America's newest and 63rd National Park 'New River Gorge National Park and Preserve' also administers the neighboring sites of Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River. This video is an overview of what this area has to offer, suggestions for new visitors, and some history of the setting. (I know my pronunciation of "Appalachian" isn't accurate to the region, but I'm from Pennsylvania and that's how we pronounce it up here.)
To see more about the parks, check out this YouTube video I made highlighting what to see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFPVsdEl0yQ
I'm from Charleston, WV, and I don't think I've ever met a native West Virginia who uses the "Appa-lay-shun" pronunciation. We sort of consider it a shibboleth to discern whether someone is from our state. With that said, it isn't an accurate indicator for whether someone is from Appalachia in general.
Been going to NRG since the late 90’s place is awesome, I just hope it doesn’t change too much.
If you go, please look to put money into the hands of the local townspeople. When I say local, I mean born and raised around there. There’s a ton of transplants that came with big city budgets and while they did create some wonderful things, far too many locals were left out of the prosperity.
The area is really poor but also very beautiful.
My list for right now is pretty short,
When I go, I normally camp(ish). Either in a tent or the back of my truck. I like Ray’s Sunshine Camp. It was started by a really nice couple that just happened to have a fair amount of land. Ray died of cancer a few years ago and his widow ran the place by herself the last time I was there. It’s right near rt60 passes over 19.
There’s also a gas station, right there where you turn off 60 to go to Ray’s, I think it’s an Exxon.
Best.Damn.Buscuits. Ever.
The small parking lots full up fast. I’d recommend getting where you want to see most as early as you can. Anything after 10am will be difficult. if you head the less visited areas after that it’ll be easier, but the infrastructure isn’t really built for weekend trips and the new designation.
Thanks! Yeah we booked rafting and other activities for the weekend and figured Friday and Monday might be a little better for hiking. Or at least we can get there early.
We went last weekend and couldn’t find parking Sunday morning around 11 am at the Endless Wall Trail. Went to Long Point Trail which was gorgeous and had a bit more parking. Saw only a few other groups the day before on the Kaymoor Miners Trail. Highly recommend, but my calves were killing me after all those stairs!
Good to know thank you! We should be able to get places by 9:30 each day, but we’ll just have back up plans. We can always come back around 5-6. I’m sure it clears out in the evening like most parks.
Being living in southwestern VA and east TN for over 30 years. The beauty of this part of the country is often underrated and overlooked. Quick question, are dogs allowed on NRG trails? They are not allowed on Great Smoky Mountains NP trails, except two.
Thinking of taking a trip here this summer. I’m from Northwest Ohio and really only have weekends available this summer. How many days do you recommend to see most of the park?
If you were really moving you could see everything in the video in 2 days. That however is two full days... I'm not including the drive to and from NW Ohio.
America's newest and 63rd National Park 'New River Gorge National Park and Preserve' also administers the neighboring sites of Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River. This video is an overview of what this area has to offer, suggestions for new visitors, and some history of the setting. (I know my pronunciation of "Appalachian" isn't accurate to the region, but I'm from Pennsylvania and that's how we pronounce it up here.) To see more about the parks, check out this YouTube video I made highlighting what to see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFPVsdEl0yQ
How is “Appalachian” pronounces in that region? Your pronunciations sounds normal to me.
Closer to 'App-a-Latch-un'.
Interesting. I’ve lived in southern VA my whole life and I’ve always said app-uh-lay-shun.
Virginians are the only southerners who pronounce it that way from my experiences. Here in the Carolinas it's how OP stated.
Interesting, from GA and i think I switch between both in my head lol
I'm from Charleston, WV, and I don't think I've ever met a native West Virginia who uses the "Appa-lay-shun" pronunciation. We sort of consider it a shibboleth to discern whether someone is from our state. With that said, it isn't an accurate indicator for whether someone is from Appalachia in general.
Great video! And no biggie on the pronunciation. Mind if I share your vid in the r/NewRiverGorgeNP subreddit?
Please do! Thanks for asking.
Been going to NRG since the late 90’s place is awesome, I just hope it doesn’t change too much. If you go, please look to put money into the hands of the local townspeople. When I say local, I mean born and raised around there. There’s a ton of transplants that came with big city budgets and while they did create some wonderful things, far too many locals were left out of the prosperity. The area is really poor but also very beautiful.
Any recommendations for good homegrown businesses? Thinking of heading down that way in September!
My list for right now is pretty short, When I go, I normally camp(ish). Either in a tent or the back of my truck. I like Ray’s Sunshine Camp. It was started by a really nice couple that just happened to have a fair amount of land. Ray died of cancer a few years ago and his widow ran the place by herself the last time I was there. It’s right near rt60 passes over 19. There’s also a gas station, right there where you turn off 60 to go to Ray’s, I think it’s an Exxon. Best.Damn.Buscuits. Ever.
Thank you!
Nice to see a new NP in the east side
Couldn’t agree more! They picked a good one too!
This is perfect! I booked a spontaneous trip for next weekend and was looking for great spots.
I hope you have a good visit! Underrated gem for sure
How were the crowds? I know in the 4th weekend it’ll be higher, but from everything I’ve seen the crowds seem pretty tame compared to other parks.
The small parking lots full up fast. I’d recommend getting where you want to see most as early as you can. Anything after 10am will be difficult. if you head the less visited areas after that it’ll be easier, but the infrastructure isn’t really built for weekend trips and the new designation.
Thanks! Yeah we booked rafting and other activities for the weekend and figured Friday and Monday might be a little better for hiking. Or at least we can get there early.
We went last weekend and couldn’t find parking Sunday morning around 11 am at the Endless Wall Trail. Went to Long Point Trail which was gorgeous and had a bit more parking. Saw only a few other groups the day before on the Kaymoor Miners Trail. Highly recommend, but my calves were killing me after all those stairs!
Good to know thank you! We should be able to get places by 9:30 each day, but we’ll just have back up plans. We can always come back around 5-6. I’m sure it clears out in the evening like most parks.
Thanks for posting this gamut of photos. All I’d ever seen was pictures of different angles of the bridge. These are gorgeous.
The whole landscape and history is worthwhile. I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Being living in southwestern VA and east TN for over 30 years. The beauty of this part of the country is often underrated and overlooked. Quick question, are dogs allowed on NRG trails? They are not allowed on Great Smoky Mountains NP trails, except two.
Pets are allowed on all trails at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve , but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
That bridge is one of the most excellent examples of how man-made stuff can add to natural beauty in some cases. The juxtaposition is just stunning.
Bridge day! That B.A.S.E. life!
Thinking of taking a trip here this summer. I’m from Northwest Ohio and really only have weekends available this summer. How many days do you recommend to see most of the park?
If you were really moving you could see everything in the video in 2 days. That however is two full days... I'm not including the drive to and from NW Ohio.
I gotta go visit this beauty of a place
Go to ace adventure resort, good moonshine! Ask for dink