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.
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe 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
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 304-465-0508 · neri_interpretation@nps.gov
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 p
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Adena, Arbuckle Connector, Big Branch Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
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
Nearby sites
Brian M. Powell (user Bitmapped on en.wikipedia ) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bluestone Lake
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
NPS Photo National Park Service Bluestone National Scenic River
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
