New River Gorge National Park Hiking & Camping

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

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

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

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