Is New River Gorge Worth It?

Did you know New River Gorge in West Virginia was coal mining central in the late 1800s and early 1900s? To learn more about this and 9 other incredible facts, come on a journey with us to get an inside perspective and improve your first trip to New River Gorge National Park. Let’s Get Started!

To watch a video version of the blog click here or continue reading below.

Through this post we’ll show you the best of New River Gorge. To begin, while we hike Long Point Trail let’s share some insights on the New River but later we will go into detail about the most exhilarating adventure in the gorge.

How Old is the New River in West Virginia?

The New River is thought to be one of the oldest rivers in the world, with estimates ranging from 3 to 320 million years. Its ancient flow predates the Appalachian Mountains, which rose around it as the river continued to carve its path. Studying the New River helps geologists understand the formation of the Appalachian region and provides insight into the Earth’s geological history. But, what may be more amazing is that The New River stretches approximately 360 miles, flowing through three states: North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Its journey begins high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and ends where it joins the Gauley River to form the Kanawha River in West Virginia.

We’ll get back to the river later because you will never believe where the water ends up but

What Can You Learn from the Gorge’s Coal Mining History?

The New River Gorge was once a bustling coal mining hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ghost towns like Thurmond, a former railroad town, and Nuttallburg, with its well-preserved coal tipple, provide a glimpse into this industrial past. Visitors can explore these towns on foot, learning about the workers, technology, and culture that shaped the region’s economy. But, more amazing if you get to white water raft the gorge you will barely see that the coal mines were near the rivers edge. Much of the gorge was without trees and the mines were more concerned about industry than environmental impact. Today there are some remnants but the trees have overgrown much of them and trains still run through the gorge daily on the same path that the mined coal traveled in the early 1900s.

Let’s discuss the river again now and next we’ll discuss when it became a national park.

Why Does the New River Flow North?

Unlike most rivers in the U.S. that flow south or east, the New River flows north, making it a rare phenomenon. This unique direction is because the river’s path was established before the Appalachian Mountains formed. As the mountains rose, the river persisted, carving its way through the rising landscape, maintaining its original flow. As we mentioned earlier the river flows into the Kanawha River but did you know from there the water flows into the Ohio River then to the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico? Let’s move from hiking to water rafting and answer this next question

What Makes the New River Ideal for Whitewater Rafting?

The New River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the U.S. The Upper New River features gentle rapids perfect for families and beginners, while the Lower New River boasts challenging Class III-V rapids for thrill-seekers. We’re rafting the lower new river here and enjoyed our day trip including lunch. The river’s scenic beauty, combined with its variety of rapids, creates an unforgettable experience for rafters of all skill levels. But you can also see some remains of the coal industry if you have a keen eye.

So, with all this coal mining in the New River Gorge’s past you may want to ask

Why Did New River Gorge Become a National Park?

Originally designated as a National River in 1978, New River Gorge was elevated to National Park and Preserve status in December 2020. The purpose of the designation is to provide for the conservation of the ecosystem. With this designation the park protects endangered salamander and protects a vital location for the bird migratory flyway and the park is working to restore the peregrine falcon population in the Gorge. Culturally, the park preserves the history of the people from everywhere who inhabited the area to provide the coal and lumber that fueled the growth of the United States. The "Preserve" designation also allows activities like hunting and fishing in specific areas, striking a balance between conservation and traditional use. The park designation acknowledges its exceptional natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural significance. But, most people know it today for the outdoor sports adventure destination it has become. So,

What Happens During Bridge Day?

We didn’t even know there was a Bridge Day until we visited the park for the first time and were told the crazy stories. Bridge Day, held annually in October, is the largest extreme sports event in the U.S. and celebrates the New River Gorge Bridge. On this day, the bridge is closed to vehicles and open to pedestrians. BASE jumpers leap from the bridge, rappellers descend its sides, and zipliners soar across the gorge. We even hear that a base jumper was so accurate he crashed into the ambulance that was waiting to take injured adventure seekers to the hospital. It’s a festival that combines adrenaline-pumping activities with community celebrations, including food, crafts, and live music. If you are more into watching others do crazy stuff, this is the weekend for you. Otherwise, we would avoid it at all costs.

Next up while we hike Endless Wall Trail we will discuss why the bridge is so special and later talk about more adventure sports, but

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What Makes the New River Gorge Bridge Unique?

The New River Gorge Bridge is a marvel of engineering. Completed in 1977, it was the world’s longest single-arch steel span at the time, stretching 3,030 feet across the gorge. Standing 876 feet above the river, it significantly reduced travel time by connecting two sides of the gorge that previously required a 45-minute drive. The bridge is also a symbol of West Virginia, featured on the state’s commemorative quarter. But maybe more special to you is you can book a thrilling tour to walk under the road deck on the bridge’s catwalk.

Every good national park video needs a dad joke:

Why did the New River Bridge get promoted?

It really knows how to handle a lot of stress across a large span.

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OK back to the list and

Why is New River Gorge a Top Destination for Climbers?

With over 1,500 established climbing routes, New River Gorge is a world-class destination for rock climbing. Its high-quality sandstone cliffs offer diverse climbing experiences, from beginner-friendly routes to challenging overhangs. Popular climbing spots include Endless Wall and Summersville Lake, drawing climbers from around the globe to test their skills. As you hike Endless Wall Trail you can see ladders and climbing routes available for use. So,

Why is the Endless Wall Trail So Popular?

The Endless Wall Trail is one of the most celebrated hikes in the U.S. This 2.4-mile loop offers spectacular views of the gorge, access to rock climbing spots, and serene forested paths. Highlights include Diamond Point, a stunning overlook perfect for photography and soaking in the grandeur of the gorge. The hike is easy to get to with access near the visitor’s center and It’s an ideal hike for those seeking beauty and adventure in one trip.

Why are you looking forward to New River Gorge? Join the conversation in the comments today.

How Does New River Gorge Support Biodiversity?

New River Gorge is a biodiversity hotspot, with its varied ecosystems supporting a wide range of plants and animals. The park is home to over 1,400 plant species, including rhododendrons that you can hike through and wildflowers, and rare wildlife like the Virginia big-eared bat. The park’s rich biodiversity makes it an important area for conservation and research. But you will discover a managed paradise where you can enjoy rest and relaxation on your vacation.

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