New River Gorge · December
New River Gorge in December
December is one of the best times to visit New River Gorge — quieter than November, about as busy as January.
Expect light crowds (2/10), highs near 43°F, about 9.6 hours of daylight, and 4 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Well below this park's peak — easy parking, open trails, short lines.
About 20% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 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
Visitation
Typical December visits vs. the year
December draws about 3% of New River Gorge’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
December weather
- Avg high
- 43°F
- Avg low
- 23°F
- Precipitation
- 3.5"
- Sunrise
- 7:32 AM
- Sunset
- 5:06 PM
- Daylight
- 9.6h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BECKLEY VA HOSPITAL, WV US
What's open
New River Gorge in December: access
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.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- 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
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
New River Gorge crowds across the year
FAQ
New River Gorge in December
How busy is New River Gorge in December?
December rates 2/10 for crowds (Quiet) at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — about 20% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 55,799.
What is the weather like at New River Gorge in December?
In December, New River Gorge averages a high of 43°F and a low of 23°F, with about 3.5 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit New River Gorge?
Entry to New River Gorge is free.
When is New River Gorge least crowded?
New River Gorge is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does New River Gorge get in December?
In mid-December, New River Gorge gets about 9.6 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:32 AM and sunset around 5:06 PM.