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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

Layland, Virginia · Fayette County

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.

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37.86879, -80.99956
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About New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.

How to Get There

To reach Park Headquarters take Route 19 North from Beckley to the Glen Jean exit. Upon exiting Rt 19, make an immediate left turn. At the next intersection, turn right. Park Headquarters will be straight ahead on the right. GPS Coordinates for Headquarters: 81.15587W, 37.92775N PLEASE NOTE: Third party search and map apps may direct you to an potentially inaccessible area of the park with no amenities or rangers stations. Please refer to the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters addresses for directions.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

Heading to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?

No central reservation system listed for New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2840) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?

To reach Park Headquarters take Route 19 North from Beckley to the Glen Jean exit. Upon exiting Rt 19, make an immediate left turn. At the next intersection, turn right. Park Headquarters will be straight ahead on the right. GPS Coordinates for Headquarters: 81.15587W, 37.92775N PLEASE NOTE: Third party search and map apps may direct you to an potentially inaccessible area of the park with no amen…

How do I contact New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?

You can reach the park at phone: (304) 465-0508 or email: neri_interpretation@nps.gov.