Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in southern West Virginia, encompasses an expansive and rugged landscape shaped by the New River, one of the oldest rivers in North America. The park protects over 70,000 acres of forested hills, sandstone cliffs, and river valleys along the New River Gorge and its adjacent watershed areas. The gorge itself features towering cliffs over 1,000 feet high, making it a premier destination for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking. The park's watershed supports diverse ecosystems, including mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, hickory, and pine, along with habitats suitable for black bears, river otters, peregrine falcons, and several rare plant species. Historically, the area was home to early Native American settlers and later became a hub for coal mining and railroad industries during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, remnants of this heritage can be explored through historic towns and rail trails. The watershed includes tributaries that are part of the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers system, preserving water quality and supporting salmonid fish populations. Visitors can experience more than 70 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Long Point Trail and Fayette Station Loop, plus access to miles of river for paddling and fishing. The iconic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, offers stunning views and annual bridge day festivities celebrating base jumping and climbing. The park offers a combination of wilderness solitude, active recreation, and interpretive opportunities that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.
