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. — Two organizations in West Virginia are working together to identify vandals who spray-painted a famous natural landmark in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Crime Stoppers of West Virginia has joined the Friends of New River Gorge to provide a $1000 reward for information that results in solving the … Read more
SHADY SPRING, W.Va. — Perched more than 1,400 feet above the New River, the panoramic overlooks of the New River Gorge at Grandview offer views of the world-famous gorge at its widest and deepest. The rock outcrops, shaded by rhododendron, highlight why Grandview is one of West Virginia’s must-see attractions and a crown-jewel of the … Read more
THURMOND, W.Va.—Visiting America’s newest national park? There are countless trails to walk, rocks to climb, and streams to paddle, but there are four places every visitor should see in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia. According to park ranger Jodi French-Burr, the following four must-see destinations are worth visiting … Read more
HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — Economic impacts have nearly doubled in communities surrounding Harpers Ferry National Historical Park over the last decade, according to the National Park Service. Park superintendent Tanya Gossett said that in 2023, more than 427,300 visitors explored the historical park in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle. She said they spent $23.8 million, supporting … Read more
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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read more
