If you're planning a trip to New River Gorge this year, check out these local businesses we've explored—they'll help you experience firsthand why West Virginia truly is Almost Heaven.
Ace Adventure Resort: A family-owned and operated vacation destination for over 40 years. Explore their spring-fed mountain lake water park, new river gorge cabins, whitewater rafting and other adventures, vacation packages and more.
Adventures on the Gorge: Whitewater rafting is how they started, but you can also fly high on one of their three aerial experiences, explore the New River Gorge on a guided driving tour, or glide on the New River on a leisurely jet boat ride. Whether your ideal adventure is lounging by the pool or taking on hard hitting, class V whitewater, they can help you create your best New River Gorge National Park vacation.
Babcock State Park: One of West Virginia’s most iconic locations, Babcock State Park has 4,127 acres of stunning scenery. The park is best known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which once stood on the grounds. Other attractions include recreational activities like hiking, fishing and mountain biking, as well as whitewater rafting nearby in the New River Gorge.
Beckley Exhibition Coal: Tour underground, visit the Coal Camp, the Museum and the Gift Shop stocked with West Virginia items and freshly made fudge. The hands-on exhibitions and underground coal mining tour offer wonderful opportunities for visitors to learn, explore, interact and share.
Bluestone Lake Marina offers kayak, canoe, pontoon and jon boat rentals, mooring, live bait, fishing supplies, cold drinks, snacks, fuel, ice and more. Open daily from 8-8.
Bluestone State Park: This wilderness park offers outdoor activities including boating, fishing, camping by the water and cabins with stunning lakeside views. Guests may also enjoy ziplining, mountain bike excursions and guided fishing trips at nearby Pipestem Resort State Park, located about 20 minutes away.
Boy Scout Summit Bechtel Reserve: “The Summit” is a unique Scouting facility with an expansive main property spanning over 10,000 acres. They offer a variety of Scouting adventures exclusive to the location. Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, The Summit is strategically positioned within an eight-hour drive of 60% of the US population.
Glade Springs Resort: Cozy accommodations, local cuisine, and small town hospitality offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Enjoy exciting activities coupled with welcoming amenities as you immerse yourself in the ideal casual getaway. Guest rooms range from traditional hotel rooms and suites to stand-alone villas and lodges, offering something for everyone.
Hawks Nest State Park: Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre recreational area with a nature museum, aerial tramway, jetboat rides, hiking trails and one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways in the nation. Its 31-room lodge offers luxurious rooms, dining and spacious conference and meeting facilities.
New & Gauley River Adventures: Family owned for more than 30 years, this small company offers white water rafting adventures on the New and Gauley Rivers — with a personal touch. They offer different levels of whitewater rafting adventures to give the whole family a chance to enjoy the fun of a rafting trip.
New River Gorge National Park Visitor Centers: Start your visit at one of the NPS visitor centers, where you can find maps, information, interpretive displays, and a book store. Canyon Rim Visitor Center and Sandstone Visitor Center are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm year round. All visitor centers are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Grandview and Thurmond Depot are seasonal visitor centers, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and sometimes intermittently after Labor Day, depending on staffing.
Pipestem Resort State Park: Sitting on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, Pipestem offers zipline tours, guided trout fishing trips, mountain bike excursions and more. Spend some time on the water at the park’s new adventure lake and splash park or set out on a kayaking and stand-up paddle board tour, tubing or whitewater adventure on the Bluestone River. The sprawling 4,050-acre park features 26 cabins and two lodges, one of which can only be accessed by riding the park’s aerial tramway to the bottom of the Bluestone River Gorge.
River Expeditions offers a variety of onsite lodging options from luxury cabins to primitive tent camping and everything in between. To accommodate all guests there are areas throughout the campground designated as quiet, festive and also alcohol-free. Overnight guests receive complimentary continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and Pool/Hot Tub access.
Sandstone Landing Airbnbs: Sandstone Landing is a scenic area near Sandstone, WV, along the New River, offering Airbnb options like cozy riverfront cabins and secluded lodges, perfect for paddlers, anglers, and nature lovers exploring New River Gorge National Park.
Summersville Lake: Voted best campground in West Virginia, it’s an adventure lovers dream with some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. A base camp for adventurers who are climbing, boating, hiking, white water rafting, swimming, fishing, biking, taking photos, all within a 15-mile radius. They can also steer you to the numerous fantastic restaurants, breweries, wineries, and ice cream shoppes in the area.
Tamarack Arts & Crafts Center: Experience a one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience directly off I-64 Exit 45 in Beckley. This dog-friendly venue showcases an impressive collection of creations by local artists and artisans, representing the immense talent from across the state. After exploring, indulge in a meal at their Appalachian-inspired restaurant.
West Virginia Adventures: A top destination for truly magnificent rafting. With two rivers only minutes apart, there’s something for everybody, whether you want the classic New River whitewater experience, a kid-friendly float trip, or you’re ready to go big on the Gauley. Family-owned and operated, so you know you’ll enjoy a thoughtfully designed experience from the moment you book to the moment you hit the river.
Watch New River Gorge: The Ultimate Adventure by Megatherium Club
Top photo of the New River Gorge by Ken Thomas
