Views at New River Gorge National Park -

New River Gorge National Park is the newest National Park. One of its scenic draws is the gorge’s bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the world at the time of its construction. Now this gorgeous feat of engineering is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Many of the park’s coveted views are in proximity to this manmade draw, though the beauty of the New River–which is actually one of the oldest rivers in the world–offers park goers an opportunity to jump right in. To follow are are the parts I explored while camping in the Cunard area.

The easiest views of the Bridge are down the many steps of the Boardwalk Overlook at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Though the view doesn’t require a hike, its not the easiest climb back up if you’re out of shape.

Winding down some characteristic West Virginia country roads, you can see the Fayette Station area, including a nice bridge with wooden walkways on both sides. When I arrived around sunset a family had set up a table and were eating dinner right there on the bridge! It was cute to see. Sunset, sunrise and nights skies are all hindered by the mountain haze and morning fog. This was my only disappointment of the area. I suppose Spring might be a better time to visit?

The Appalachian Mountains

Also at the Fayette Station is the railroad track… This was the track that held the cargo trains I heard in the evening. They’re not like passenger trains, they’re like 50 cars at least I bet.

See that cargo go

On the way back to town from the Fayette Station area are some nice pull-outs with great views of under the bridge and the Bridge Buttress trail, a climbing trail that offers some nice views even without climbing too far. I certainly did not have the skill level to attempt it in its entirety–the stretcher stationed at the start of the trail made that clear.

There were some short paths blazed down from the parking areas that have some great up close views. But they have steep drop-offs, so be careful.

My favorite views were at the end of the Long Point Trail, an easy 3 mile out and back trail that brings you to some steep cliffs. The hike is actually rated as “moderate” as the end of it gets a little scrambly. But the majority of it is shaded in the forest, gentle and absolutely beautiful. Hit it early as it gets a bit crowded later in the morning.

Wild berries

Really big mushrooms

The roots give the path some traction.

At the end, the pay-off.

I enjoyed it on my own for awhile until a nice woman and her mom showed up. They were on a cross-country roadtrip as the woman was relocating to Washington D.C. from California. Lovely encounters on the road are priceless.

As I hiked back, many people were hiking in. I was glad I started early!

Some really great views are a short drive away at Hawk’s Nest State Park. Though it was too late to jump into a hike, I was able to see more of the gorge at the Overlook. You can see the bridge I described at the Fayette Station area crossing the river.

And the railroad

The park is know for its whitewater rafting, which its website describes at some of the nation’s most challenging. I have never done whitewater rafting and always wanted to. But not this time though. I also wished I had planned to arrive in time to hop on one of their jet boat rides on the river.

The Moon saying hello

Just kind of spontaneously stopping by this park, I stumbled upon a church service that was taking place on the grounds. Gotto go…

On my drive East, I hit the other side of the Park to see the Grandview. There are great facilities on this side of the park. The Rim trail is 3.2 miles out and back, but you can walk just a short distance to see many overlooks. I wish I had been on this side of the park longer but had a lot of driving to do and a new camping spot to set up before sundown. Next time, West Virginia!