Heading north from right here, a number of roads dip out and in of the park—however “one of the best ways to see the forest and gorge is on foot or by raft,” advises Chelsea Bricker, from Adventures on the Gorge, one other clothing store and resort serving park guests. “The New River Gorge is understood for its rafting, however I believe the climbing is underrated,” Bricker provides.
Heat water, big waves, dozens of rapids and reliable flows make the New River among the finest rafting locations within the nation. There are two fundamental river sections. The Higher is extra relaxed and household pleasant—excellent for a primary whitewater expertise. The Decrease is world-famous for its large, difficult rapids and epic surroundings. For six weeks in September and October, on the close by Gauley River, scheduled dam releases create a number of the most difficult rafting within the nation.
So far as climbing prospects, greater than 100 miles of trails weave via the park and a number of the previous rail traces are accessible on bikes. They vary from simple to laborious, forest walks to cliff-top viewpoints. Bricker’s favourite is Glade Creek, which follows a fairly stream to a phenomenal waterfall.
The Gorge’s sandstone cliffs additionally appeal to climbers from around the globe. There are no less than 1,400 climbing routes within the area, together with a number of the nation’s hardest climbs.
Each ACE and Adventures on the Gorge supply guided mountaineering, together with rafting and a number of other different journeys. They each supply a spread of lodging, from tenting to luxurious cottages. Adrenaline seekers gained’t even have to go away these properties.
Journey on the Gorge has its personal zip line system that culminates in aptly-named, 3,150-foot Adrenaline—one of many longest and quickest zip traces in North America. ACE’s property extends from the river to mountaintops, furnished with its personal lake, waterpark, and a zipline tour with views of the nationwide park.
