New River Gorge
New River Gorge is a rugged canyon landscape carved by the New River and now protected as a National Park and Preserve. Marvel at dramatic cliffs, go whitewater paddling, and cross the iconic Glen Jean Bridge that spans the gorge.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Eastern United States |
| Subregion | Mid-Atlantic U.S. |
| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| County | Fayette County |
| City | Fayetteville |
| Timezone | AmericaNew York |
| Latitude | 38.064 |
| Longitude | -82.088 |
| Maps |
2:56 PM LOCAL TIMENew River Gorge is a dramatic, high-walled canyon formed by the New River, a braided tributary of the Ohio River. Flanked by steep sandstone and shale walls, the gorge rises from about 560m to over 1085m in surrounding ridges. Once a remote mining and logging region, it was transformed in the 21st century by the creation of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, which protects both the river corridor and upland forests. Visitors come for world-class whitewater rafting and kayaking on grades III to V rapids, scenic overlooks and trails at places like Grandview and Long Point, and the Glen Jean Bridge (also called the New River Gorge Bridge), a 900m span that is a symbol and engineering marvel. Outside the park boundaries, the surrounding state forest lands offer hiking, climbing, and camping. Whether you're crossing the gorge by cable-stayed bridge, paddling beneath steep walls, or exploring forest trails, New River Gorge delivers a core outdoor experience — raw river power, spectacular cliffs, and wilderness resilience.
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