New River Gorge was the second national park that we visited on this RV life adventure. We stayed for one week but learned that there are many things to see. I would recommend a minimum of two weeks if you want to really explore the area while also getting some remote work accomplished.

Here are the top 10 things to do while visiting New River Gorge National Park and the surround area

1: NEW RIVER GORGE BRIDGE

This bridge is an engineering marvel, spanning 876 feet above the New River. There is a spectacular viewpoint that you can access from the Canyon Rim Visitors Center. However, please be aware that there are many stairs, but there are benches along the way in case you need a break. For daredevils, you can take a tour beneath the bridge. Additionally, if you visit on the third Saturday of October, you can attend Bridge Day which the website boasts as “one of the largest extreme sports events in the world”.

2: ENDLESS WALL TRAIL

A popular hike near the Canyon Rim Visitors Center is the Endless Wall Trail,  which will lead you to Diamond Point, offering breathtaking views of the gorge and the New River far below. This is quite popular, but we were fortunate to find it incredibly peaceful. When you reach Diamond Point, a great turnaround point, it is a perfect place for a picknick and to soak in the beauty that surrounds you.   

3: BABCOCK STATE PARK

While making our way from the Canyon Rim Visitors Center to the Grand View Visitors Center we stumbled upon this wonderful gem of a state park. It was picturesque, with an old mill, waterfalls, and stone pathways. Babcock State Park is perfect for outdoor adventures of all kinds, from biking and hiking to fishing, camping and more. It’s a park that I would like to revisit and spend more time exploring.

4: GRANDVIEW OUTLOOK

Go and explore this part of the New River Gorge National Park for a magical adventure through the woods on a cliff’s edge. There is a small visitor center here where we found information about nearby trails, and from here, it is a short, easy walk to the outlook. The Castle Rock Trail is a short but challenging hike that filled me with awe as we scrambled over boulders and through the woods on a cloudy afternoon. After 0.6 miles, it connects with the Grandview Rim trail leading back to the parking lot. Stephen stopped and asked, “Do you see it?” I spotted a deer just a few yards off the trail. However, he was referring to the brightly colored spider in a web that was too close for comfort, in my opinion.

5: WHITEWATER RAFTING

As a white-water rafting novice, I was initially nervous, but quickly moved past my fears because it was so much fun! We rafted on the lower New River with a takeout near the New River Gorge Bridge. Along the way, we went through many exhilarating rapids, spotted an Osprey, passed by Diamond Point where we hiked the day before, and had heart-pounding excitement as we had the chance to leave the raft and float through what felt like a waterslide in just our life jackets. This is a must-do when visiting the park.

6: BRUSH CREEK FALLS

Brush Creek Falls is a spectacular waterfall located just a short distance from a small parking lot. However, for large vehicles like our Ford F-150, the road to the trailhead is notably narrow, so exercising extreme caution is crucial. Fortunately, a wide path from the parking area leads to a viewing point where you can see the falls as they plunge into a pool below. For those who want to take a closer look, there are steep trails that descend to the base of the falls. This natural wonder provides an ideal backdrop for capturing the sheer power and beauty of Mother Nature, catering to both experienced photographers and Instagram enthusiast alike.

Should you decide to extend your adventure, follow the main trail as it meanders through the forested landscape, eventually leading to the mesmerizing White Oak Creek Falls. This longer hike allows you to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings even further. It is even a dog-friendly route, so four-legged companions like Owen can enjoy the great outdoors with you. Brush Creek Falls and its scenic trails promise an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and hikers of all kinds.

7: BLUESTONE NATIONAL SCENIC RIVER

Prior to my West Virginia trip, I had never heard of a national scenic
river, but my curiosity led me to discover the Bluestone National
Scenic River on the map. I was thrilled to find the Bluestone Turnpike
Trail, a 9.5-mile path that traces an old riverbank road. The journey
to the park took me through Bluestone State Park, a promising
destination for hiking, boating, fishing, and camping. Although I
couldn’t explore the park fully due to time constraints, it piqued my
interest for a future visit.

The Bluestone Turnpike Trail offered solitude and serenity, but the
absence of fellow hikers led to spiderwebs on the trail,
which became a bit frustrating. After a few miles, I chose to venture
off the path and explore the riverbed. This decision revealed a
delightful surprise – the soothing sounds of the river, a graceful
blue heron, and small crayfish hidden along the riverbed, all amidst a
backdrop of beautiful rocks. Given more time, I’d eagerly return to
complete the rest of the trail. The Bluestone River and its associated
trail are genuine hidden treasures, nestled in the heart of West
Virginia’s lush and rugged landscape.

8: PIPESTEM FALLS

Not far from our campground, I discovered Pipestem Falls. Although in
close proximity to Pipestem Resort State Park, these falls are
situated just outside the park boundaries along WV Route 20. There’s
only a small sign indicating their location, accompanied by a modest
gravel pull-off area for parking. The good news is that reaching these
falls doesn’t involve a major hiking expedition; you can simply take a
short 50-foot walk through Pipestem Falls Park to view them. There’s a
small trail with stairs that allows you to get closer to the top of
the falls for a better look.

Regrettably, there isn’t a trail that leads to the base of the falls,
which would have provided an even better vantage point for viewing and
photography. The falls themselves measure approximately 30 feet in
height. During my visit in August, the water flow was relatively
light, but I could imagine that in the springtime, the falls would
present a more impressive spectacle. Nevertheless, it’s quite
convenient to have these falls located near the road, and they offer a
delightful spot to sit and enjoy the tranquil scenery.

9: TAMARACK MARKETPLACE

Along I-64 between Mabscott, WV and Prosperity, WV, you will see signs for Tamarack Marketplace. These signs caught our attention, and we decided to stop for a side quest. Inside, we found glassblowing, dining options, a bookstore, an art gallery, and a wide variety of locally made goods for sale. I would recommend a stop here; it is such a unique experience and has something for everyone, even fur babies! It is pet-friendly and offers water bowls next to the front door, along with a designated pet area near the parking lot.

10: SANDSTONE VISITORS CENTER

This beautiful and spacious visitor center is located near I-64 and State Route 20. It offers educational exhibits focusing on the natural and cultural history of New River. However, it is on the opposite side of the river and approximately a 35-minute drive away from the trailhead that leads to Sandstone Falls. We chose not to make this drive and have added it to the list of places to see next time we visit the park.