{"id":"nps-neri","slug":"new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve","name":"New River Gorge National Park & Preserve","designation":"National Park & Preserve","category":"national-park","categoryLabel":"National Park","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"NERI","designation":"National Park & Preserve","sourceId":"nps-neri"}],"states":["WV"],"stateNames":["West Virginia"],"location":{"lat":37.86878554,"lon":-80.99956002},"bbox":[-81.1565,37.6743,-80.8562,38.1185],"acres":{"value":72066,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":{"date":"1978-11-10","designation":null,"name":null,"text":"Authorized Nov. 10, 1978","authority":{"type":"act-of-congress","signedBy":"Jimmy Carter","administration":"Jimmy Carter","citation":null},"reviewed":true},"established":{"date":"1978-11-10","designation":"National Park & Preserve","name":null,"text":"Authorized Nov. 10, 1978","authority":{"type":"act-of-congress","signedBy":"Jimmy Carter","administration":"Jimmy Carter","citation":null},"reviewed":true},"administrations":["Jimmy Carter"],"designationHistory":[{"date":"1978-11-10","action":"established","designation":null,"name":null,"indexText":"Authorized Nov. 10, 1978","authority":{"type":"act-of-congress","signedBy":"Jimmy Carter","administration":"Jimmy Carter","citation":null},"note":null,"sources":[{"name":"The National Parks: Index 2012–2016 (National Park Service), PDF page 112","url":"https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/npindex2012-2016.pdf"},{"name":"American Presidency Project: Carter statement signing S. 791 (P.L. 95-625), approved Nov. 10, 1978","url":"https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/national-parks-and-recreation-act-1978-statement-signing-s-791-into-law"}],"research":"nps-index-2012-2016","reviewed":true,"review":{"verdict":"confirmed","note":"National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 authorized New River Gorge National River. Carter. (The park-and-preserve redesignation came Dec. 27, 2020, not in this batch.)","by":"HistorianPanel accuracy review, batch 1","date":"2026-11-09"}}],"summary":"A rugged, whitewater river flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=38.1185&b_tl_lng=-81.1565&b_br_lat=37.6743&b_br_lng=-80.8562","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=New%20River%20Gorge%20National%20Park%20%26%20Preserve","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"cover":{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7E8F1F-1DD8-B71B-0B03B737CD7AE489.jpg","title":"Horseshoe Bend from Grandview","alt":"bend in the river","credit":"NPS photo/Louise McLaughlin","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm","tier":1,"source":"National Park Service"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7E8F1F-1DD8-B71B-0B03B737CD7AE489.jpg","title":"Horseshoe Bend from Grandview","alt":"bend in the river","credit":"NPS photo/Louise McLaughlin","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/neri/index.htm","source":"National Park Service","cover":true},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7E907D-1DD8-B71B-0B502C95583F514E.jpg","title":"Thurmond Depot","alt":"railroad tracks and depot","caption":"Thurmond Depot","credit":"NPS photo/Louise McLaughlin","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7E91DA-1DD8-B71B-0B508B9CB06C681E.jpg","title":"Sandstone Falls","alt":"waterfall spanning the river","caption":"Sandstone Falls spans the New River","credit":"NPS photo/Carey Woods","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7E9441-1DD8-B71B-0BED7246643E6693.jpg","title":"Foggy morning","alt":"fog and mountains","caption":"Fog settles in the gorge","credit":"NPS photo/Leah Perkowski-Sisk","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C7E95AB-1DD8-B71B-0BB9F0FCDF99420B.jpg","title":"Rhododendron at Turkey Spur","alt":"pink rhododendron and view of the gorge and river","caption":"View from Turkey Spur at Grandview","credit":"NPS photo/Dave Bieri","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Arts and Culture","Theater","Auto and ATV","Scenic Driving","Astronomy","Biking","Mountain Biking","Road Biking","Boating","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Canoe or Kayak Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Group Camping","RV Camping","Climbing","Rock Climbing","Fishing","Freshwater Fishing","Fly Fishing","Food","Picnicking","Guided Tours","Self-Guided Tours - Walking","Self-Guided Tours - Auto","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horseback Riding","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Paddling","Canoeing","Canoe or Kayak Camping","Kayaking","Stand Up Paddleboarding","Whitewater Rafting","Junior Ranger Program","Playground","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Park Film","Museum Exhibits","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["African American Heritage","Arts","Farming and Agriculture","Industry","Mining","Laborer and Worker","Labor Movement","Military","US Army","Native American Heritage","Schools and Education","Transportation","Bridges","Trains and Railroads","Tragic Events","Explosions","Wars and Conflicts","Korean War","Animals","Birds","Fish","Tortoises and Turtles","Climate Change","Fire","Forests and Woodlands","Deciduous Forests","Geology","Mountains","River and Riparian","Rock Landscapes and Features","Scenic Views","Trails","Unique Species","Rare","Endangered","Watersheds"],"fees":[],"passes":[],"hours":[{"name":"New River Gorge National Park and Preserve","description":"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.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]}],"directions":"To reach Park Headquarters take Route 19 North from Beckley to the Glen Jean exit. Upon exiting Rt 19, make an immediate left turn. At the next intersection, turn right. Park Headquarters will be straight ahead on the right. GPS Coordinates for Headquarters: 81.15587W, 37.92775N PLEASE NOTE: Third party search and map apps may direct you to an potentially inaccessible area of the park with no amenities or rangers stations. Please refer to the Visitor Center or Park Headquarters addresses for directions.","weatherInfo":"Weather in the Appalachian Mountains can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Always be prepared for the possibility of sudden storms. Weather in the mountains is often cooler and wetter than the surrounding area. On average, the warmest month is July. The maximum average precipitation also occurs in July.","contacts":{"phone":"304-465-0508","email":"neri_interpretation@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Thurmond Depot Visitor Center","description":"Thurmond Depot is a restored railroad depot located in the historic railroad town of Thurmond. Open seasonally (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day), the Depot is an information center and a park store.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/thurmond.htm","lat":37.957294,"lon":-81.07879},{"name":"Canyon Rim Visitor Center","description":"Canyon Rim Visitor Center is one of the park's primary, year round visitor centers. It is located at the New River Gorge Bridge, just north of Fayetteville. A wooden boardwalk provides scenic views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the gorge. There are no hiking trails that start at the visitor center. The center features exhibits, information, park film, and a book store.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/crvc.htm","lat":38.070050800525664,"lon":-81.07593529999019},{"name":"Grandview Visitor Center","description":"The Grandview Visitor Center is one of our seasonal visitor centers, typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Here there are overlooks of the New River, five hiking trails, ranger-led walks and talks, summer outdoor dramas, and picnic areas with playgrounds.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/grandview.htm","lat":37.831658,"lon":-81.064841},{"name":"Sandstone Visitor Center","description":"Sandstone Visitor Center is one of the primary visitor centers for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It is a green design building where visitors can learn about the park and the watershed through exhibits and a park film. The center also features a native plant garden, picnic areas, and book store.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/sandstone.htm","lat":37.783199,"lon":-80.897851}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Glade Creek Campground","description":"This forested campground offers both tent and RV sites near the banks of the New River and the Glade Creek Trailhead. There are 6 walk-in tents sites and 5 drive-in sites for tents, RVs, or campers. There is 1 accessible site. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites, walk-in sites, or any parking area is strictly prohibited.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":11},{"name":"Grandview Sandbar","description":"This campground offers shaded wooded campsites near the banks of the New River. There are 10 wooded drive-in sites for RVs, campers, car camping, and tents; 6 walk-in tents sites; and 2 accessible sites by the river. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs are recommended due to the tight access road. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites, walk-in sites, or any parking area is strictly prohibited.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":16},{"name":"Army Camp","description":"This campground offers both tent and RV campsites along the banks of the New River at one of its many horseshoe bends. There are 11 drive-in sites for RVs, campers, and tents. Only small (less than 25 feet) and medium (22 - 31.5 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Large RVs or campers are not recommended. Some sites offer partial shade; others are located in the open with no shade. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites is strictly prohibited.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":11},{"name":"Stone Cliff","description":"This tent only campground located near the historic railroad town of Thurmond offers 7 walk-in sites, 5 on the sandy beach of the New River and 2 in the nearby forest. There are no drive-in sites at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. The Stone Cliff Trailhead also starts at the campground.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":7},{"name":"Thayer Campground","description":"This tent only campground is located near the community of Thayer along the banks of the New River. It has 4 walk-in sites. There are no drive-in sites at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited. Alcohol is prohibited at this campground.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":4},{"name":"War Ridge/Backus Mountain Campground","description":"This is the only campground in the park that is not along the river. It is located on a ridgetop near Backus Mountain. There are 8 drive-in sites for tents, RVs, or campers. Only small (less than 25 feet) RVs or campers are recommended. Camp only at designated sites. RV, camper, or car camping in non-designated sites or any parking area is strictly prohibited.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":8},{"name":"Brooklyn Campground","description":"This tent only campground is located on the banks of the New River near the Cunard River Access point and Southside Trailhead. It offers 4 walk-in tents sites and 1 tent-only drive-in site. There are no drive-in sites for RVs or campers at this location. RV, camper, or car camping is prohibited.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":5},{"name":"Burnwood Group Campsite","description":"Burnwood is located across Route 19 from Canyon Rim Visitor Center and offers group camping. This site is only for groups of 8 or more people and requires a Special Use Permit. For a permit for the group campsites, contact the permits office at 304-465-6531. Permits require a minimum of 10 business days after the application has been received.","url":"","reservationUrl":null,"sites":1},{"name":"Meadow Creek Campground","description":"This primitive campground located along the New River is only one mile from the Sandstone Visitor Center. It offers 17 sites in an open field. The railroad crossing can be dangerous for larger RVs and trailers. The low grade railroad crossing is not suitable for extended wheelbase RVs such as motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers etc. Campers should expect to hear some noise such as train horns.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":17}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"bluestone-national-scenic-river","km":34},{"slug":"gauley-river-national-recreation-area","km":38},{"slug":"jefferson-national-forest","km":70},{"slug":"bear-creek-national-scenic-area","km":111},{"slug":"monongahela-national-forest","km":123},{"slug":"mount-rogers-national-recreation-area","km":133}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=neri"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"reviewed","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.619Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Arrowhead and Craig Branch Trails closed for prescribed burn","text":"The Arrowhead Bike Trails and Craig Branch Trail will be closed on Tuesday November 10 and Wednesday November 11 for a prescribed burn that is planned for that area. Depending on weather conditions, the closure could extend to Thursday.","url":null,"updated":"2026-11-06 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-2ABEF6EE-83E2-4753-B8F5-A320D235B6FB"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Burnwood Campground and Restroom Closure","text":"The Burnwood group campground will be closed from October 5 through mid November due to a construction project to replace water lines. During that time restroom facilities will be closed at the Burnwood Trailhead.","url":null,"updated":"2026-09-10 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-4565D0AA-7CB9-463F-BFCF-81E20510B907"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Rend Trail Closed through December 2027","text":"The Rend Trail is closed for trail Improvements that will include a new parking area, restroom, and a small picnic area overlooking Arbuckle Creek at the Minden trailhead, structural improvements to five historic railroad trestles along the trail, and full trail surface rehabilitation. Additionally, construction of a large accessible ramp over the ‘big rock’ will replace a stairway, resulting in the only fully accessible earthen surface trail located within the park.","url":null,"updated":"2026-08-06 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-95337116-5117-4A84-9CBE-400EC5C3D436"},{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"Kaymoor Miners Trail Closure","text":"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.","url":null,"updated":"2026-05-29 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-B3619D90-1712-402E-A040-775950BB1B85"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve.geojson"}