National Park & Preserve · WV
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
New River Gorge is quietest in January and February and busiest in July.
A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.
1.8M recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit New River Gorge
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Clear | 56°F | 33°F | 0% |
| Mon 19 | Clear | 58°F | 41°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Clear | 62°F | 42°F | 0% |
| Wed 21 | Clear | 62°F | 39°F | 0% |
| Thu 22 | Clear | 59°F | 37°F | 0% |
| Fri 23 | Clear | 63°F | 37°F | 1% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 59°F | 39°F | 1% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 19°F | 3.1" |
| February | 43°F | 21°F | 2.9" |
| March | 51°F | 27°F | 3.8" |
| April | 63°F | 36°F | 3.8" |
| May | 71°F | 46°F | 4.6" |
| June | 76°F | 54°F | 4.1" |
| July | 79°F | 58°F | 5.4" |
| August | 78°F | 57°F | 3.7" |
| September | 73°F | 50°F | 3.3" |
| October | 63°F | 39°F | 2.6" |
| November | 53°F | 29°F | 2.7" |
| December | 43°F | 23°F | 3.5" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BECKLEY VA HOSPITAL, WV US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- Free — Free entrance
- Hours
- The park itself is open 24 hour a day, year round. The park's two main visitor centers at Canyon Rim and Sandstone are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day). There are two seasonal Visitor Centers located in Thurmond and Grandview. They are typically open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- Information
Kaymoor Miners Trail Closure
From June 15 through November 19 the upper part of the Kaymoor Miners Trail (from Kaymoor Top down to the mine site at the junction with the Kaymoor Trail) will be closed Monday through Thursday due to a trail rehab project. The trail is expected to be fully open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Information
Rend Trail Closed through December 2027
The Rend Trail is closed for trail Improvements that will include a new parking area, restroom, and a small picnic area overlooking Arbuckle Creek at the Minden trailhead, structural improvements to five historic railroad trestles along the trail, and full trail surface rehabilitation. Additionally, construction of a large accessible ramp over the ‘big rock’ will replace a stairway, resulting in the only fully accessible earthen surface trail located within the park.
- Information
Burnwood Campground and Restroom Closure
The Burnwood group campground will be closed from October 5 through mid November due to a construction project to replace water lines. During that time restroom facilities will be closed at the Burnwood Trailhead.
- Information
Bridge Day closures
On Saturday, October 17, U.S. Route 19 will close at 7 a.m. on Saturday and remain closed until 5 p.m. that afternoon. Alternate route is via US Routes 60 and 16 (about a 45-minute detour). The parking lot at Canyon Rim Visitor Center will close at 5:30 PM on Friday Oct 16 and will reopen later Saturday morning. Visitor Centers are all open normal hours. Fayette Station Road will be closed for 6:00 PM on Friday through 6:00 PM on Saturday. Burnwood will be closed on Friday and Saturday.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
New River Gorge questions
When is the best time to visit New River Gorge?
New River Gorge is least crowded in January, February, and December. July is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit New River Gorge?
Entry to New River Gorge is free.
When is New River Gorge busiest?
New River Gorge is busiest in July, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is New River Gorge during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to New River Gorge. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.