Insider Tips for Visiting New River Gorge with Kids

Getting to New River Gorge National Park

The closest major airport to New River Gorge National Park is in Charleston, West Virginia, which is about an hour away. This is how my family traveled to the area. There is also a small regional airport in Beckley, West Virginia, about 20 minutes away. Many visitors also come to the park as part of a bigger road trip. (FYI: New River Gorge is a five-hour drive from DC and a 3.5-hour drive from Charlotte, North Carolina.)

Best Time of Year to Visit with Kids

New River Gorge National Park is open 25 hours a day year-round, though two of the four visitor centers are only open seasonally. The best time of year to visit the park with kids is arguably April through October, when rafting season is in full swing and temperatures range from the 60s to the 80s F.

Fees and Passes

There is no entrance fee for the park and no advance passes are needed—just show up!

A great view of the New River Gorge Bridge from the Canyon Rim Boardwalk.

Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park with Kids

1. Canyon Rim Boardwalk and Visitor Center

This is a great place to start your trip, as it is the park's main visitor center and contact station. You can talk to rangers, watch a short film all about the area, and explore the center's museum and gift shop. (The Sandstone Visitor Center just off I-64 is the other prominent ranger station, featuring exhibits on the local environment.) There are clean restrooms and picnic tables just outside.

There's also a short walk to an overlook with spectacular views of the New River Gorge Bridge. An accessible ramp leads to the first scenic viewpoint, then 178 steps descend to an even closer observation deck. It's an ideal spot for a family photo, and there are historical placards along the way with information about the park.

If your kids enjoy participating in the Junior Ranger program, they can also pick up their booklet at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. In this national park program, kids are given a workbook with educational and age-appropriate material (think coloring pages for little ones and more writing and games for older kids). After completing the book, participants are "sworn in" as junior rangers and given a one-of-a-kind badge pin. It's a great way to bring home a free souvenir from New River Gorge National Park.

The New River Is one of the best places for white water rafting. 

2. White Water Rafting

The New River is one of the most sought-after spots in America for white water rafting, and it's really no surprise why. With rapids rated from Class I up to Class IV, this river (one of the oldest in the world!) offers everything from beginner floats to expert-level wild rides.

There are several local businesses offering guided trips for different skill levels and age groups, including New River Gorge rafting with kids. Adventures on the Gorge, Ace Adventure Resort, River Expeditions, and West Virginia Adventures are tour companies offering half- and full-day trips on the New River. In general, a half day is about two to four hours long, while a full day is four to six hours and includes a lunch break.

For families with kids under 10, the Upper New River provides splashy waves, gentle rapids, and scenic pools. Children as young as 6 can participate in this "intro to rafting" trip. The Lower New River is more physically challenging and is recommended for kids over 10 (some tours require them to be at least 12.)

Our family did a full-day rafting trip on the Lower New River through Adventures on the Gorge. It was exhilarating! Our guide was a pro, leading the way in an oar-mounted raft as we paddled through the waters. There were intense rocky areas and Class IV rapids where we needed to be strong and alert. The trip was about six hours long, with a one-hour riverside lunch break and two 30-minute out-and-back bus rides.

Our tour also included a stop at "Jump Rock," where we took a 12-foot plunge into the river (what a thrill)! My personal highlight was the final stretch, when we floated in our life jackets under the New River Gorge bridge. I will never forget that stunning scenery.

Rafting is not the only water sport available on the New River. Many local tour companies also offer fishing, kayaking, and boat tours. Also, if you have teenagers and are looking for even more extreme thrills, check out the short rafting season on the Gauley River. Every year, Summersville Lake is drained through scheduled dam releases. The result is Class V rapids for an adrenaline-pumping ride. "Gauley Season" is in September and October.

Find out why the author's daughters crowned Ace Adventure the "greatest water park ever!"

3. Ace Adventure Water Park

I must mention this water park in Oak Hill because according to my daughters, it's the "greatest water park EVER." Set on a spring-fed lake, this play area has giant inflatables to climb and jump off of, water slides, zip lines, and obstacle courses. Oh... and wood-fired pizza. My kids and I had such a blast playing here. Full-day passes are reasonably priced, too. Open May through September, Ace Adventure Water Park is well worth a visit if you come to New River Gorge in the summer. Fill out your waivers online to save time at the front gate.

4. Bridge Day 

I can't write an article about New River Gorge kids' activities without mentioning the unique spectacle that is Bridge Day. Held every year on the third Saturday in October, Bridge Day is when experienced BASE jumpers leap off the bridge into the Gorge below... an 876-foot plunge! Thousands of people come to walk the bridge, watching the action and participating in the celebratory atmosphere. In fact, Bridge Day is West Virginia's largest singe-day festival.

Best Family-Friendly Hikes in New River Gorge National Park

5. Endless Wall Trail

This 2.4-mile horseshoe-shaped path is among the most popular trails in the park. The moderate hike passes through a forest and across a creek as it zigzags along the gorge's rim (we were happy for all of the shade provided by the tall trees). There are abundant views of the New River, particularly at the Diamond Point overlook. We could see whitewater rafters 1,000 feet below us, and even hear their voices!

Note: There are cliff edges on this trail, so use caution with little ones. The hike took our family about an hour and a half to complete, and it felt like a good workout. 

6. Kaymoor Miners Trail

Feeling ambitious? If so, I highly recommend this strenuous hike that goes right through the site of a historic coal mine. Old structures and artifacts are visible along the way, and they are fascinating. My kids couldn't stop talking about a sign that tallied how many days had gone by since a fatal accident. We also saw interesting insects and fungi.

I will level with you, though: This hike is not for the faint of heart. The trail descends steeply one-mile from the top of the gorge to the bottom. From there, a set of 821 wooden steps continue down to the remains of a mining town and a coal processing plant. (Remember, if you take these stairs down, you will have to take them back up!) Still, our family paced ourselves and completed the hike in about two hours.

7. Long Point Trail

Another favorite trail at New River Gorge is this 1.6-mile hike that traverses field and forest on the way to a rocky area with panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge (some say it's the best overlook in the park). The trail is a mostly easy and shaded walk, but it does include one steep section just before the rock outcrop. Mountain bikes are allowed on portions of the trail. Once again, parents should be careful with kids around the cliff edges.

See what you can discover along the Park Loop Trail. 

8. Park Loop Trail

I really like this hike, particularly for families with little ones in tow. Not only is it easy, but it begins and ends at the Fayetteville Town Park. Walk the one-mile forested loop, looking for cool wildlife along the way. When you're done, hit the two playgrounds and splash pad! Other park features include three large fields, an area for skateboarders, and a basketball court. The Park Loop also connects to the longer and more strenuous Fayetteville Trail.

9. Bridge Walk

If your family loves thrills, consider taking this guided tour that gives a unique perspective of the New River Gorge Bridge... from a catwalk directly beneath it that's more than 800 feet above the river! Guests as young as 8 and at least 48 inches tall can get harnessed up to walk the entire length of the 3,030-foot bridge, taking in incredible views of the gorge below. The catwalk is 24 inches wide with a substantial railing. Tours move at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to stop for photos. The entire experience takes about 2.5 hours.

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants Near New River Gorge National Park

10. Secret Sandwich Society

Many visitors to the national park stop in for some comfort food at this casual spot in Fayetteville. Menu items include burgers, four different kinds of fries, and a variety of sandwiches named after US presidents. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner every day. There is a kids menu as well as a weekday happy hour.

11. Pies & Pints

Craving pizza after a day of hiking? This Midwestern chain serves up classic and not-so-classic pies in an easygoing atmosphere. Pies & Pints also offers salads (portions are generous) and plenty of beers on tap. Located just five minutes from the park, the restaurant can have a short wait on weekends, FYI.

12. The Frozen Barn

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this old-fashioned ice cream parlor in Oak Hill. There are 24 flavors to choose, from including dairy-free and no-sugar-added options. The Frozen Barn makes its own waffle cones, milkshakes, and ice cream cakes. Hours change seasonally, so check the website for more info.

New River Gorge Camping and Hotels for Families

13. Adventures on the Gorge

The same company that guided my family down the New River also has some of the best camping near New River Gorge. From deluxe cabins that can sleep large groups to glamping tents to old-school campsites for actual tents, the property has a variety of options. There's an outdoor pool, scenic outlooks, and several casual restaurants on site.

14. Ace Adventure Resort

Seeking a rustic stay? This company—also known for its river tours—offers cabins, cottages, bunkhouses, and campsites for tents. Set on 1,500 lush acres, guests enjoy the private fishing ponds and miles of hiking trails. There's even a path that leads to a majestic waterfall. Plus, bikes are available for rent on campus.  

15. Babcock State Park

While there are eight primitive campsites in New River Gorge National Park (i.e. no electricity or drinking water), many travelers prefer staying at this state park 20 minutes away. That's because the park—which has 28 cabins and 52 campsites—boasts modern amenities like WiFi. It's also gorgeous in its own right. An old mill at the park is considered the state's most photographed spot.

16. Comfort Inn New River

If camping isn't your thing (I get it and I'm not here to judge!), this hotel in Oak Hill may be a good fit for you. Though somewhat no-frills, the Comfort Inn is eight minutes from the national park and has complimentary hot breakfast and coffee. There's also a small pool, free parking, and a fitness center.

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All photos courtesy of the author