National Parks in West Virginia

In the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia is ripe for adventure, with whitewater rafting, hiking and history.

By: Kelly Smith Trimble

New River Gorge

Hike to unparalleled views of New River Gorge.

Photo by: Harrison Shull / Aurora Photos

Harrison Shull / Aurora Photos

In the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia is ripe for adventure, with world-class whitewater in New River Gorge and the Gauley River and hiking along a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Coal-industry history also abounds.

Appalachian Trail

National Scenic Trail, WV and CT, GA, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT

Just 4 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail pass through West Virginia, but they offer an outlet to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy's headquarters in Harpers Ferry. Learn more about the Appalachian Trail >>

Bluestone River

National Scenic River

In the southern part of the state, this park preserves a 10.5-mile section of a beautiful river that has carved canyons into ancient rock. Find out more about Bluestone River >>

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

National Historical Park, Potomac River, WV and DC, MD

Known as the C & O, this manmade waterway provided Potomac River access to booming industries for nearly 100 years. Today, it's a recreation haven. See what you can do on the C & O Canal >>

Coal

National Heritage Area

Protecting 5,300 square miles and countless cultural history, the park is best enjoyed via the Coal Heritage Trail that winds through historic company towns and coalfields. Learn more >>

Gauley River

National Recreation Area, Summersville, WV

Gauley River

Fayetteville, West Virginia

Photo by: Trevor Clark / Aurora Photos

Trevor Clark / Aurora Photos

For true adventure, head to the Gauley, where, if you can brave class V+ rapids, you'll experience gorges and valleys like no others on the east coast. Get to know Gauley >>

Harpers Ferry

National Historical Park, WV and VA, MD

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Photo by: Jeffrey D. Walters / Moment / Getty Images

Jeffrey D. Walters / Moment / Getty Images

This picturesque town, perfectly situated where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, has witness many seminal events in American history. Step back in time here to experience the beauty and significance of this area. Plan a visit to Harpers Ferry >>

New River Gorge

National River

West Virginia, New River Gorge Bridge

Located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, the New River Gorge Bridge is the recognized symbol of West Virginia, and one of the most photographed landmarks in the state. At 876 feet high and 3,030 feet long, the bridge is the 4th longest steel, single-span bridge in the world. In 2013, the bridge became listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.

Photo by: Photography by Gary Hartley/National Park Service

Photography by Gary Hartley/National Park Service

From whitewater and hiking to climbing and fishing, the 70,000 protected acres and 53 free-flowing river miles of this park offer plenty to do. Discover New River Gorge >>

Wheeling

National Heritage Area, Wheeling, WV

Here, in a city along the Ohio River, West Virginia seceded from Virginia in 1861, becoming the only state to form by breaking apart from a Confederate state. Learn more about this and other intriguing facts about this city and state's role in American history >>