One Day at New River Gorge National Park: Best Hikes, Views & Things to Do
Planning a visit to New River Gorge National Park but only have one day? This one day at. New River Gorge itinerary highlights the park’s best views, hikes, and scenic drives so you can experience West Virginia’s incredible gorge in a single day. From the iconic bridge to stunning overlooks and charming Fayetteville, here’s how to make the most of your day in New River Gorge National Park!
In December 2020, New River Gorge was named the 63rd National Park in the United States. In the almost five years that have passed, no new parks have been added, making New River Gorge still the newest park you can visit.
This post was originally published in August 2023 and was updated with new content in August 2025.
Fast Facts About New River Gorge National Park
New River Gorge National Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise in southern West Virginia, offering stunning views, adrenaline-pumping activities, and rich Appalachian history.
- Established: Designated a National River in 1978; became a National Park and Preserve in 2020
- Location: Near Fayetteville, West Virginia
- Annual Visitors: Over 1.5 million
- Size: Approximately 70,000 acres
- What It’s Known For: The New River Gorge Bridge, world-class rock climbing, scenic overlooks, whitewater rafting, historic mining sites, and lush Appalachian forests
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler temperatures, blooming rhododendrons, and vibrant foliage
- Fun Fact: The New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America—despite its name!
There is no fee to enter New River Gorge National Park.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park
If you only have one day, you’re probably wondering: when’s the best time to visit New River Gorge?
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal. In spring, the gorge bursts into color with blooming rhododendrons, while fall offers fiery foliage and crisp air perfect for hiking. Summer is great for whitewater rafting but can be humid and busy, while winter is quieter and offers peaceful trails if you don’t mind chilly temps.
We visited in late July and found the temperature to be pretty pleasant, although the sun and heat got to be a lot in the afternoon after we’d been in the park all day.
Getting to New River Gorge National Park
Flying
- Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, WV — About 1 hr 15 min from Fayetteville
- Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) in Virginia — About 2.5 hrs away
- Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) — About 4.5 hrs away for those combining trips
Driving
- From Charleston, WV: Take I-64 east, then US-19 south toward Fayetteville.
- From Washington, D.C.: About 5 hours via I-64 west.
- From Charlotte, NC: About 4.5 hours via I-77 north.
A car is essential—there’s no park shuttle system, and all of the attractions that you’ll want to see are spread out. We actually drove from Chicago to New River Gorge – about a nine hour drive. As lifelong midwesterners, we’re comfortable with longer road trips, and by driving, we could bring our dogs.
Where to Stay for one day at New River Gorge National Park
If you’re planning one day at New River Gorge National Park, you’ll want a comfortable base nearby. Fayetteville is the gateway town, offering easy park access, local dining, and small-town vibes. Here are great options from the big hotel chains for travelers using points or loyalty perks:
Marriott Hotels
- Courtyard by Marriott Beckley
Moderate option, about 30 minutes south of the gorge. - Fairfield Inn & Suites Beckley
Budget-friendly, practical stay with free breakfast. Also about 30 minutes from the gorge.
Hilton Hotels
- Hampton Inn Summersville
Budget-friendly, about 35 minutes north of the park. - Hampton Inn Beckley
Another solid Hilton option near Beckley, around 30 minutes from the gorge. This is where we stayed on points.
Hyatt Hotels
- Unfortunately, there are no Hyatt properties very close to New River Gorge. Hyatt fans might choose to stay in Charleston, WV, or Roanoke, VA, and make a longer day trip.
Local Inns & Lodges
- Adventures on the Gorge Resort
Beautiful cabins and lodging right near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, perfect for rafters or hikers wanting to stay close to the action. - Quality Inn New River Gorge
Simple and affordable lodging in Fayetteville, just minutes from the park.
Planning tip: If you want to catch sunrise or sunset views over the gorge, staying as close to Fayetteville as possible could be worth it!
One Day at New River Gorge National Park
Want to ensure you don’t miss anything? Download the Shaka Guide tour of New River Gorge to hear about the history of the park and must-see spots!
Start with a Scenic Drive
Kick off your day crossing the iconic New River Gorge Bridge—one of the longest single-arch bridges in the world. Head to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to learn about the park and snap photos of the bridge from its overlooks.
One day at New River Gorge: Morning Hikes
Warm up your legs on one of the park’s signature short hikes:
- Long Point Trail (3.2 miles round trip)
A moderate trail ending at an incredible rocky outcrop with a panoramic view of the New River Gorge Bridge. - Canyon Rim Boardwalk (0.3 miles)
Quick and accessible, offering jaw-dropping bridge views from multiple platforms. - Endless Wall Trail (up to 2.4 miles round trip)
Arguably the park’s most famous hike, with cliffside overlooks and chances to watch rock climbers scaling sandstone walls.
Canyon Rim
Home of the northern visitor center and views of the famed bridge, Canyon Rim is a great place to start your visit to New River Gorge. Enjoy two separate overlooks with scenic views of the river and the gorge. You can also start your drive down Fayette Station Road here – a meandering path that takes you through stunning views of the park.
Sandstone Falls
Drive down a winding path to find the largest waterfall on New River. This waterfall spans the area of the river that’s 1,500 feet wide. There is a wooden footbridge that is easy to access and allows you to see the beauty of the fall.
Midday Adventure
If you’re craving adrenaline, book a whitewater rafting trip on the New River. The Lower Gorge offers Class III-V rapids—a thrilling way to experience the gorge’s power.
Not into rafting? Consider a leisurely drive south to explore Grandview, where short trails lead to some of the park’s best scenic vistas overlooking dramatic river bends.
Grandview Overlook
There is another Visitor Center towards the southern end of the park. One of the most spectacular views of the park is at Grandview Overlook. A short trail from the parking lot gives you sweeping views of the river and the gorge. This is also the starting point for a number of hikes of varying difficulties.
Turkey Spur Overlook
A short drive from Grandview Overlook sits Turkey Spur Overlook. Getting to the view requires walking up 150 stairs for views 1,000 feet above the gorge. Enjoy one of the viewpoints and take in the beauty of West Virginia. It’s not very accessible for those with limited mobility, so keep that in mind before you start the trail.
One day at New River Gorge
Afternoon History Stop
Check out the Nuttallburg Coal Mining Complex, an intriguing site with old coke ovens, conveyor systems, and interpretive signs. It’s a fascinating glimpse into West Virginia’s coal heritage and a unique part of the park.
New River Gorge Bridge
One of the most unique things we’ve ever done in a national park was the Bridge Walk across the New River Gorge Bridge — and trust us, it’s an experience you won’t forget. This engineering marvel is the third-tallest bridge in the United States and stretches over 3,000 feet across the gorge. With a harness clipped in for safety, you’ll walk along a catwalk beneath the bridge, surrounded by incredible views of the river and canyon walls far below. A knowledgeable guide shares facts about the bridge’s construction, local history, and the park’s geology and wildlife.
Reservations are required in advance, and you can book your adventure directly through Bridge Walk. It’s a perfect way to add a little adrenaline and a lot of awe to one day at New River Gorge National Park!
One day at New River Gorge: Sunset Spot
End your day back near Fayetteville at Long Point for sunset. Alternatively, drive to Grandview for expansive views of the gorge lit up in golden light.
One Day at New River Gorge: Tips
✔️ Pack water and snacks — Trails can be steep, and services inside the park are minimal.
✔️ Start early — Parking at popular trailheads fills quickly, especially in peak season.
✔️ Dress in layers — Mornings can be cool, even in summer.
✔️ Check trail conditions — Rain can make some trails muddy or slick.
✔️ Watch your step near cliff edges — Many overlooks have steep drop-offs with minimal fencing.
One day at New River Gorge: Cost
As mentioned earlier in the post, we drove the 8.5 hours from Chicago with our two dogs. Our main expense was paying for gas, which we paid for on our Chase Freedom to get 5x points since it was a quarterly category. We brought food from home and mainly ate at fast-casual places, with food costs totaling less than $100 for our two nights in West Virginia. The American Express Gold card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred are our go-to for dining because they earn 4x and 3x points respectively on the dining category.
For lodging, we stayed at a Hampton Inn in Beckley, West Virginia, not too far from the south entrance to the park. We used points accrued from 2022 stays with Hilton to cover both nights, saving $686.60 on the cash amount we would have paid for the stay.
Conclusion: One Day at New River Gorge National Park
Whether you’re here for jaw-dropping views, thrilling rapids, or a taste of Appalachian history, New River Gorge National Park is an unforgettable destination—even in just one day. Have you visited before? Share your favorite spots in the comments!
Want more National Park posts? Check out some of our guides!