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 to the nation and the world. A private company offers these tours. We parked at the Navajo Bridge and took a walk over the bridge to look down into the Canyon. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, Near Lansing, West Virginia. A boardwalk leads visitors from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to views of the New River Gorge Bridge.. Address: 100 S. Court Stree, Fayetteville, WV, 25840. A seasonal Thurmond Visitor Center is available during the summer months in the town's old railroad passenger station, although travelers are welcome to view the town and the few historic buildings overlooking the New River throughout the year. Grab park maps, and gather information on hiking trails. Those who want to venture into the heart of West Virginia can wind down the one-lane road to get to this forgotten town. We invite you to visit us in Oak Hill at 310 W. Oyler Ave. The river descends 10 to 25 feet as it passes through a succession of islands. The famous New River Gorge Bridge is located on U. S. Route 19, just north of Fayetteville, WV. There is an upper observation platform with a completely accessible ramp if you don't want to walk the stairs down to the lower observation deck. The chub took another hit because they are not adapted to fend off predators like rainbow and brown trout that were introduced into the river. Van Haverbeke said all players have to work together to protect often conflicting priorities for the Little Colorado and Colorado rivers. Nuttall Sandstone issome of the worlds oldest and most bullet-hard sedimentary rocks. Anything that commands attention like that is surely worth a stop. What Marble Canyon lacks in size it makes up in color. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. Some have nice views of the river in addition to canyon views and in this area you can expect the water to be a blue green color as most of the silt is removed given river management. Check out their menu and decide what you will be ordering when you stop in. Only primitive camping is available in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. We loved the hippie vibe that this place gives off and left feeling full and with good mojo. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can't miss the breathtaking views from the Navajo Bridge or a picnic on the canyon topit's especially stunning at sunset. As many of you know, it is our mission to seek out the weirdest and most bizarre attractions, and this, my friends will not disappoint. Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Established in 1903 by Captain William D. Thurmond, this small town had more coal running through it than Cincinnati in the 1920s. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Much of the area inside the national park and preserve designated borders is still privately owned; please respect the rights of the landowners. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Just know that it is a classic Americana roadside attraction. bathrooms along the way are clean. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Blooming rhododendrons. He found many pieces of pottery and some ruins for us to see. The park also features the federally listed Historic District, an enclave of 46 vintage rustic coastal cottages originally built . Amtrak does still service Thurmond; it is the second least used station. Deep in New River Gorge, you will find the abandoned coal-mining townof Nuttallburg. Grandview Visitor Center, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve Basic Information - New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (U.S Visitors fishing in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve must adhere to the rules and regulations of the state of West Virginia regarding fishing licenses. Just remember that the trails can also be used for hiking. You cant go wrong with the Ala cheesy beefy weenie which is covered in Nacho cheese sauce, macaroni and cheese, and chili. The onsite restaurant, The Bistro, features American cuisine. The New River transitions from a big torrent with extensive bottomlands to a small mountain river roaring through a deep boulder-strewn V-shaped gorge at Sandstone Falls. Within the park, there are two distinct personalities. The unique sandwiches that they offer will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Did you know you can sign up to take a guided New River Gorge Bridge Walk tour? Just returned from a hiking trip to Marble Canyon and I am so thrilled by the entire area that I can't wait to return. "A long, long time ago, during an ancient journey, some of our kin became aquatic beings," Enote said. Travel is slow off the pavement. Marble Canyon is the area of the Colorado River Canyon in Vermillion Cliffs National Monument that marks the beginning of the Grand Canyon, and the western edge of the Navajo Nation in AZ's NE corner. Invasive fish like small mouth bass and brown trout may also move closer seeking out their next meal the chub. Efforts to preserve an ancient fish threatened by human activities and to maintain the river's other natural resources remain a constant struggle. The National Park Service maintains over 70,000 acres of land along the New River that make up the park. The Thurmond Historic District is the park's ultimate historical sampler. The Colorado River is much more than Grand Canyon. However, it would be best if you did it to get the most speculator views of the bridge and the New River Gorge. In 2021, the developer altered the plans to move the project farther south, away from the Confluence and its ecological and cultural treasures. My daughter and I were on a 12 day road trip and decided to take the road less travelled and took the 89A. New River Gorge is located near Fayetteville, in southern West Virginia, United States. Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. 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About The New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau is a nonprofit marketing and sales organization whose sole purpose is to take the leadership role in developing the area's tourism industry and advancing Fayette County as a vacation, group tour and meeting destination. Anglers may have a great fishing experience if they respect the river and its resources and take a few safety precautions. Some viewpoints could be accessed with a "normal" car but many would require high clearance and 4X4. Undercut rocks can be dangerous in some rivers. This canyon is so beautiful, the colors are amazing. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The moderate trail takes hikers to the scenic Diamond Point which overs the New River Gorge National River. They have an aerial tramway, nature museum, whitewater rafting, and more. Along the river, there are camping spots. Request a copy of our free travel guide to start planning your next trip! Awesome view from river bridge of beginning of Grand Canyon. Anything that freakishly fantastic is something I have to see with my own eyes! The folks at the museum were incredibly lovely and so friendly. Canyon Rim Visitor Center is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm year round. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic, a beautiful drive, or watching the river flow by, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has a lot to offer. Well, I guess it will remain a mystery until you go and find out for yourself. Baldy in the White Mountains, meanders through the high mesas of eastern Arizona and the Painted Desert, and parallels the western edge of the Navajo Nation to the Confluence. Canyon Rim Visitor Center is one of the park's primary, year round visitor centers. Follow her on Twitter at@debkrol. I will be passing here after leaving the Grand Canyon South Rim. A shortened version is that it is a mysterious winged creature that terrorized the small town of Point Pleasant. Overview. Swimming is not recommended since the New River has fast currents and is rocky. On Arizona's rivers:From New Zealand, Maori leaders bring Arizona tribes lessons in protecting the waters. Visitors are fascinated by the rich turquoise coloration the water takes on as it washes through deposits of travertine, a variety of limestone formed from calcium carbonate. The only limitation is the amount of time you have to spend in this "Almost Heaven" West Virginia park. Even if you dont want to know what is inside, the outside is such an eclectic hot mess you wouldnt want to miss it. Recreation.gov. If you ever have to drive through Charleston, WV you cant help but notice the massive golden-domed capitol building. The Zuni regard those fish as relatives. The current project would place the dams in Big Canyon, a dry wash that empties into the Little Colorado, on Navajo Nation land. Nuttall sold the mines to the Fordson Coal Company to help supply coal to the Ford Motor Company. New River Gorge National Park has ample outdoor recreational activities to offer, whether you favor thrilling outdoor activities like climbing, bicycling, hiking, or whitewater rafting, or simply enjoy a picnic, tranquil bird watching, or camping while watching the river flow past. It's a popular spot for whitewater rafting, so adrenaline junkies are in for a treat. Any place called the Secret Sandwich Society is definitely going to get a visit from me. In short, Fayetteville is the best option for where to stay near New River Gorge if you want the ultimate access to the bridge and Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Seated at the edge of the New River Gorge, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlooks the gorge at one of its most scenic locales and includes a boardwalk and stairway to a spectacular view of the New River Gorge Bridge. Look forward to shopping on site, a firepit, and a coffee shop/caf at Courtyard by Marriott Beckley. The rock has a lot of character, and there are a lot of crack and face routes to choose from. The New River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the country, as well as excellent climbing and hiking opportunities. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. The town has embraced the legend of the Mothman, making it a must-see destination for many. From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. We went out to Marble Canyon with Orion from Dreamland Safari Tours. The Grandview Visitor Center overlooks the deepest part of the gorge. The falls provide a stunning backdrop for the New River's last surge down the New River Gorge, where it joins the Gauley River to become the Kanawha River. They have a nice bar above the restaurant and a great outdoor dining space. They also teach the need for Apache people to care for the mountain and the waters that lie beneath. Other threats to the region include tourists trashing one of the river's best-known but intermittent attractions, Grand Falls, or Adah'iiln. At some places, the walls of the gorge tower 1,500 feet above the river bed. In adjacent towns, there are several marketplaces and dining businesses. 5:00 pm October 1st - 1st Sunday in April. September 23, 2022 A First-Time Visitor's Guide to the New River Gorge National Park A visit to the U.S.'s newest national park means adrenaline-filled outdoor adventures, fall foliage, and craft beers. We visited the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and walked the boardwalk to see the New River Gorge Bridge. 41 near Prince; Dunglen and Stone Cliff near Thurmond; Cunard; and Fayette Station are all public river access points within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. While many climbs are for experienced climbers, those starting out may want to book this excursion with a trained professional or tour group. Back at the headwaters, Riley said one of his tribe's biggest issues is maintaining pure, clean water for the rivers that are birthed in its land, including the Little Colorado. David R. Van Haverbeke, a supervisory fish biologist at the U.S. In the nearby region, there are developed campsites in state parks and private campgrounds. A terrifying and potentially pants-wetting situation. We walked the pedestrian bridge at Navajo Bridge for an incredible experience and amazing scenery at Marble Canyon. Here are a few stops to add to your bucket list! A rugged 70,000 acres surround the New River Gorge, some 53 miles of incredible West Virginia whitewater. It does this by spanning all of the ridges of the Alleghenies. and reservations. Best Western Plus Beckley Inn - 10 miles from the park. It is also interesting reading about the history of the bridge. There are many possibilities for both strenuous activity and a more relaxing experience. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam. What is the mystery hole? So glad we decided to take this route as we came across some gems. Four must-see attractions in the New River Gorge National Park The Best Hikes in New River Gorge: How to Visit Our Newest National Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Visitor Center was closed so we weren't able to watch the park film or see anything else inside the building. Lovely place to visit if you enjoy the nature. "We live on the headwaters of all the water that heads west," said Ramon Riley, cultural resource director forthe White Mountain ApacheTribe. Things to do in New River Gorge National Park 90% of travelers recommend this experience. Other cabin rentals through various companies throughout New River Gorge seemed nice, but I felt we hit gold with our rental. Residents and Save the Confluence mobilized once again to fight the developer, citing the expected damage to cultural sites, the chub and the area's ecology. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way.