Hiking

NARR invites you to stay with us and explore the numerous hiking trails the New River Gorge area has to offer. It's a great way to enjoy West Virginia's natural beauty and history with almost no cost. Our representatives are pleased to arrange guided hiking trips or interpretive nature walks for our Guests. NARR encourages all of our Guests to go take a hike!

Hiking in the New River Gorge is a very personal way to enjoy this area's breathtaking beauty. Put yourself beside rocky cliffs, above roaring rapids or next to a dancing waterfall. The New River Gorge area has a selection of trails from short scenic walks to daypack excursions.

The New River Gorge National River offers Guests the opportunity to traverse down the 1,000-foot gorge to remote areas of the river, or hike up Long Point trail to find one of the most spectacular views of the New River Gorge Bridge. Mill Creek trail is located just five minutes from NARR’s base, and is one of the most popular hikes we offer. A total of three miles in length, the Mill Creek trail features spectacular waterfalls as you make your way down to the Hawks Nest Lake located at the bottom of the New River Gorge.

At the beginning of the 20th century the New River Gorge was lined with small industrial towns, which now give adventure seekers the chance to visit true American ghost towns, such as Thurmond and Kaymore, by trail. With trails ranging from 1/4 mile to 7 miles in length the Gorge ranges from flat, easy going trails to challenging, steep traverses. It would be our pleasure to assist you in routing the trip most suitable for you.

Hiking in the Gauley River National Recreation Area can be done on the 4.9 miles of trails available within Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park. The trails surround the Gauley River, offering spectacular views including significant historical sites from the Civil War era. The Patterson House, located at the park, hosts a battlefield museum.

State Parks and Forests with trails located near NARR include: Hawks Nest State Park, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park and Babcock State Park. Grandview, Canyon Rim, Hinton, and Thurmond Visitor Centers provide information and trail maps as well.

Hiking Maps

Hiking Map Hiking Trails of the Canyon Rim Area (New River Gorge)

River Map Explore the New River & Gauley River Recreational Areas

Thurmond Explore the historic town of Thurmond, West Virginia

National Park Service

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