Itinerary · 2 days · West Virginia
2 Days in New River Gorge National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of New River Gorge National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: May–Oct. Closest major airport: Charleston (CRW), about 1 hour.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Raft the New River (or the Gauley in fall). Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: See the New River Gorge Bridge from the Canyon Rim overlook.
- Evening: Hike the Endless Wall Trail.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Visit the old mining town of Thurmond.
- Afternoon: Walk to Sandstone Falls.
Fall weekends in October are the busiest time of year. Book lodging early for Bridge Day.
When to go
The best time to visit New River Gorge National Park is May–October.
Best time to visit New River Gorge, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in New River Gorge National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: raft the new river (or the gauley in fall) and see the new river gorge bridge from the canyon rim overlook on day one, then visit the old mining town of thurmond on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this New River Gorge itinerary?
Go in May–Oct, when the park is rated at its best. May, June, August and September offer the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do New River Gorge in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss visit the old mining town of thurmond. Two days is the sweet spot.