Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Southern West Virginia
This part of the state has carved out a viable stake as adventure-sports capital of the east-
ern seaboard.
New River Gorge National River
The New River is actually one of the oldest in the world, and the primeval forest gorge it
runs through is one of the most breathtaking in the Appalachians. The NPS protects a
stretch of the New River that falls 750ft over 50 miles, with a compact set of rapids up to
Class V concentrated at the northernmost end.
Canyon Rim visitor center ( 304-574-2115; www.nps.gov/neri ; 162 Visitor Center Road
Lansing, WV, GPS 38.07003 N, 81.07583 W; 9am-5pm; ) , just north of the impressive
gorge bridge, is only one of five NPS visitor centers along the river. It has information on
scenic drives, river outfitters, gorge climbing, hiking and mountain biking, as well as
white-water rafting to the north on the Gauley River. Rim and gorge trails offer beautiful
views. There are several free basic camping areas.
Nearby Hawks Nest State Park offers views from its rim-top lodge ( 304-658-5212;
www.hawksnestsp.com ; r $86-128; ) ; from June through October it operates an aerial
tram (closed Wednesdays) to the river, where you can catch a cruising boat ride.
Babcock State Park ( 304-438-3004; www.babcocksp.com ; cabins $77-88, campsites
$20-23) has hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, camping and cabin accommodations. The
park's highlight is its photogenic Glade Creek Grist Mill.
Fayetteville & Around
Pint-sized Fayetteville acts as jumping-off point for New River thrill-seekers and is an
artsy mountain enclave besides. On the third Saturday in October, hundreds of base
jumpers parachute from the 876ft-high New River Gorge Bridge for the Bridge Day
Festival .
Among the many state-licensed rafting outfitters in the area, Cantrell Ultimate Rafting
( 304-574-2500, 304-663-2762; www.cantrellultimaterafting.com /; 49 Cantrell Dr; packages from
$60) stands out for its white-water rafting trips. Hard Rock ( 304-574-0735;
www.hardrockclimbing.com ; 131 South Court St; half-/full day from $75/140) offers trips and
training courses for rock climbers
 
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