page_title: New River Gorge National River
section_title: Recreation
hierarchical_section_title: New River Gorge National River / Recreation
caption_attribution_description: English: Classic climb, Four sheets to the wind (5.9) at Junkyard cliff in New River Gorge, West Virginia, USA. The rock type is Nuttall sandstone.
context_page_description: The New River Gorge National River is a unit of the United States National Park Service designed to protect and maintain the New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. Established in 1978, the NPS-protected area stretches for 53 miles from just downstream of Hinton to Hawks Nest State Park near Ansted.
  New River Gorge is also home to some of the country's best whitewater rafting. The focus of this rafting is in the New River Gorge from the Cunard put-in to the Fayette Station take-out. The river levels for the New River Gorge can be checked at American Whitewater.
  New River Gorge is also one of the most popular climbing areas on the east coast with over 1,400 established rock climbs. The cliffs at "The New" are located just below the rim of the gorge and are made up of a very hard Nuttall sandstone. The rock is very featured, and an abundance of crack and face routes, with occasional large roofs. Almost all climbs are one pitch long and range from 30 to 120 feet in height. The majority of the routes in the gorge are for advanced climbers in 5.10-5.12 range of the Yosemite Decimal System with about an equal number of traditional and sport climbs.
context_section_description: The Lower Gorge of the New River is a premier whitewater rafting location that attracts thrillseekers from all over the country and the world.  The rapids, ranging in difficulty from Class III to Class V, are imposing and forceful, many of them obstructed by large boulders which necessitate maneuvering in very powerful currents, crosscurrents, and hydraulics. Commercial outfitters conduct trips down the river from April through October.  The upper part of the river offers somewhat less challenging class I to III rapids for whitewater canoeing. The National Park Service website lists all the licensed outfitters on their Commercial Whitewater Information page.
  New River Gorge National River has become one of the most popular rock climbing areas in the country. Within the park are over 1,400 established rock climbs. The cliffs at New River Gorge are made up of hard sandstone and range from 30 to 120 feet (37 m) in height.
  Fishing is one of the most popular activities on the New River. The diversity of fish in its waters makes the New River an excellent warm water fishery.
  There are over 50 miles (80 km) of hiking trails in the park ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes.  Several trails following old railroad grades are open to bikes.  There are four primitive camping areas within the park, all located along the river.
  There are two year-round visitor centers located at Sandstone and Canyon Rim.
  New River Gorge National River is renowned for its excellent recreational opportunities: whitewater rafting, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, camping, picnicking, biking, and enjoying the solitude of the natural world.
caption: Classic climb, Four sheets to the wind (5.9) at Junkyard cliff in New River Gorge
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