FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia is one of nine U.S. national parks with no admission fee, according to BestLifeOnline, which promoted the park in an August 2022 story.
BestLife reporter Zachary Mack's article "9 U.S. National Parks That Are Always Free to Visit," noted that the park was counted among the select few in which entrance was free.
"Even though taking in the great outdoors may make you feel free, entrance to many of the popular sites is not," Mack wrote in his introduction.
"With the exception of a few select days of the year, many of the 63 national parks charge an admission fee to help pay for basic upkeep and staffing. But if you're traveling on a budget, there are still some that won't cost you a dime."
According to Mack, other parks that charge no fee include Redwood National Park, Biscayne National Park, Great Basin National Park, Congaree National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
"Even as the newest addition to the system, one site is already garnering a reputation for being one of the most worthwhile to visit in the U.S.," Mack wrote.
Mack cited Jennifer Melroy, author and founder of "National Park Obsessed," in his report:
"New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia is one of the best national parks for hiking that is also free. Treks include several bucket-list hikes such as Endless Wall and Grandview Rim. In addition to hiking, there is the chance to walk across the largest single-span steel arch bridge in the United States."
Read the full story: 9 U.S. National Parks That Are Always Free to Visit.
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