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New River Gorge · July

New River Gorge in July

July is the busiest time to visit New River Gorge — busier than June, busier than August.

Crowd score

How busy it gets

10/10
Peak

The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.

About 100% of this park's busiest month.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →

Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe

Visitation

Typical July visits vs. the year

July (typical)279,929
Peak — July279,929
Quietest — January39,947

Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.

Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025

Weather

July weather

Avg high
79°F
Avg low
58°F
Precipitation
5.4"
Sunrise
5:14 AM
Sunset
7:45 PM
Daylight
14.5h

Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BECKLEY VA HOSPITAL, WV US

This week

7-day forecast for New River Gorge

DayConditionsHighLowPrecip chance
Fri 10Overcast75°F65°F62%
Sat 11Light rain74°F66°F35%
Sun 12Rain showers68°F62°F63%
Mon 13Overcast73°F59°F19%
Tue 14Overcast84°F56°F3%
Wed 15Overcast86°F61°F6%
Thu 16Thunderstorm82°F65°F16%

Forecast data by Open-Meteo

Source: Open-Meteo

What's open

New River Gorge in July: 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

    Church Loop Trail Closure

    The Church Loop Trail in the Thurmond area of the park is temporarily closed due to downed trees.

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

    Church Loop Trail Closure

    The Church Loop Trail in the Thurmond area of the park is temporarily closed due to downed trees.

Source: NPS Data API

Context

New River Gorge crowds across the year

JanFebMarAprMayJun10JulAugSepOctNovDec

Alternatives

Quieter nearby in July

FAQ

New River Gorge in July

How busy is New River Gorge in July?

July rates 10/10 for crowds (Peak) at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — about 100% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 279,929.

What is the weather like at New River Gorge in July?

In July, New River Gorge averages a high of 79°F and a low of 58°F, with about 5.4 inches of precipitation.