When we were doing research to visit The Barnwood Living store in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, I noticed that we were near New River Gorge National Park, an incredible destination that boasts stunning landscapes and a wealth of outdoor activities. After we created our itinerary, we knew we wanted to spend a couple of days exploring New River Gorge National Park, as it offers not only breathtaking views but also thrilling opportunities for adventure. We could have easily spent so much more time there, diving deeper into the beauty of the trails and the exhilarating experiences the park has to offer. New River Gorge is the newest National Park in the system, having been designated a National Park in late 2020. When we would mention to friends where we were headed, either people had never heard of the area or were extremely familiar, often sharing their own stories of visits filled with excitement and exploration. It is an area that is well-known for white water rafting and other outdoor activities, drawing adventure seekers from all around. Additionally, the most photographed part of the park is the iconic bridge, which spans the New River with grandeur. Prior to its construction in 1977, it took 40 minutes to cross from one side to the other, a time-consuming venture that has now been reduced to less than a minute, making it much more accessible for visitors eager to experience all that the area has to offer. As we planned our visit, we couldn’t help but feel the anticipation of discovering the park’s secret spots and hidden gems nestled within its vast wilderness.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
We began our visit to the park by visiting the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, where we were greeted by enthusiastic rangers who shared fascinating insights about the area’s history and natural beauty. They have a beautiful and easy path from here to visit the bridge, which winds gently through lush greenery and offers stunning views of the canyon below. Along the way, we spotted various bird species flitting among the trees, their songs adding a delightful soundtrack to our walk. The closer we got to the bridge, the more breathtaking the vistas became, making every step along the path an adventure in itself.
For my parents, I had them stay in the visitor center, where they could enjoy the vibrant displays and informative exhibits about the history of the area, while I walked to the bridge to capture the breathtaking scenery. This allowed them to relax and take in the atmosphere, surrounded by fellow tourists. Meanwhile, I ventured toward the bridge, feeling the excitement build as I approached the bridge. The view was spectacular, and this is one of my favorite photos of them, captured just as they were admiring the stunning landscape that stretched out before us, their smiles reflecting the joy of the moment.
There is a viewing platform near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Intrigued by the scenic beauty that awaited me, I decided to venture down the 178 steps to the lower viewing platform. The descent was quite enjoyable, as I marveled at the stunning vistas that unfolded with each step. Upon reaching the lower platform, I was greeted by a panoramic view that made the journey worthwhile. However, the real challenge began on my way back up. The climb was definitely a workout, but it felt invigorating as I pushed myself to ascend the steep stairs, feeling a sense of accomplishment with each step back towards the top. The experience left me not only with a sense of physical exertion but also with lasting memories of the beauty that surrounded me during my visit.
Fayette Station Road Drive
After finding somewhere for lunch, we did the Fayette Station Road Drive in the park, which is known for its stunning scenery and rich history. We were visiting in late October, when the foliage was just beginning to display its vibrant autumn colors, adding a picturesque backdrop to our journey. However, we discovered that there were some restaurants in the area with off-season hours; some were closed or had limited menus, so I would recommend checking the hours beforehand to avoid any disappointment. The drive itself is an 8-mile one-way road that meanders through the park, showcasing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the New River Gorge. It is about a 35-40 minute drive without all the stops, but we found it impossible to resist pulling over at various viewpoints to take photos and soak in the atmosphere. In fact, we stopped quite a bit and took a couple of hours for the drive, enjoying leisurely breaks to appreciate the natural beauty around us. Although we didn’t go for hikes during this visit, there are three trails that begin along the drive, enticing adventurers with opportunities to explore the area’s rich ecosystem and unique geological features. Each trail offers a different perspective of the park, making it a perfect destination for both scenic drives and outdoor activities.
During the drive, you pass under the bridge, an architectural marvel that showcases the ingenuity of human design and engineering. I have so much respect for engineers as they build these amazing structures, which not only facilitate transportation but also serve as symbols of progress in our society. As you continue along, you’ll find various areas to park and explore, inviting you to step out and appreciate the stunning views, the intricate details of the bridge, and the natural beauty that surrounds the area, perfect for a brief respite from the journey.
We were there at the end of October, and it was interesting how from the top of the gorge, it didn’t look that colorful; the muted hues of the landscape blended seamlessly together, creating a somewhat understated view. However, once you were on the drive winding through the canyon, the scenery transformed dramatically, revealing a vibrant canvas of autumn colors that truly took my breath away. The rich reds, golden yellows, and earthy browns of the foliage contrasted beautifully against the deep blue sky and the rugged cliffs that framed the gorge. This is a favorite photo that I took of my dad, capturing not just his smiling face but also the joy in our shared experience as we marveled at nature’s beauty together, making memories that I will cherish forever.
Here are some more photos from our journey, taken on the scenic drive just before reaching the iconic Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, where you cross over the beautiful New River. This stretch of road offers stunning views that showcase the rich greenery of the surrounding landscape, interspersed with the melodious sounds of nature, enhancing the experience as you approach this architectural marvel. The bridge itself stands as a testament to engineering prowess, gracefully arching over the sparkling waters below, making it a perfect spot for photography and creating lasting memories.
In my opinion, the best view of New River Gorge Bridge is undeniably from Tunney Hunsaker Bridge. This vantage point offers a breathtaking perspective that captures the vastness and grandeur of the gorge below. I highly recommend taking the time to park your vehicle and stroll leisurely over the bridge before you cross it. There’s a unique beauty in the way the landscape unfolds from that height, and you’ll want to snap several pictures to preserve the memory. I made the unfortunate mistake of not knowing this beforehand, which forced me to hurriedly park and take photos in a rush, losing out on the serene experience that comes with truly enjoying the view. Next time, I’ll be sure to plan ahead and fully immerse myself in the stunning scenery!
We continued our drive and stopped along the way to take in the magnificent views, where the rolling hills stretched out before us like a breathtaking canvas painted in various shades of green and gold. The sun cast a warm glow over the landscape, highlighting the distant mountains that stood proudly against the clear blue sky, while a gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of wildflowers, inviting us to pause and fully appreciate the beauty surrounding us.
Sandstone Visitor Center
We began our second day at New River Gorge National Park at Sandstone Visitor Center, eagerly anticipating the adventures that lay ahead. The park turned out to be much bigger than we originally thought, inspiring us to break our exploring over two days to fully appreciate its diverse landscapes and breathtaking views. We delved into the southern area of the park, where we encountered towering cliffs, lush forests, and stunning river vistas that showcased nature’s beauty at its finest. The variety of hiking trails beckoned us, each one promising unique experiences and memorable moments in this natural wonderland.
Sandstone General Store and Eatery
We knew from the day before that if we saw a place open for lunch, we had to stop. We eventually stopped at the charming Sandstone General Store and Eatery, a cozy little spot filled with character and a warm atmosphere. The food was delicious and my parents opted for some classic hot dogs, which came loaded with toppings and were grilled to perfection. It has been so convenient with the trays and cup holders designed for them, making it easy to enjoy our meals without worrying about spills. Everyone that gets into my car raves about the trays, as they add a touch of comfort and practicality that enhances our traveling experience, allowing us to savor our food even on the go.
After lunch, we drove around to the back of the store to take in the beauty that surrounded us. So glad we did, as the scene was even more breathtaking than we had imagined. It was an idyllic spot, where vibrant leaves painted in shades of orange and gold fluttered gently in the breeze, creating a picturesque frame for the serene water below. Majestic mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks dusted with a hint of snow, adding to the allure of the landscape. A fisherman, standing knee-deep in the clear waters, patiently cast his line, embodying the peaceful essence of the moment and reminding us of the tranquil joy found in nature.
Sandstone Falls
After lunch, we made our way to the breathtaking Sandstone Falls. The first spot on the scenic drive to see the falls offers a stunning viewpoint from up above, allowing us to take in the majestic cascade of water flowing over the rocks below. There is a convenient pullover where we could stop and soak in the beauty around us, but the walk down to the viewing area is quite steep and requires some caution. As we descended, we felt the refreshing mist from the falls on our faces, heightening our anticipation of witnessing the splendor up close. Each step brought us closer to one of nature’s marvels, making the effort worthwhile for the spectacular sight that awaited us.
For those of you who have been following my blog, you know that my dad loves waterfalls, and it has become a cherished tradition for us to plan our travels around finding these stunning natural wonders. When we visited the New River area, unfortunately, there was a drought that had a significant impact on the region, so many of the falls weren’t flowing as powerfully as we had hoped. However, one of the ones that was flowing, and quite spectacularly, was Sandstone Falls. This enchanting site features a beautiful boardwalk that leads visitors directly to the falls, making for easy access and a fantastic vantage point to gaze at the cascading waters. It was a little far for my parents to walk comfortably, considering the heat and their desire to take it easy, so I parked in a nearby area where they could have a view of the falls, allowing them to enjoy the scenery without straining themselves too much. The sight of the water tumbling over the rocks, combined with the sounds of nature surrounding us, made our trip truly memorable, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with my family.
Thurmond West Virginia
Thurmond, a deserted town nestled within the heart of the national park, is rich with history and fascinating stories waiting to be uncovered. This was our final stop of the day, a bittersweet moment as we reflected on the adventures we had experienced. During its bustling mining days, Thurmond was a thriving town, alive with activity, filled with miners, merchants, and families who called it home. Though the town is now quiet, there is still an Amtrak train that makes a stop here, allowing travelers to catch a glimpse of what once was and bringing a sense of nostalgia to the abandoned streets. As we wandered through the remnants of the town, we realized we didn’t visit all we wanted to see in the sprawling park, which means this adventure is far from over; we are already planning our return to uncover more hidden gems and revisit the enchanting landscapes that nature has to offer.
Travel With Laughter 