New River Gorge National River

A rugged, white water river, flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. Located in southern West Virginia, New River Gorge National River was established in 1978 to preserve and protect 53 miles of the New River as a free-flowing waterway. This unit of the National Park System encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville. The park and the surrounding area are rich in cultural and natural history, and contain an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.

 

New River Gorge Area Guide
Parks

     
Canyon Rim Visitor Center

The primary purpose of Canyon Rim Visitor Center is to act as a visitor contact station for area information and for interpretation of the natural, cultural, recreational, and historic values of the New River Gorge. With an estimated 300,000 visitors each year, the center provides the park with a nationally recognized facility, revealing the beauty of New River Gorge National River to the nation and the world.
304-574-2115

   
     
Grandview Visitor Center

Grandview became part of New River Gorge National River in 1990, after more than 50 years as one of West Virginia's most popular day use state parks. The park is well known for its spectacular views of the New River and beautiful rhododendron.
Park features include overlooks of the New River, a visitor center (open seasonally), five hiking trails, ranger-led walks and talks, summer outdoor dramas, and picnic areas with playgrounds.
304-763-3715 or 304-763-3145

   
     
Sandstone Visitor Center

This new center, located just north of the I-64 and State Route 20 interchange (Exit 139), opened in the fall of 2003. The 9,800 square-foot facility features sustainable (green) design concepts for energy efficiency and resource conservation. In addition to the energy conservation elements, water conserving native plants were selected for landscaping at the site. Visitors to the new facility will learn about the natural and cultural history of the New River and its watershed through interactive interpretive exhibits. They can view the 10-minute video program on the New River and purchase books and educational materials from the bookstore.
304-466-0417

   
     
Babcock State Park offers its guests 4,127 acres of serene, yet rugged beauty, a fast flowing trout stream in a boulder-strewn canyon and mountainous vistas to be viewed from several scenic overlooks.  All of this variety is located adjacent to the New River Gorge National 'River and the heart of the whitewater rafting industry of West Virginia.
(304) 438-3004 or  1-800-CALL WVA
   
     
Bluestone State Park

Encompassing over 2,100 acres of rugged, heavily forested,  mountainous terrain, Bluestone State Park provides a wide variety of water-oriented activities for guests and residents of southern West Virginia.  In the midst of this wilderness park, just five miles south of Hinton, are nestled modern cabins, a campground and fine recreational facilities.  The extra plus is that Bluestone is adjacent to Bluestone Lake, the state's third largest body of water.
(304) 466-2805

   
     
Camp Creek State Park

Camp Creek State Park was formed from Camp Creek State Forest in 1987, when a tract of approximately 550 acres was set aside to create this recreation area. Still adjacent to the park lies Camp Creek State Forest. Consisting of nearly 5,300 acres of forest land this property is managed to demonstrate sound forest management principles through the concept of multiple-use. A hunter will find many species of game including deer, native wild turkey, ruffed grouse and a variety of small game. Camp Creek, from which these areas take their name, is one of the best stocked trout streams in the state and can offer hours of fishing enjoyment.
(304) 425-9481 or 1-800-CALL WVA

   
     
Carnifex Ferry Battleground State Park

Nestled on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon near Summersville, West Virginia, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is an important Civil War battle site. On September 10, 1861 Union troops led by Brigadier General William S. Rosecrans engaged the Confederates and forced them to evacuate an entrenched position on the Henry Patterson Farm which overlooked Carnifex Ferry.
(304) 872-0825 or 1-800-CALL WVA

   
     
Hawk's Nest State Park

Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, Hawks Nest State Park encompasses 276 acres bordering a rugged section of the New River Gorge National River. Long known for its panoramic views, the park offers a modern, 31 room lodge for the comfort of overnight guests. Suites are available at an additional cost. Below the lodge, the New River forms peaceful Hawks Nest Lake. Above the lake, the narrow canyon and rushing water create one of the most challenging wild water boating waterways in the nation.
(304) 658-5212  or 1-800-CALL WVA

   
     
Little Beaver State Park

Little Beaver State Park provides enjoyment for the entire family.
The park serves as a day use park to the local population of the southern region of West Virginia and as a day visit for guests lodging at nearby WV State Parks and Resorts. 

The park features an
18-acre lake, created by a cut rock dam nearly 50 years ago and offers fishing, swimming and boat rentals. An enclosed playground is centrally located near the 60 picnic areas and five picnic shelters.
(304) 763-2494 or 1-800-CALL WVA

   
     
Twin Falls State Park

Set in the rugged mountains of Southern West Virginia, Twin Falls Resort State Park is the ideal site for nature seekers. Visitors here may find overnight accommodations ranging from a 20-room lodge located on the mountain top to secluded cottages and deluxe and standard campsites.
For those wanting a challenge, Twin Falls provides a sprawling 18-hole, Par 71 championship golf course. Other leisure activities include nine scenic hiking trails, picnicking, swimming in an outdoor pool or just relaxing with a piece of history at the Pioneer Farm.

(304) 294-4000 or 1-800-CALL WVA

   
     
Fayette County Park

The park offers eight picnic shelters and a recreation hall which are available with prior arrangement to the public for a fee. Reservations can be made through the park office either in person or by phone, Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.     The park also offers public swimming in an Olympic size pool and a toddlers' pool. The pools are open 7 days a week during the summer season. A softball field and basketball court are available behind the canteen. A tennis court, volleyball nets, and horseshoe pits are also available throughout the park. The canteen offer various types of soft drinks and water as well as snacks and ice cream.
(304)574-1111