4-Day Adventure in West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park: The Perfect Itinerary for Outdoor Enthusiasts & Nature Lovers 

Looking for an escape into nature? West Virginia’s New River Gorge offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just in need of a peaceful retreat, let this 4-day itinerary guide you through some of the best experiences the Gorge has to offer. My husband and I spent a few days in the mountains of West Virginia for our anniversary this summer.  The weather was amazing!  Cool and crisp mornings, warm and sunny in the afternoon.  A much welcome reprieve from the mugginess of North Carolina summers.   

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

Our trip began with a drive in from North Carolina. We stayed in the cutest AirBnB in the small town of Oak Hill. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/664609252692533131?source_impression_id=p3_1725285723_P3zzaNdZc6vcx0o0 

The Zelek house is a 1940s remodeled home that kept all the charm of the era and is updated with modern day amenities.   Our host, Jessica, left personalized touches that made us feel right at home.  Oak Hill is a perfect home base for your New River Gorge and other southern West Virginia exploration.  

Day 2: Hiking Adventures and Local Flavors

For the best start to your day, try Cathedral Café, a converted church to cafe. They also serve lunch, coffee and pastries to fuel up for a day of hiking in the National Park!

Morning Hike:

For our first trail of the day we chose the Endless Wall Trail, often rated as one of the best hikes in the park. This moderate 2.4-mile out-and-back trail offers stunning views of the gorge and opportunities to spot rock climbers scaling the cliffs. Hike this relatively easy, winding trail through the hemlock forests and rhododendron thickets. It a great option for hikers of all levels.  Be mindful of the potential danger of the view points and steep drop offs if you’re hiking with younger children.

There are several different areas of the park to explore around the gorge and the river.  After lunch, take a step back in time at the Thurmond Historic District, a once-bustling railroad town that now serves as a fascinating glimpse into the past. Wander through the preserved buildings and visit the Thurmond Depot, now a visitor center, where you can learn about the area’s rich history.

On your way back to Oak Hill after exploring Thurmond, take a scenic drive over the New River Gorge Bridge, the third highest bridge in the United States. A great spot for stunning bridge photos is a short walk from the Canyon Rim Visitors Center. Park at the Visitor Center and follow the walk way to the view points.  If you’re feeling adventurous, consider booking a guided Bridge Walk tour where you will walk the length of the bridge on the maintenance catwalk. The bridge stands 890 feet above the river all while rumbling traffic moves overhead (more on this in a bit!).  

Evening Activities:

Drive into Fayetteville, the cutest little southern mountain town, where you can enjoy a cozy dinner at a local restaurant like Pies & Pints. This spot is known for its craft pizza and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of hiking.  I’m still dreaming about the Mexican Street Corn pie!

Day 3: Waterfalls and Whitewater Rafting

Today in the Gorge is all about water – from serene waterfalls and paddle boarding to thrilling whitewater rapids.

Morning Activity:

Begin the day with a visit to Cathedral Falls, one of West Virginia’s tallest and most scenic waterfalls. It’s just a short walk from the parking area, making it an easy stop on your journey.  This waterfall is seriously gorgeous and so easy to access.  

We booked a guided paddle boarding experience at nearby Wanahaw Falls. We spent the morning paddling around the gorgeous river and various waterfalls.   It was peaceful and a great time for reflection.  Paddling on the quiet river, smelling the clean mountain air and looking at the beautiful rolling green hills around was a highlight of our time in the New River Gorge!

For lunch we stopped at a new local restaurant, The Take Out.  The food was fresh and the restaurant is operated by a local family.  We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed our sandwiches and speciality bowls. 

Afternoon Adventure:

The New River Gorge is known for its white water rafting.  For those travelers’ seeking an adrenaline rush, book a half-day whitewater rafting trip on the New River. Several local outfitters offer guided trips that cater to all skill levels, from beginner to expert. Experience the thrill of navigating the rapids while surrounded by the gorge’s towering cliffs. 

While we didn’t raft in the gorge this time around, we did get to see plenty of other people bobbing around in their rafts!  We have white water rafted in other US rivers, including the Snake and the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, so we opted to do a unique experience to the New River Gorge instead of rafting. Remember the New River Gorge bridge I told you about earlier in the post?  We will tackle the Bridge Walk tomorrow morning – the walk is where we will get our adrenaline hit on this trip!  

After rafting, head to the Secret Sandwich Society in Fayetteville. The gourmet sandwiches and relaxed vibe make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.  Again we dined al fresco and enjoyed the beautiful weather.   

Day 4: Bridge Walk & Fayette Station Road

This morning we ate breakfast at our AirBnB and mentally prepared for the main event, the Bridge Walk!  There is only one concessionaire that is permitted to guide guests on the catwalk.  For around $80 per person, Bridge Walk offers guided tours of the New River Gorge Bridge from the catwalk 25’ beneath the Bridge. Kids ages 8 and older can participate so long as they are over 48” tall.  The tour lasts between 2-3 hours and covers the entire 3,030 foot span of the bridge.  You’ll need to book this experience prior to your arrival. Walks are scheduled on frequent intervals, and are offered year round, even in the colder weather months.  Dress accordingly as it can get quite windy almost 900 feet above the river.  

Checking in at Bridge Walk

We checked in at Bridge Walk which is just past the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. After checking in, and purchasing a nifty phone lanyard to keep our phone secure, we were guided through a brief safety meeting and outfitted with our harnesses.  Our Bridge Walk guide and our bus driver shuttled us to the Canyon Rim Visitor’s Center on the north side of the Bridge. 

No Turning Back

We walked a short path that lead to the Bridge.  This was the last point of exit.  After stepping on to the catwalk there is no turning back!  There is a point in every adventure that I find myself questioning my life choices.  Bless my husband for willingly showing up and participating in my crazy ideas!  We pressed on and stepped onto the catwalk!  

Walk the Walk

We stepped onto the catwalk and learned how to guide our cable across the metal above. Our guide explained bridge history and interesting facts.  The walk would take us about an hour to cover the length of the bridge.  We moved at a leisurely pace and talked to our guide about the bridge facts and features.  As we strolled, and I say this word lightly, I could feel the bridge vibrating with the passing of cars and trucks overhead.  The noise was at times, uncomfortably loud. 

The catwalk is 24 inches wide with gaps on either side.  While approaching the center peak of the arch of the bridge, I tried to focus only on the view of the gorge around us and not on the deafening traffic noise or the peril of falling almost 900 feet to the river below.  I will say the views were incredible and unlike anything I’ve experienced before. 

Seeing the Bridge from the Ground

The Bridge Walk is unique to the New River Gorge, and if you have the stomach for it, a must-do activity when you visit this National Park.  Nevertheless, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t relieved when we reached the other side!  Our bus driver picked us up and shuttled us back to headquarters.  For those that would rather keep their feet planted on solid ground, Long Point Trail is an easy trail that provides lovely views of the bridge and the gorge.  

Bridge Quick Facts:
Height: 876 feet / 267 meters
Length: 3,030 feet / 923.6 metes
Arch Length: 1,700 feet / 518.1 meters

Fayette Station Road

To get another perspective of the Bridge, drive the Fayette Station Road.  Before the bridge was completed, this one-way, 7.5 mile road used to be the only way folks from small mining towns could cross the gorge.  In 1977, after completion of the bridge, the once 45 minute journey can now be done in under a minute.  The road is winding and gives many beautiful viewpoints of the bridge.  There are several trails that lead off from this road including Kaymoor Trail, Fayetteville Trail, and Bridge Trail. 

Bridge Day

Bridge Day is celebrated every year on October 19 to commemorate the completion of the bridge.  On Bridge Day, the bridge is closed to all vehicle traffic to watch daredevils from all over the country BASE jump from the bridge platform.  It’s West Virginias largest single day festival of the year.  

Afternoon Activity & Refreshments 

On our way to Babcock State Park, home to the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill, we stopped at Hilltop Coffee for a pick-me-up.  We visited this coffee shop multiple times during our visit to the area because their coffee & blueberry scones are pure heaven for your tastebuds!

If you have extra time to spend or want to visit the small town of Beckley, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Museum gives visitors a real-life experience of what is would have been like to work in a coal mine. Guided by a veteran miner, visitors are taken down into a once-operative coal mine.

We continued on to Glade Creek Grist Mill. The mill is a picturesque spot perfect to spend a peaceful afternoon stroll with many photo opportunities.  The insta-famous swing with the engraved ‘Almost Heaven’ verbiage is located here for the obligatory selfie.  This relaxing afternoon at Grist Mill was a perfect balance to our thrilling morning on the bridge.  

Evening:

We wrapped up our time in Fayetteville, with dinner at The Station, a restaurant known for its farm-to-table dishes and cozy ambiance.  Before or after dinner is a great time to stroll through downtown Fayetteville and browse local shops and pick up a souvenir, but we did find the shops to have odd opening hours so check times before you go!

Conclusion:

This 4-day itinerary through West Virginia’s New River Gorge offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and history. Whether you’re hiking the stunning trails, exploring historic towns, or paddling the river, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for this hidden gem in the heart of Appalachia, our nations newest National Park. 

Want to Explore?

Ready to plan your trip to West Virginia? I plan domestic travel for clients across the country.  Click on my calendar link below to schedule your Complimentary Consultation. Share this itinerary with fellow travelers or save it for your next adventure!  Have you visited the New River Gorge? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments below!

Written by Megan Whitley Medlin, a seasoned travel expert and National Park enthusiast. She is passionate about helping families and nature lovers explore the beauty of America’s national parks.  She has visited 42 of the 63 US National Parks and enjoys planning itineraries for her family and her travel clients.