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.
GRANDVIEW, W.Va. — Visitors to the Grandview area of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in southern West Virginia should expect temporary closures and delays beginning on or around Wednesday, August 17, according to acting superintendent Jay Newman. Grandview is among the most popular attraction in the national park and features multiple trails … Read more
OAK HILL, W.Va.—America’s newest national park now also ranks among the best national parks in the U.S. for fall foliage, according to Best Life magazine.The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was named among the six best parks in which travelers may witness autumn in all its glory, according to Becky Sullivan, executive director … Read more
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va.—Thanks to the dramatic increase in visitation to America’s newest national park, motor vehicle traffic in and around Fayetteville is building remarkably, leading officials and business leaders to recommend exploring safety measures that could include traffic signals. Sharon Rynard, whose commercial property on US-19 sees some of the highest traffic in the region, says … Read more
The parking lot for the Kaymoor and Butcher Branch trailheads in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve near Fayetteville, West Virginia, will close during resurfacing on July 11-14.The trailheads, located at what’s known as Kaymoor Top, will remain open with parking available at the nearby Arrowhead trailhead parking lot, according to acting park … Read more
The National Park Service has received approximately $9.8 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plug, remediate, and reclaim abandoned oil and gas well sites in national parks, including the Gauley River National Recreation Area.Overall, bureaus within the U.S. departments of the interior and agriculture will address 277 high-priority wells that pose threats … Read more
Rangers in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve reported rescuing a deer from a deep ravine near the park’s towering cliffs Friday, and worked with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources in the effort.“Rangers received a report of a white-tailed deer that appeared stranded in a steep creek ravine within the park,” … Read more
After raising the first successful fledgling at Harpers Ferry in 70 years, a pair of peregrine falcons have returned once again to nest on Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.To provide the peregrine falcons with adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service will close portions of Maryland Heights from February 16 to … Read more
National Park Service officials say that after careful consideration they propose permanently closing parking areas at Maryland Heights at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.The parking areas have been closed since March 2020, originally as a COVID-19 safety protocol, but park officials have maintained the closures because of parking safety-related incidents in the area.Such incidents have … Read more
THURMOND, W.Va. — Perhaps no small town in West Virginia has gained the worldwide notoriety that the tiny Town of Thurmond has enjoyed. A ghost town located deep in the heart of America’s newest national park, the community has long captured the imaginations of historians and photographers.A railroad boomtown that now includes only seven permanent … Read more
The National Park Service will conduct deer management at national park areas at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and in nearby Virginia and Maryland through March, according to a press release from the service.To protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests, and preserve historic landscapes, the service will reduce the population beginning January … Read more
