New River Gorge itinerary

Here is how to spend one to three days in New River Gorge, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Short on time? Do Day 1. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.

Day 1

About 2 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Start at Grandview Visitor Center for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.

Morning

• Trail run at Endless Wall (60 to 120 minutes). Endless Wall Trail is and excellent place for a trail run but due to the volume of other hikers, this trail runner would recommend that this be an early morning location. (dogs OK)

Afternoon

• Bicycling at New River Gorge (time not listed). New River Gorge National River offers over fifty miles of mountain bike trails, varying from easy to difficult in terrain and distance. (dogs OK)
• Trail Run Grandview Rim Trail (time not listed). Trail run that is 3.1 miles. (dogs OK)
• Stroll on the Sandstone Boardwalk (30 minutes). Stroll along the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk. (dogs OK)

Day 2

About 3 hours of listed activity time.

Morning

• Trail Run or hike the Little Laurel Trail (30 to 120 minutes). The 4.0 mile roundtrip trail run or hike is strenuous. (dogs OK)

Afternoon

• Sandstone Falls Overlook (10 minutes). Wildlife Observation Nature Observation (dogs OK)
• Castle Rock Hike (30 to 120 minutes). Amazing hike that brings you right next to the layers of rocks that make-up the gorge. (dogs OK)
• Brooks Overlook (5 minutes). Brooks Overlook is a favorite viewing spot for visitors and locals. (dogs OK)

Day 3

About 1.5 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

• Hike the Grandview Rim Trail (0 to 2 hours). Hike the Grandview Rim Trail

Afternoon

• Grandview Main Overlook (15 minutes). The Grandview Main Overlook is located about two football fields in distance from the parking area near the Grandview Visitor Center. (dogs OK)
• View the Overlooks at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center (0 to 30 minutes). Canyon Rim Visitor Center overlooks for the New River Gorge Bridge and the New River Gorge
• Whitewater Boating (time not listed). Whitewater rafting and kayaking is one of the more popular activities at New River Gorge. (best in spring, summer, fall)

Make it work

• When to go: April and August to October. See the best time to visit.
• Where to stay: 9 campgrounds and 1 lodge in the park; see camping and lodging.
• Before you go: check today’s alerts and read know before you go. More ideas: all things to do.

Sources

• National Park Service: things to do in New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (Data API, public domain)

Last checked 1 November 2026.