Fayetteville
A small outdoor town at the edge of the gorge.
Points of interest
- New River Gorge Bridge
- Rafting
- Climbing
- Endless Wall Trail
State guide
Things to do in West Virginia
White-water rafting and the famous bridge at New River Gorge National Park, the mountain forests of the Monongahela, the climbing walls of Seneca Rocks, historic Harpers Ferry and small Appalachian towns.
1
Hostels across its 3 main cities
2020
New River Gorge became a national park
Wild and wonderful
West Virginia is the only state entirely within the Appalachian Mountains, and almost all of it is steep, forested hills and deep river valleys. Its motto is Wild and Wonderful, and for outdoor travellers, it lives up to it.
New River Gorge became a national park in 2020. Its river, despite the name, is one of the oldest in the world, and it runs through a deep canyon crossed by the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world. The gorge and the nearby Gauley River have some of the best white-water rafting in the USA, and the sandstone cliffs are a world-class climbing area.
In the east, the Monongahela National Forest has Seneca Rocks, Dolly Sods' high plains and the Cranberry Glades. Harpers Ferry, where the Shenandoah meets the Potomac, is a historic town on the Appalachian Trail, an hour and a half from Washington DC. Small towns such as Fayetteville, Thomas and Lewisburg have a laid-back Appalachian feel. Give West Virginia four or five days, by car. Late spring to autumn is best.
Where to base yourself
Fayetteville or Summersville for New River Gorge, and Harpers Ferry for the east.
Summersville
1 hostel · dorms from $48
A lake town near the Gauley River.
Points of interest
- Summersville Lake
- Gauley River
- New River Gorge nearby
Harpers Ferry
A historic town where two rivers meet.
Points of interest
- National Historical Park
- Appalachian Trail
- Maryland Heights
Regions of West Virginia
New River Gorge in the south, the Monongahela mountains in the east, Harpers Ferry in the Eastern Panhandle and Charleston in the west.
New River Gorge
Rafting, climbing, the bridgeThe national park, Fayetteville and Summersville.
Monongahela
Mountains, Seneca RocksForests, high plains and ski slopes.
Eastern Panhandle
Harpers FerryHistoric towns near Washington DC.
Charleston and the west
Capital, musicThe capital and the Kanawha Valley.
Things to do
Things to do in West Virginia
In New River Gorge National Park, raft the New River in summer or the Gauley in its autumn season, when dam releases create some of the biggest white water in the country. See the New River Gorge Bridge from the Canyon Rim overlook, walk under it on the Bridge Walk tour, and hike the Endless Wall Trail. Climbers come from around the world for the gorge's cliffs.
In the Monongahela National Forest, climb or hike at Seneca Rocks, walk the boardwalk at Cranberry Glades and hike the high, open plains of Dolly Sods. Ski at Snowshoe in winter.
In the Eastern Panhandle, explore Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where John Brown's raid in 1859 helped spark the Civil War, and hike to the Maryland Heights overlook. Ride the historic Cass Scenic Railroad, and visit the mountain town of Thomas.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
New River Gorge National Park has no entry fee, and its trails and overlooks are free. The Monongahela National Forest, Seneca Rocks and Dolly Sods are free to visit.
On Bridge Day, the third Saturday in October, the New River Gorge Bridge closes to traffic and opens to pedestrians and BASE jumpers, free to attend.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park charges entry.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
The pepperoni roll, a bread roll baked with pepperoni inside, was created for coal miners and is sold everywhere. Try soup beans and cornbread, ramps, a wild garlic picked in spring and celebrated at festivals, and buckwheat cakes.
Fayetteville and Lewisburg have good small restaurants and breweries.
Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Nightlife
Going out
Nightlife is low-key. Fayetteville has bars and breweries popular with rafters and climbers, and Morgantown is a busy university town.
Charleston, the capital, has bars and live music, including the Mountain Stage radio show.
In the mountains, nights are for campfires and stargazing.
Getting around
Getting around
West Virginia has small airports, so most visitors fly into Washington Dulles, Pittsburgh or Charlotte. Amtrak's Cardinal crosses the state through the New River Gorge, and Amtrak and MARC commuter trains stop at Harpers Ferry.
A car is essential. Mountain roads are winding and slow, so allow extra time.
West Virginia is on Eastern Time.
Costs
What West Virginia costs
West Virginia is very good value, one of the cheapest states to travel in. Camping is widely available and cheap.
Sales tax is 6 per cent statewide, plus 1 per cent in many towns. Tip 18 to 22 per cent in restaurants.
Rafting trips are the main expense.
Safety
Safety and scams
West Virginia is very safe; the risks are outdoors. Raft only with licensed outfitters, especially on the Gauley, which is for experienced rafters. Stay back from cliff edges in the gorge.
Mountain weather changes quickly, and winter roads can be icy. Check for ticks after hiking.
Phone signal is patchy in the mountains, so download maps. In an emergency, call 911.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Bridge Day, Gauley season and autumn colour.
Staff pick
11 Sep – 12 Nov
Field of Honor
Fayetteville
The 19th Annual 2026 Field of Honor is organized by the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation and the Cool Spring Downtown District. It…
Staff pick
17 October
The Fall Showcase
Fayetteville
The Fall Showcase 2026 brings together motorcycles, music, local culture, nonprofits, vendors, and family activities for a lively community day at Segra Baseball Stadium.…
Staff pick
29 October
Monster Mash Trunk Dash: Trunk or Treat
Fayetteville
The Monster Mash Trunk Dash invites families to enjoy a festive evening with costumes, candy, and fun activities. You can explore decorated trunks, participate…
Staff pick
7 November
Día de los Muertos
Fayetteville
The Community Creative Center presents Día de los Muertos, a free public event celebrating life and legacy. The event features hands-on workshops led by…
5 November
Holly Day Fair
Fayetteville
The Holly Day Fair brings four festive days of holiday shopping, events, and cheer hosted by the Junior League of Fayetteville. You can enjoy…
2 May – 28 Oct
Yoga in the Garden
Fayetteville
Yoga in the Garden 2026 is a recurring wellness event held every Saturday from May through July and October at the Botanical Garden of…
25 October
Clutch
Fayetteville
Clutch is an American rock band known for its unique blend of hard rock, blues, and stoner rock influences. Their energetic live performances and…
31 October
The Werewolf Tour
Fayetteville
The Werewolf Tour brings you The Brook and the Bluff, an indie band from Birmingham, Alabama, known for their rich harmonies and eclectic blend…
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in West Virginia, straight from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
When to go
May to October is the best time. Summer is rafting season on the New River, and September and October bring the Gauley season, Bridge Day and autumn colour. Winter brings skiing at Snowshoe.
Jan
Cold, skiing
Feb
Skiing
Mar
Cool
Apr
Spring
May
Rafting begins
Jun
Rafting season
Jul
Peak summer
Aug
Summer
Sep
Gauley season
Oct
Bridge Day, autumn colour
Nov
Cool
Dec
Ski season begins
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs for Beckley, near New River Gorge, rounded.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on West Virginia prices.
Treat these as a guide. Rafting trips cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
West Virginia questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is New River Gorge National Park free?
Yes, there is no entry fee.
When is Bridge Day?
On the third Saturday in October.
When is the best time for rafting?
Summer on the New River, and September and October on the Gauley.
Is the Gauley River for beginners?
No. It is for experienced rafters. The lower New River is better for beginners.
Do I need a car in West Virginia?
Yes. Public transport is very limited.
Can I visit Harpers Ferry from Washington DC?
Yes, by car in around an hour and a half, or by train.
When is the best time to visit West Virginia?
May to October.
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