
Explore The New River Gorge Region of West Virginia.
An Ancient River Gorge

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Tucked away in south central West Virginia, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is a gem of our National Park System, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Encompassing over 70,000 acres of land and containing a biodiversity of over 1,400 different species of plants, the park is situated along 53 miles of wild river flowing through a 1,000 foot deep gorge. With world class whitewater rafting and kayaking, tops in the nation technical rock climbing, and hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, nearly endless options for adventure exist. President Jimmy Carter signed legislation in 1978 establishing the park “for the purpose of conserving and interpreting outstanding natural, scenic, and historic values and objects in and around the New River Gorge and preserving as a free-flowing stream an important segment of the New River in West Virginia for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.” That’s exactly what we’ve been doing! This Southern West Virginia Travel Guide is worth checking out!
World Famous Whitewater

The Gauley River National Recreation Area
Just to the north of the New River Gorge National River, another West Virginia outdoor adventure paradise exists, complete with its own tumultuous, world class whitewater, abundant rock climbing, and ruggedly wild landscape. The Gauley River National Recreation Area entails 25 miles of the Gauley River, along with 5.5 miles of its major tributary, the Meadow River. Altogether, the park encompasses over 11,000 acres, from Summersville Lake and Dam down towards the confluence with the New River. Largely inaccessible other than by water, the remote Gauley and Meadow Rivers are both well known in the whitewater world for their technical, boulder-strewn rapids. While the Meadow is only paddled privately by highly skilled boaters, the Gauley is renowned among rafters as one of the most demanding and popular commercial runs in the world.
Bahama Blue Waters

Summersville Lake
Known for being West Virginia’s most scenic lake, Summersville Lake has every level of activity, so there truly is something for everybody. Spend a day swimming at Battle Run, where a sandy beach provides a fun day on the shore, West Virginia style. For those wishing to head out on the water, there are several great options. Rent a stand up paddle board and paddle your way around the coves and inlets that make Summersville Lake so unique. Paddle under the waterfall that cascades into Pirate’s Cove for a refreshing shower underneath the cool mountain water. Or, check out the island near Battle Run and truly feel like you’re a world away. If sit down activities are more your speed, head out on a lake kayak (available to rent at ACE Adventure Gear, or as a guided tour with ACE). Paddle your way around the lake and be closer to the water, just make sure you jump out into the water to get some swim time in. This West Virginia Travel Guide gives all the info and details you need!