New River Gorge National Park Hiking & Camping

Trip Length4 Days
Group Size4-12
Activity level
Starting from
$2,499for REI Members
$2,749 for non-members
DeparturesMay 2025-Sep 2025

Spend 4 days immersed in the grandeur of the New River Gorge hiking to iconic viewpoints, traversing the New River Gorge Bridge and paddling the New River.

New River Gorge National Park is a blend of natural beauty, rich coal mining history and, at its center, an engineering marvel in the form of the New River Gorge Bridge. We will discover America's 63rd National Park by river, land, and bridge. Epic cliffs, stunning gorge views and cascading waterfalls are just a few of the highlights in this West Virginia adventure! Our itinerary is carefully curated to expose you to a wide array of perspectives and to let you step away from the hustle of daily life and return to a simpler time.

Our campground is nestled just along the border of the National Park allowing us to hike right into camp and still have the comforts of hot showers, fresh meals, and luxurious tent platforms. Our guides handle the planning, cooking, and driving leaving you with more time to roast smores, relax around the fire, and reminisce about your favorite trails and rapids.

Last light on the New River.

Trip Highlights

  • Hike to incredible vistas at Grandview Overlook and the Endless Wall
  • Camp in comfy tents a short walk from New River Gorge National Park
  • Learn about the rich human history embedded in this region
  • Hike across the underside of New River Gorge Bridge
  • Enjoy a kayaking or rafting trip on the New River

Activities

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Participants should enjoy hiking and feel comfortable hiking multiple days with up to 7 miles and 1000 feet of elevation gain per day. There will be select options for greater mileage and elevation. Participants should feel comfortable paddling kayaks or paddling on a raft in up to class III rapids under guided supervision. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 2-3 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, cycling and/or swimming.

  • Kayaking
  • Rafting
  • Hiking
  • Multisport

What's Included

Any park or other admission fees or permits, guides, round trip transportation from Charleston, WV. All meals and snacks from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4; see trip gear list for details on gear provided during this adventure.

Accommodations

Established campsite - 3 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for New River Gorge National Park Hiking & Camping
Day 1

New River... Gorgeous! Enjoy the views and conquer the New River Gorge Bridge

After meeting our guides and fellow travelers in Charleston, WV we get a brief orientation before setting out. Once in New River Gorge National Park, we begin our first hike to the Endless Wall, famous for iconic views of the gorge and the New River 1,000 feet below. Often, we get a bird's eye view of rafters and kayakers running rapids. After lunch we head out for an exhilarating tour across the underside of the New River Gorge Bridge. Harnessed and clipped in, we get a guided walking tour on the catwalk that traverses the bridge and get some unmatchable photo opportunities along the way. This afternoon we take Fayette Station Road down to river level and make our way to Wolf Creek Falls. We have the option to hike directly under the bridge into camp. Tonight, our guides will help you get comfortable in camp and prepare the first of many delicious camp meals. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 2.3 miles, Elevation gain/loss +528' / -394'; Optional hike: 1.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss +597'/-242'; Van transfer: 2 hours

Day 2

Kayak or raft the Upper New River - choose your own adventure!

What trip to the New River Gorge is complete without some time on its namesake river? Today we fuel up in camp before setting off to meet our Upper New River Gorge rafting and kayaking guides. We have the flexibility today to choose our own adventure, whether that's more action, splashing, and paddling in a kayak or paddling with a group in a guided raft. Despite its name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers on earth. It also flows north, making the water warmer than you might expect. After a full day of fun on the water we unwind with appetizers overlooking the gorge before returning to camp for dinner, dessert and some well-deserved relaxation. All meals included.

Rafting or kayaking: Full day tour; Van transfer: 1 hour

Day 3

A Grand View and Glade Falls

We wake to a beautiful sunrise peeking through the canopy of trees and a hearty breakfast prepared by the guide team. We set off for Grandview, an area of the park that spent 50 years as one of West Virginia's most popular state parks before being added into the National Park. From Grandview we can see 1,400 feet down to the river and a sprawling 7 miles of the New River. We hike along the rim to Turkey Spur with several overlooks on the way. This afternoon we head to Glade Creek, where we hike along an old narrow gauge railroad path that runs parallel with the creek all the way to the New River. Along the way, we take in Glade Creek's beautiful rivulets and waterfalls, learn about the logging industry and reforestation efforts and enjoy lunch along the creek. This evening we return to camp where we can shower and enjoy dinner before setting off to chase sunset, a perfect end to a great day of adventure. All meals included.

Hiking: 7.1 miles, Elevation gain/loss +944 / -1,899'; Van transfer: 2 hours

Day 4

Long Point, Kaymoor Mine, and farewell to New River Gorge

Soak in the sunrise and enjoy tent-side coffee before we break camp and set off for our final adventure. We start the morning hiking down to see historic Kaymoor Mine. For the ambitious adventurer, we take the 821 steps down from the mine site to see more industrial remains and coke ovens—we can't help but imagine that daily commute. Once we've gathered again at Kaymoor Top we set off hiking to one final overlook. After bidding farewell to New River Gorge, we head into town for a late lunch before returning to Charleston. We anticipate getting back early evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 3.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss +988' / -982'; Optional hike: 0.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss +614' / -614'; Van transfer: 2 hours

Itinerary map for New River Gorge National Park Hiking & Camping

2025 Departure Dates

New River Gorge National Park Hiking & Camping

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

What to pack

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Practical details

Call 1-800-622-2236 to reserve this trip on the phone

Mon–Fri 7am–5pm PT

Not Included

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; optional guide gratuities; items of a personal nature.

Consider as you sign up

Airline tickets - Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Travel insurance - To protect your travel investment, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

REI membership - Get a member discount on most REI Adventures trips plus other valuable benefits.

Get a $50 annual statement credit towards future Experiences - With the REI Co-op Mastercard, members get a $50 statement credit for our classes, day trips, and multiday outings. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. See details & sign up.

Additional Information

Cancellation and Transfer Policy

A refundable deposit of $400 is required at time of booking to secure space. Full payment is required 60 days before departure date.
If you decide to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due when we receive notice of your cancellation:

  • 91+ days prior to departure = $0
  • 61 to 90 days = $400
  • 31 to 60 days prior to departure = 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable
  • 0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If you instead transfer to another trip, the following fees are due at the time of the request:

  • 61+ days prior to departure = $0
  • 31 to 60 days = $400
  • 0 to 30 days prior to departure = No transfer or refund options

If a transferred reservation is later cancelled, the original applicable cancellation penalties will apply.
See the cancellation and transfer policy details page for more information.
To protect your investment, we recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

Weather

Weather in New River Gorge National Park varies significantly depending on the season. Spring temperatures can range between mid-60s to high 70s during the day and are typically in the 40s at night; rain showers are common so raingear is a must. Summer can be humid with daytime temperatures mostly in the 80s but occasionally into the 90s. Summer evening temperatures typically fall to the 50s and 60s. September and October temperatures usually range in the 60s and 70s with cool evenings; first frost is typically in late October. Consider the time of year you're traveling and check weather forecasts.

Single Travelers

There is no single supplement fee for those willing to share accommodations with a same-gender roommate. If you are willing to share but we are unable to pair you with a same-gender roommate, you will not be charged the single supplement fee. If you do not wish to share and request single accommodations, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available. For more details about traveling solo, see our Solo Travelers page. * Single supplement 2023 - $100
  • Single supplement 2025 - $100

General Information

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. Additional trip information will be provided upon sign up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Meet your guides

Jill

a headshot of REI Adventures guide Jill

Jill has over 20 years of experience as an outdoor educator in many different capacities from working with underserved youth to corporate groups. Her last big guiding adventure was a summer in Alaska, and her recent work has focused on community building, getting women outdoors, and giving back to the trail running and mountain biking community through volunteer work. Jill’s passions are sharing and exposing others to the outdoors through mountain biking, bike packing and rock climbing. Her personal passions are getting into the mountains for ultra-running, bike packing and snowboarding adventures, and searching out hot springs.

Adventure Expert

Michael

I feel incredibly lucky to be sharing the New River Gorge with REI travelers, it’s one of those special places that will keep you coming back for more. Wild Wonderful West Virginia does not disappoint.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.