New River Gorge · May
New River Gorge in May
May is a busy time to visit New River Gorge — busier than April, quieter than June.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 78% 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 May visits vs. the year
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
May weather
- Avg high
- 71°F
- Avg low
- 46°F
- Precipitation
- 4.6"
- Sunrise
- 5:13 AM
- Sunset
- 7:27 PM
- Daylight
- 14.2h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, BECKLEY VA HOSPITAL, WV US
What's open
New River Gorge in May: 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
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in May
FAQ
New River Gorge in May
How busy is New River Gorge in May?
May rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — about 78% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 218,166.
What is the weather like at New River Gorge in May?
In May, New River Gorge averages a high of 71°F and a low of 46°F, with about 4.6 inches of precipitation.