 
In 1863, the first railroad line was installed through the valley, bringing industry and prosperity to a region that was all but inaccessible. Coal mining boom towns, such as Thurmond, prospered for the latter part of the 19th century, declining into the 20th century. Today, these towns are now just mere shadows of their former selves. Abandonments lie beneath every step, from the disused coke ovens to old rail beds to building foundations and ruins.  Today, New River gorge is anything but an industrial center, transforming itself to an outdoor-recreational haven. The primary point-of-entry is the Canyon Rim Visitors Center along US 19. Featuring exhibits pertaining to the gorge's prior history and recreational attractions, visitors can enjoy browsing through the photographs and viewing the videos. There is an auditorium along with other special features, along with a small walking path from the visitors center that leads to a splendid view of the New River Gorge Bridge. The Sandstone Visitors Center is located off of Exit 139 on Interstate 64 and offers a bookstore, along with informative exhibits and programs. Another visitors haven of sorts is the former depot in the historic mining town of Thurmond. This former "boom town" saw its greatest fortunes in the early 1900s which is relived in the depot in the way of numerous exhibits and period furniture that try and bring back the authentic experience of railroading. The depot is located on West Virginia County Route 25, a narrow and twisty mountain road.For those into rock climbing, there are over 1,400 established rock climbs within the park boundaries. The facades, constructed of a hard sandstone, can reach heights of 30 to 120 feet. For those less inclined to climb vertical faces, the New River Gorge Bridge is the largest single steel-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It has a central span of 1,700 feet and rises 876 feet above the New River. Every October, New River Bridge Day is held, in which parachutists descend into the heart of the valley from the bridge! The New River, as it traverses the gorge, offers excellent whitewater rafting opportunities. The southern section of the river is fairly easy, with rapids ranging from Class I to Class III and include long pools of steady water. Numerous access points, along with camping and fishing spots are available. The northern section of the river is far more difficult in comparison. It features Class III to Class V rapids, along with large boulders and strong currents that make these rapids imposing and difficult to manage through. Numerous rafting outfits scattered in the area offer guided white-water rafting trips, while others allow rentals of kayaks and other implements. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DirectionsNew River is accessible by U.S. Route 19. It is approximately fifteen minutes north of Interstates 64 and 77 and the West Virginia Turnpike. The Canyon Rim Visitors Center is located just north of the New River Gorge Bridge. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CampingArmy CampLocated along the banks of the New River.AmentitesThese camp sites contain no drinking water or hookups and have limited restroom facilities. As such, there are no fees associated, but it is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.DirectionsLocated off an unmarked dirt route near Prince.Glade CreekThis campground is situated along the banks of the New River.AmentitesThese camp sites contain no drinking water or hookups and have limited restroom facilities. As such, there are no fees associated, but it is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.DirectionsThis is located at the end of Glade Creek Road, however, it is accessible by boat only because the road is currently closed near its terminus.Grandview SandbarThis campground is situated along the banks of the New River.AmentitesThese camp sites contain no drinking water or hookups and have limited restroom facilities. As such, there are no fees associated, but it is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.DirectionsLocated off of Glade Creek Road.Stone Cliff BeachThis campground is situated along the banks of the New River.AmentitesThese camp sites contain no drinking water or hookups and have limited restroom facilities. As such, there are no fees associated, but it is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.DirectionsLocated near Thurmond on CR 25. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TrailsBrooklyn – Southside Junction TrailThis rail-trail is an old railroad in the New River Gorge that extends from the old mining town of Brooklyn to a now-active rail junction just west of Thurmond. It is an easy bike or hike and offers scenic views of the river.
TrailheadThe Thurmond trailhead is off of CR 25. To access it, take the WV 16/61 intersection near Glen Jean and turn right at CR 25. Follow the road for 5 miles to the trailhead, located at the left. The Cunard trailhead is off of WV 16 southeast of Fayetteville. From WV 16, take CR 9 (Gatewood Road) and follow the county route for 4.5 miles. Turn left at the Cunard sign which is still for CR 9. Follow the route for 3 miles as it will descend down into the river bottom. Parking is available at the base.Cunard-Kaymoor TrailThis rail-trail follows an old rail bed from the old mining towns of Cunard to Kaymoor. It is a fairly moderate trail and offers views of the Gorge.
TrailheadThe Cunard trailhead is off of WV 16 southeast of Fayetteville. From WV 16, take CR 9 (Gatewood Road) and follow the county route for 4.5 miles. Turn left at the Cunard sign which is still for CR 9. Follow the route for 2 miles towards the trailhead. The Kaymoor trailhead is off of CR 9 (Gatewood Road). Follow the county route 2 miles from WV 16 to the Kaymoor entrance (a sign will be visible). Follow this road for a little less than one mile to a junction and bear left.Endless Wall TrailThis moderate trail offers some gorgeous views of the New River valley and allows access to some astonishing rock climbing spots. Diamond Point midway on the trail offers spectacular views of the valley that is unmatched.
TrailheadTurn off US 19 at CR 82 (Lansing-Edmond road) immediately north of the arch span. Follow CR 82 1.3 miles to a parking area on the right. It is a marked trailhead.Kaymoor Miner's TrailThe 1/2 mile trail sounds easy, right? This difficult trail is one of the harshest as it literally descends 1,000 feet down the face of the gorge through switchbacks, staircases and slippery trails. The top affords views of the gorge while the bottom features old mining ruins and coke ovens.
TrailheadFrom WV 16, turn at CR 9 (Gatewood Road) and follow the road for two miles to Kaymoor Top Road on the left. Follow this narrow road for one mile and turn left into a parking area.Kaymoor TrailThis trail follows an old roadbed to the Kaymoor mine site. A series of steps leads down to the coke ovens. Along the path you can catch a glimpse of the town's mining past, including derelict buildings, old mine entrances and ruins.
TrailheadDivert from US 19 north of the arch bridge to CR 82. Descend from the visitors center region and follow one-way CR 82 through the gorge for 1.2 miles; you will cross New River on the restored Fayette Station Bridge. A parking area will be on the left.Laing Loop TrailOn the north side of the New River Gorge Bridge (US 19), this loop trail provides an easy hike. This popular trail diverts through forests and fields, but avoids the high cliffs along the rim of the gorge.
TrailheadFrom US 19, divert to the Burnwood Day-Use Area opposite from US 19 and the Canyon Rim Visitors Center at CR 82.Long Point TrailThis hiking is not recommended for those who are afraid of heights! This trail leads to a large rock outcrop known as Long Point that offers one of the best views of the gorge. Be careful along the cliff's edge!
TrailheadFollow WV 16 to CR 9 (Gatewood Road) southeast of Fayetteville. Take CR 9 2 miles and bear left onto Newton Road.New River Bridge TrailThis steep and rocky trail offers views of the gorge and US 19 bridge. It passes under the span and connects with the Fayetteville Trail.
TrailheadTurn off US 19 north of the arch bridge onto CR 82 (Fayette Station Road). The parking lot is less than one-mile on the right; Rivers Whitewater Rafting Resort is opposite of the parking lot.Stone Cliff TrailThis fairly rugged trail offers bountiful hiking and biking opportunities as it straddles the banks of the New River. It is an old roadbed, however, it is not without its challenges!
TrailheadThe Thurmond trailhead is off of CR 25. To access it, take the WV 16/61 intersection near Glen Jean and turn right at CR 25. Follow the road for 6 miles and continue along CR 25. The trailhead is near the bridge over New River at Stone Cliff, not ThurmondThurmond – Minden TrailThis former railroad offers some moderate biking and hiking pleasures between the two former coal mining towns. There is one segment that has been destroyed by a large rock fall, however, a series of steps is available to carry a bike over the boulders.
TrailheadThe Thurmond trailhead is off of CR 25. To access it, take the WV 16/61 intersection near Glen Jean and turn right at CR 25. Follow the road for 5 miles to the trailhead, located at the left. The Minden trailhead is located on CR 17 off of WV 16 in Oak Hill. Follow CR 17 2 miles. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Further Reading1. New River Gorge National River at the National Park Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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