West Virginia’s New River Gorge has long been a favorite site for locals and tourists alike, and it’s garnered national attention many times before, including its designation as a National River in the 1970s. But in the final days of 2020, it leveled up, joining the ranks as America’s newest National Park: the nation’s 63rd and West Virginia’s first. If you haven’t paid a visit to this new national park in West Virginia, allow us to sing its praises and try and convince you to check it out!

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

In a bipartisan move supported by both West Virginia U.S. senators, legislation passed in December of 2020 included the decision to re-designate the New River Gorge from a National River to a National Park and Preserve.
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This move was greeted with mixed emotions from West Virginians, who love the state's status as an undiscovered gem and the freedom and privacy associated with it, but also recognize the much needed economic benefit this change will bring in the form of government funding and increased tourism.
Any discussion of the gorge as a tourist attraction must start here, at the bridge. The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest single-span arched bridge in the nation, and it's definitely the face of the New River Gorge.
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You can see this iconic arched bridge from various vantage points, but one of the most popular is the Canyon Rim Visitors Center Overlook. Views are free, but be prepared to climb some stairs!
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You can also tour a small history museum and purchase tickets at the visitors center to take an unforgettable journey under the bridge via the breathtaking New River Gorge bridge walk.

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Another spot not to miss in the re-designated park is the wide Sandstone Falls outside of Hinton.
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For a glimpse into the coal history that can't be separated from a true experience of the New River Gorge, visit the nearly abandoned coal town of Thurmond, which you can access either by car or by train.
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And if your not tired of the view yet (trust us, you won't be), swing over to Grandview Overlook near Beckley to feast your eyes on more of the scenery.
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The New River National Park and Preserve was the first addition to the National Park system since 2018, and it is the only Park and Preserve combination in the contiguous United States (there are four others in Alaska).
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The National Park portion includes approximately 7,021 acres encompassing the Lower Gorge, Thurmond, Grandview, and Sandstone Falls. The Preserve spans 65,165 additional acres of the rugged canyon, allowing for backcountry hunting.

What do you think of the New River Gorge being upgraded to a National Park? Have you paid a visit to this national park in West Virginia yet? If not, we can’t recommend it enough… it truly is one of the most beautiful places in the Mountain State!

If you’d like to explore the New River Gorge even more, try hiking the Endless Wall Trail or explore the ruins of Nuttallburg… both offer views that are truly bucket-list worthy!

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National park to visit in West Virginia

Sarah M. | February 09, 2022

What are some other scenic places to visit in West Virginia?

West Virginia really is the most criminally underrated state in the country. The Mountain State is immensely beautiful, as you will see when you pay a visit to the newest national park in West Virginia! New River National Park aside, there are numerous scenic spots around the state... we're talking magnificent, immensely beautiful places with expansive panoramas and jaw-dropping vistas. One of our favorite places in West Virginia is at Harpers Ferry. This idyllic West Virginia town is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, and is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The options for outdoor recreation here are endless: go hiking, fishing, or whitewater rafting at the 3,660-acre Harpers Ferry National Park, located in the Blue Ridge of the sprawling Appalachian Mountains. Interestingly enough, the most photographed view of Harpers Ferry is actually in Maryland; you'll access Overlook Cliff from the Maryland Heights Trail. Back on the West Virginia side of Harpers Ferry, the Appalachian Trail actually crosses the ADT, so if this iconic American trail is on your bucket list, you can hop on here!

How many national parks are there in West Virginia?

There are six nationally designated areas in West Virginia: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and the Gauley River National Recreation Area. How many of these wondrous places have you visited?

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