Outdoor Recreation Near the New River Gorge
Just You Between the Mountains
While exploring the New River Gorge area, there are many great starting points leading to no end for your curiosity. This town is a paradise for trail hitters, whitewater rafters, kayakers and explorers. With several beautiful views of the famous New River Gorge at your disposal, recharging after burning some energy is always an option. Create your own pace here in Almost Heaven.
Find Your Stride
Whether you’re an advanced hiker or a beginner, you will discover how easy it is to fall in love with the hiking trails in Fayetteville. For a longer but easy hike, take the 3-mile Long Point Trail to a scenic overlook of the New River Gorge Bridge. This is suitable for mountain biking as well.
For the view of a lifetime, take the moderately challenging Long Point via Butcher Branch Trail. There are plenty of trails below the bridge to get closer to the New River and enjoy the flowing waters.
Bridging the Gap
The 876-foot tall New River Gorge Bridge is something to behold from all viewpoints. To experience a one-of-a-kind walk and view of the New River, book a Bridge Walk tour. Hop on a shuttle bus, put on your safety harness and follow a knowledgeable tour guide on a secure walkway underneath the New River Gorge Bridge.
If you’re driving to downtown Fayetteville from Summersville, savor the time crossing the massive bridge as you feel like the clouds are your next destination.
Wonderful Waters
Cool off by taking a splash in the water in Fayetteville. Ace Adventure Resort Wonderland Park features a 40-foot water slide and five acres of water-filled adventures. Or experience a whitewater adventure to remember with Adventures on the Gorge or River Expeditions. For a more intimate experience with nature, head to Babcock State Park or Cathedral Falls to experience a relaxing rush of wild and wonderful waters. If you love whitewater rafting or kayaking, take on the Gauley River – one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world and soak in the memories that are yet to be yours.
Reel in the Memories
There are plenty of options to get you hooked on fishing in the New River Gorge area. The Gauley River makes for the perfect source of getting that perfect rainbow trout or bluegill. Hawks Nest Lake is another location known for having plenty of smallmouth and largemouth bass. If you’re looking for an adventurous fly fishing spot, the New River will certainly deliver.
Become a Waterfall Wanderer
With over 200 waterfalls in Almost Heaven, you’ll never have trouble chasing them across the New River Gorge’s 70,000 acres. The West Virginia Waterfall Trail Passport makes discovering nearby waterfalls even easier. Make a stop at Cathedral Falls and let the rushing waters chase your toes. Wolf Creek Falls and Henderson Falls are beautiful sights too, within short proximity to one another.
Adventure Awaits
Located in the heart of West Virginia, the city of Summersville is surrounded by beautiful waters with outdoor exploration at every corner. Try your hand at scuba diving, whitewater rafting, paddle boarding and kayaking or just relax on the lake in a boat all day. Or visit the breathtaking Summersville Lake Lighthouse, the only light house in West Virginia, and take a tour.