National parks in West Virginia offer visitors spectacular natural beauty and unforgettable outdoor experiences in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The crown jewel, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, features breathtaking cliffs, scenic river views, and world-class rock climbing and whitewater rafting opportunities. Visitors can hike miles of trails, explore historic towns, and enjoy stunning overlooks that showcase the rugged landscape. Additionally, sites like Harpers Ferry National Historical Park combine rich history with picturesque surroundings, providing a unique blend of cultural and natural attractions. Whether you’re seeking adventure, history, or peaceful nature escapes, West Virginia’s national parks deliver memorable experiences for every traveler.
GLEN JEAN, W.Va. – The National Park Service reports that in 2023, more than 1,900,000 visitors spent 96.5 million dollars in communities near the three national park areas in southern West Virginia.Their spending supported 1,268 jobs in the area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of 116.5 million dollars, according to Charles … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Sightseers in search of a view of the world-famous New River Gorge Bridge — though without the challenges of whitewater rafting — can board a specialized boat to travel into the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia.The two-hour, 16-passenger scenic tours travel into the park from the marina … Read more
BECKLEY, W.Va. — The fantastic recreational opportunities in the New River Gorge in West Virginia are no longer a secret. Since becoming one of America’s newest national parks, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has grown even more popular. What does this amazing destination in rural West Virginia have to offer? More than … Read more
Glen Jean, W.Va. — According to park officials, visitation increased across the board at all three national park sites in southern West Virginia in 2023.Visitation remains high and continues to rise at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which was designated as the newest national park in the U.S. in 2020, according to … Read more
OAK HILL, W.Va. — West Virginians may need to turn to Congress to rescue historic landmarks that the National Park Service has slated for demolition in America’s newest national park, an alarmed state lawmaker says.Republican state delegate Elliott Pritt says it may be up to the state’s representatives in Congress to turn the tide on … Read more
GLEN JEAN, W.Va. – Unable to secure funds to sustain them, the National Park Service has announced plans to demolish more than 30 structures and ruins, including more than 20 listed on the National Register of Historic Places in southern West Virginia.Per federal law, the service must seek public input before funds can be released … Read more
GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — According to National Park Service officials, a forest fire that has swept over more than 2,000 acres in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia is now at 70 percent containment. Known as the Steep Valley Fire, it continued to burn in the War Ridge and … Read more
GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Nine popular fishing spots along the New and Gauley rivers in southern West Virginia now have receptacles for anglers to dispose of fishing lines, courtesy of the Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.The receptacles are mounted on signs and fence posts in convenient locations that are visible and … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The National Park Service’s 2022 report on visitor spending has found that the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia generated $96.1 million in economic output and supported 1,044 jobs.More than 1.5 million park visitors spent an estimated $79.3 million in local gateway regions in 2022 while visiting … Read more
HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — According to National Park Service officials, three peregrine falcon chicks have successfully taken their first flights from the cliffs of Maryland Heights at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia. This is the third consecutive documented fledging of peregrine falcons since the 1950s from this historic breeding site, according to … Read more
