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.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will increase its entrance fees in 2019 and 2020 as part of the National Park Service’s efforts to address infrastructure needs and enhance visitor experiences. Effective January 1, the park’s per-vehicle fee will increase to $15, and its per-person fee will increase to $7, according to Autumn Cook, a park spokesperson. … Read more
National parks in southern West Virginia attracted more than 1.3 million visitors in 2017 and added more than $78 million to the local economy, according to a visitor-spending analysis. The National Park Service reported today that 1,319,420 guests had visited the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River … Read more
The National Park Service will host a meeting on rules and regulations for climbing activities at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Gauley River National Recreation Area on March 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Fayetteville, West Virginia. The meeting follows a successful climbing listening session and community … Read more
Fire managers for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia are preparing for four prescribed fires between February 25 and May 31, weather permitting. Plans include burning four separate units ranging from five to 45 acre, according to Julena Campbell, public affairs officer for the National Park Service in southern West … Read more
UPDATE Jan. 23, 2018: Following the enactment of the continuing resolution, staff at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Bluestone National Scenic River, and Gauley River National Recreation Area have resumed regular park operations. All roads, trails, campgrounds, and river access points are open and accessible, 24 hours a day, weather permitting, according to Julena … Read more
Through mid-December, officials at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will perform routine maintenance along approximately 70 miles of perimeter boundary, according to Andrew Lee, resource management specialist for the National Park Service. The purpose of the project is to make sure park property is well-marked, which, in turn, will provide greater protection for plants, animals … Read more
Officials say a moonrise walk that attracted a record number of hikers to the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia last week could indicate that attitudes toward recreation locally are changing. Eighty-nine participants turned out for a two-mile walk on the Endless Wall Trail, surprising officials who are accustomed to leading groups of several … Read more
Construction on the Long Point Trail—one of the most popular trails in the national park system in southern West Virginia—has been scheduled to close parts of the 1.6-mile route on mid-week days through September. Once complete, the trail to a rocky overlook of the New River Gorge will include improved parking, interpretive signage, raised wooden … Read more
The most highly visited area in the national park system in southern West Virginia, the boardwalk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, near Fayetteville, West Virginia, will close in stages for repair beginning June 14. More than 320,000 visitors walk the boardwalk and stair system each year to access views of the gorge near the … Read more
Rangers at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park on May 26 will open a new exhibit that explores the evolution of the park’s lofty Camp Hill neighborhood. “A Landscape through Time: The Historical Development of Camp Hill” investigates the history of the summit over more than 200 years as part of the community and national park. Camp … Read more
