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.
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 … 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
THURMOND, W.Va. — One of the best-known historic structures in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia has undergone repairs just in time for the 2023 tourist season. The historic Thurmond Depot, a seasonal visitor center and active flag stop on the Amtrak Cardinal line through the gorge, is ready … Read more
HARPER’S FERRY, W.Va. — Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia has instituted a three-month pilot program to collect cashless entrance fees for vehicles. Park officials anticipate that moving to a cashless system for the summer will allow the park to be a better steward of visitor dollars, according to … Read more
GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia has been ranked best in the nation for its scenic views and available activities, and officials at the nation’s newest national park are happy to accept the accolades. If there are two things the New River Gorge has plenty of, … Read more
Even before it was part of a national park, the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia was a popular destination for visitors who sought outdoor adventure. Now that more than 1.6 million people visit the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve annually, several popular trails are suffering from heavy traffic, and park patrons … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — International tourism is growing in southern West Virginia due to the creation of America’s newest national park. Visitors to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are more culturally diverse than ever, say civic leaders in Fayetteville, West Virginia, the chief center of activity in the park’s northern region. Sharon Rynard, … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W. Va. — The nation’s newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, is full of secrets, surprises, historic sites, and charming quirks, and chances are good that all of these are within just a day’s drive. The park is within an eight-hour drive of nearly 60 percent of the U.S. … Read more
HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — On December 3 and 4, 2022, visitors to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park are invited to explore a historical reenactment of the town during the 1864 Christmas season when it was a Union-garrisoned community. Park staff and volunteers will portray Federal soldiers and civilian workers who will talk about the town’s … Read more
GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — The National Park Service is inviting interested members of the public to attend an open house on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Glen Jean Bank in Glen Jean, West Virginia. At the open house, the park service will provide information regarding its proposal to demolish … Read more
