Which New River Gorge trip is yours?

Adventure weekend

Plan the weekend around the water. Give one full day to a guided trip on the New River and the other to the rim trails. In fall, scheduled releases from Summersville Dam add Gauley season. Choose an outfitter first, then book a campsite or a room near its base.

Start planning here

A family's first rafting trip

Start with a gentler stretch of river and an outfitter that takes children, then give the next day to short walks and overlooks, beginning at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Minimum ages differ by outfitter and by section of river, so ask before you book.

Climber or paddler who knows the gorge

You have been here before, or you bring your own gear. Check the river gauges before you drive, get to the trailheads early, and book a guide for any climbing area or river section that is new to you.

Start planning here

Foliage and Bridge Day

The trip is about color, overlooks and Bridge Day. Settle lodging before anything else, then plan the overlooks for morning or evening light and leave time for traffic on the big weekends.

Start planning here

History and photography

Come for the coal towns, the railroad along the river and the story of the bridge. Start at Thurmond, then read how the New River Gorge went from a national river to a national park. Bring a camera for the old town and the rim.