River Gorge Bridge. This trail connects to the Fayetteville Trail.
Kaymoor Miners Trail: (Fayetteville Area) This strenuous 1-mile trail descends 821 steps to the mine. Yes, you must go down first, so keep that in mind! Approximately 0.2 miles into the trail hikers will find a nice overlook of the New River Gorge (before the steps). At the bottom hikers will find the remains of the old processing plant, coke ovens, and townsite.
the sky couldn’t decide if it wanted to have sunrise or a storm at long point
Best Hikes for Teenagers in Voyageurs National Park:
this is tunnel view trail located at grandview area
Southside Trail: (Thurmond Area) This easy 7-mile trail is a great way to experience the unique history of West Virginia’s mining. This trail passes through several abandoned mining towns including Red Ash, Brooklyn, and Rush Run. The trail also rewards hikers with excellent views of the New River.
Rend Trail: (Thurmond Area) This easy 6.4-mile trail provides hikers with amazing views of the New River, the historic community off Thurmond, and Dunloup Creek. This trail does allow mountain bikers. It is also often shortened to be only 2.5 miles — the turnaround is at the first main overlook.
If you’re up for the challenge, check out the New River Gorge 100 Mile Challenge!
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a screen shot of a video of us on the river!! If you want to see more, click the image to watch!
2) Whitewater Rafting
Charletta is very excited to be rafting the upper new river!
New River Gorge National Park white water rafting is an absolute MUST. Arguably this is the most fun in West Virginia you will find!
When I was in college, I rafted the Lower New River with Ace Adventures. It was an epic day of huge rapids. I loved every second of it. If you’re going with a group of all 12+ years old, check out rafting the Lower New River in the Spring/Summer or rafting the Gauley River in the Fall. You will not regret it. Ace Adventures offers group trips, private trips, or you can join with other adrenaline junkies for an adventure you will never forget.
If you are rafting with anyone who wants to experience Whitewater rafting, but maybe not full-on Class IV rapids or if someone in your group is between 6-12 years old — check out rafting the Upper New River. I did this with my 6-year-old in August of 2021 and it was so amazing. There are many small rapids, one class III rapid, and 2 different stops to swim. They provided us lunch too! Of all of the New River Gorge family activities, this one is by far the most fun!
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Here are some must haves for a perfect day on the river!!
Myself and my friends rafting the lower new river in 2010
Rafting the new river with my ROTC detachment in 2010 — I am in the very front and my husband is 4 helmets back on the back side!
Charletta working on her junior ranger book at the canyon rim visitor center
3) Fishing
Fishing on the New River is one of the most popular activities to do inside the park. Anglers are drawn to the variety of fish species living in the New River. They include bass (smallmouth, largemouth, striped, and rock), carp, flathhead, crappie, walleye, muskellunge, bluegill, and channel catfish.
The most popular time to fish the New River is in the Spring and Fall when the water temperatures are between the winter cold and summer warm.
There are several public river access points throughout the park. You can find the list HERE.
A Unique program in New River Gorge National Park is the Junior Angler program! If you have kids who love to fish, definitely grab one of the workbooks and help your little one earn their badge!
Our kids love to fish and we use Zebco poles for them
Sandstone falls — this view is at the end of the sandstone falls boardwalk! Bring your camera and watershoes!
4) Biking
Map courtesy of the nps — https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/arrowhead-trails-map.htm
Biking in New River Gorge National Park is a very popular activity. Unlike other National Parks, biking is allowed on many of the trails throughout the park.
The park is home to the largest youth service project in the National Park Service history; Arrowhead Trails. Over 1,000 volunteers created a 12.8 mile stacked loop trail system inside the park. You can find a map HERE.
Outside of the Arrowhead Trails, bikers will find many other trails accessible to them!
Fayetteville Trail (3.8 miles)
Kaymoor Trail (8.6 miles)
Craig Branch Trail (4.8 miles)
Park Loop Trail (1.1 miles)
Keeney’s Creek Rail Trail (6 miles)
Rend Trail (6.4 miles)
Southside Trail (14 miles)
Stonecliff Trail (5.4 miles)
Little Laurel Trail (5.2 miles)
Glade Creek Trail (11.2 miles)
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All 5 kids did this amazing aerial adventure course!!
5) Push Your Limits
Me and Charletta on the second level of the aerial course
While you’re searching through New River Gorge things to do, be sure to check out all of the amazing adventure opportunities in the area. As I said before, we stayed at Ace Adventure Resort where we had the chance to spend a day climbing the obstacles on the waterpark and an afternoon on the Aerial Park! With more time, I would have loved to spend a day Kayaking New River Gorge, Ziplining, climbing, or horseback riding! There are seriously so many cool activities to do in West Virginia!
My ultimate bucket list item for New River Gorge National Park is to do the New River Gorge Bridge Walk where you walk 1.5 miles along the longest single-arch bridge in the western hemisphere on the 24-inch wide catwalk roughly 800 feet above the river!!
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THis waterpark will test your endurance, strength, and confidence!
6) New River Gorge Junior Ranger Program
The newestNew River Gorge national park junior rangers
It’s simple to become a Junior Ranger in New River Gorge National Park!
Pick up one of the Junior Ranger books from any of the Visitor Centers. Then, head out to explore the park’s ecology, animals, and history! Once the book is complete, head back to a visitor center where a park ranger will check your work in the booklet, give the oath, and then present the coveted Junior Ranger Badge!
Check out the Junior Ranger page to learn more!
READ NEXT: What to do in Badlands National Park with Kids
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7) African American Heritage Auto Tour
Not only is the New River the second oldest river in the world, but it is home to a history deeply rooted in the African American community. The National Park Service create The African American Heritage Tour to uncover and tell the stories of the many black coal miners, railroad workers, and other community members that helped shape this region. This self-guided auto tour is narrated on a CD, but it will soon be available on the NPS app.
This tour takes you to seventeen historic sites in Summers, Raleigh, Fayette, and Nicholas counties. The sites include Quinnimont Missionary Baptist Church, Camp Washington Carver, Winona, Nuttalburg, Hawks Nest Workers Memorial, Mt Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Gauley Depot and Gauley Bridge, Bright Hope Lodge, Harlem Heights, McKendree’s Miners Hospital, DuBois High School, Slab Fork, Helen, Stratton High School, John Henry Park, Second Baptist Church, and Hinton Depot.
The new river is the second oldest river in the world and it runs south to north
8) Drive the Historic Fayette Station Road
Fayette Station Road is a 100 year-old road that winds down to the bottom of the New River Gorge. This road was built long before the New River Gorge Bridge. It was slowly created after the C&O railway came to the area to carry mined coal out into the cities. As more workers came to the area, more than forty coal towns were created, bringing more and more traffic.
The Fayette Station Road moves slowly down to river level where there are remnants of old townsites of Fayette and South Fayette. The company towns include stores, homes, and the coal mine. These towns were eventually deserted after the resources in the area were exhausted and people moved elsewhere for work.
Be sure to download the audio tour before you start this drive to hear the full history!
Before the bridge exisited, people had to drive the fayettestation road to the bottom and back up!
New River Gorge National Park is the only National Park located in Southern West Virginia. People come from all over the world to experience the white water rapids of the oldest river in the Northern Hemisphere and climbers from all over the world descend on the park for their chance at one of the 1,400 established climbs. New River Gorge National Park offers world-class fishing, rafting, outdoor adventure, adrenaline challenges, and the unmatched beauty of the West Virginia Hills. While there are many adventures to be had, New River Gorge is definitely one of the top things to see in West Virginia!
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