GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Visitors to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will lose access to several riverside recreation areas beginning in November as the National Park Service closes portions of two roads for winter construction and maintenance.
Cunard Road will close Nov. 9, followed by Glade Creek Road on Nov. 10, according to the park service.
Both closures are scheduled to continue through March 25, 2027, affecting access to campgrounds, trailheads, and popular fishing and river recreation areas.
The closures will restrict access to portions of the New River corridor during the winter, although several nearby hiking and camping areas will remain open.
Cunard Road closure begins Nov. 9
Cunard Road will close just beyond the Brooklyn Mine Trail parking lot, cutting off access to the river landing, angler access, and Brooklyn Campground.
Vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians will be prohibited beyond the closure point throughout construction.
The work continues improvements undertaken during the previous two winters. According to the National Park Service, the extent and nature of the construction require a complete closure of the road and river access.
The Kaymoor Trail and Brooklyn Mine Trail will remain open. However, hikers should exercise caution because heavy construction equipment will be operating nearby.
Glade Creek Road closes Nov. 10
Glade Creek Road will close just beyond Grandview Sandbar Campground beginning Nov. 10 for road maintenance.
Grandview Sandbar Campground will remain open throughout the construction period, but Glade Creek Campground and the Glade Creek Trailhead will be closed until March 25.
The closure will prevent visitors from using the road to reach the lower end of Glade Creek Trail, a popular hiking route that follows Glade Creek toward its headwaters.
Visitors should plan alternate access
The closures will affect visitors planning winter fishing, camping, hiking, and river outings in the park. Those traveling to the Cunard or Glade Creek areas should check road conditions and access restrictions before departing.
The National Park Service has not specified whether weather or construction conditions could affect the scheduled March 25 reopening.
Visitors can check current conditions through the New River Gorge alerts and conditions page.
The Cunard project involves more extensive repairs than ordinary resurfacing. According to a 2024 National Park Service announcement, the work includes rebuilding sections of the roadbed, stabilizing retaining walls, improving drainage, and installing a stronger road surface. The project is being carried out in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration.
The park’s road and trail closure updates indicate that Cunard Road repairs will continue into 2027, with possible one-lane traffic restrictions outside the winter closure period.