Designated a National Park in 2020 New River Gorge in West Virginia is one of the newest National Parks in the United States. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve stretches over 50 miles and offers a rich cultural and natural history.
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Places to Photograph in New River Gorge
Here are some of the best places to photograph in New River Gorge National Park.
Bridge view from Tunney Hunsaker Bridge
Probably the best view of the New River Gorge Bridge is from the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge. The Tunney Hunsaker Bridge can be found on Fayette Station Road during the driving tour. There is a small parking lot after the bridge where you can park and walk to the sidewalks on either side of the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge.
Grandview
Grandview offers a sweeping 180 degree view of New River. Located on the south side of the National Park Grandview has a large parking lot and has a few hiking trails. The walk to the actual view is fairly short and even is handicap accessible.
Fayette Station Road
The scenic drive on Fayette Station Road is a must-do when visiting New River Gorge National Park. The rich history of the area can be discovered on the Fayette Station Road audio tour. Just keep in mind cell reception will be low in the gorge so I recommend downloading the tour to your phone.
Canyon Rim Visitor’s Center
You’ll find the Canyon Rim Visitor’s Center at the start of Fayette Station Road. I didn’t get a chance to visit the interior of the visitor center on my visit but if you have time and it’s open the visitor center plays a few free videos about the park.
From the Canyon Rim Visitor Center you can take a short walk to an overlook at get a distant view of the New River Gorge Bridge. There are also a large number of wooden stairs that lead to an even better view deeper in the gorge but sadly didn’t have time to see it on my visit.
New River Gorge National Park Pictures
Here are more of my photos from my visit to New River Gorge National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions about New River Gorge National Park
What is New River Gorge National Park?
The New River Gorge National Park covers over 70,000 acres of land in southern West Virginia. The New River runs through it, making it a prime spot for whitewater rafting as well as other outdoor pursuits like hiking.
What are the best things to do at New River Gorge National Park?
New River Gorge National Park offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Whitewater rafting on the New River, hiking one of the many scenic trails, rock climbing, fishing, and camping are some of the most popular things to do in the area.
Can I bring my dog to New River Gorge National Park?
Yes, New River Gorge National Park welcomes leashed dogs, but they must remain under their owners’ control at all times. You should also check the rules and regulations before bringing your dog to the park, as they may prohibit access to certain areas.
What is the best time to visit New River Gorge National Park?
Between the months of September and November, New River Gorge National Park is at its peak beauty. The weather is pleasant, and the foliage is colorful, making for breathtaking scenery. The park is open all year, though, and visitors can enjoy activities tailored to the season.
Are there any accommodations available at New River Gorge National Park?
Camping, cabins, and lodges are just some of the options for overnight stays at New River Gorge National Park. There are a variety of places to stay, including hotels, in the nearby towns.
What are the hours of New River Gorge?
The gates to New River Gorge National Park are always open, no matter the time of day or week. However, check the park’s website to see if there are any times of year when access is limited in any particular area.
Is there an entrance fee for New River Gorge National Park?
To enter New River Gorge National Park, you won’t have to pay anything. However, fees may be charged for camping and guided tours within the park.
Can I go swimming in the New River Gorge?
You can swim in the New River, but it’s best to be prepared for the cold water and strong currents, especially if you plan on going in the spring or early summer. Following safety protocols and donning protective equipment like a life jacket are also crucial when partaking in aquatic pursuits.
I hope you enjoyed my quick guide to New River Gorge National Park. I’m hoping I have more time in the future to explore the park further. From my research Fayetteville looked like a great place to stay with plenty of interesting stores.
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