Things To Do
New River Gorge Bridge
The completion of the New River Gorge Bridge on October 22, 1977 solved a travel challenge. The bridge turned a 40-minute drive into less than a minute. It removed the need to navigate down narrow mountain roads across an ancient river. When it comes to road construction, mountains do pose a challenge. At New River Gorge, the challenge transformed into a work of structural art. The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest steel span in the western hemisphere. It is also the third highest bridge in the United States. The New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia. In 2006, the U.S. Mint chose the bridge to represent West Virginia on the state commemorative quarter. In 2013, the National Park Service listed the New River Gorge Bridge in the National Register of Historic Places. This listing signifies the importance of the bridge as a historic resource.
Adventures on the Gorge
At Adventures on the Gorge, whitewater rafting is just the beginning! Tackle Class V rapids, zip through treetops, or glide on a jet boat ride. Take in views on a guided driving tour, conquer aerial challenges, or kick back by the pool. From family-friendly floats to Upper Gauley thrills, adventure awaits! As the premier adventure outfitter in New River Gorge National Park, the possibilities are endless—the memories last a lifetime.
Hawks Nest State Park
Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre recreational area with a nature museum, aerial tramway*, jetboat rides, hiking trails and one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways in the nation. Its 31-room lodge offers luxurious rooms, dining and spacious conference and meeting facilities. Located just 10 miles north of the New River Gorge Bridge, Hawks Nest is known for its scenic overlook, which provides a bird’s eye view of the rugged New River Gorge National Park and Preserve below. With New River Jet Boats you will be able to enjoy the stunning views of the New River Gorge from the comfort of a jet boat. From an open-air six-passenger jet boat to a covered 16-passenger one, there is a boat ride that will get you cruising on the New River. Learn more: wvstateparks.com/jet-boats.
Babcock State Park
One of West Virginia’s most iconic locations, Babcock State Park has 4,127 acres of stunning scenery. Located 20 miles southeast of the New River Gorge Bridge, the park is most known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which once stood on the grounds. Other attractions include recreational activities like hiking, fishing and mountain biking, as well as whitewater rafting nearby in the New River Gorge. Nature and landscape photographers who wish to fly a drone near the Glade Creek Grist Mill, are required to check in at the park office in advance. The use of drones is permitted, but only from 1-3 p.m., daily. Check in at the park office for drone use at other times. Drones may not be flown over buildings or the parking area, and must stay a minimum of 20 feet away from the mill.
Summersville Dam
Summersville Dam is located on the Gauley River near the town of Summersville in Nicholas County, West Virginia. Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia at 2,790 acres with 60 miles of shoreline and controls 803 square miles of drainage area. A rock-fill type earth dam gives the impression that nature, not man, planned and placed it. The dam is 390 feet high and 2,280 feet long making it the second largest dam of this type in the eastern United States. The water is released through a 1,555-foot long, 29 foot diameter tunnel controlled at the lower end by three 9-foot diameter valves. In 2001 an 80 megawatt Hydropower plant was added to the below dam area.The Dam construction began in 1960 and was completed in 1966 at a cost of 48 million dollars. By the end of 1974, it had paid for itself by preventing flood damages in the Gauley and Kanawha river basins areas at almost 67 million dollars. Today, that figure has grown to over $1,612,830,000!
Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake State Park sits on 177 acres on the northern shore of the state’s largest lake in Nicholas County. Making history, former Governor Justice signed the bill to officially designate this new state park on August 11, 2023. Summersville Lake State Park will become West Virginia’s first state park with climbing access and the nation’s first state park with an emphasis on climbing education. The park currently features hiking and biking trails, day use picnic areas with many more planned recreational activities and amenities on the way including water activities, aerial sports, camping, cabins and more.
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
Set on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, the 156-acre Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is an important Civil War battle site. It is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which links more than 300 historical sites in 16 states, and commemorates the 1861 Battle of Carnifex Ferry, a major Union victory that led to the eventual Confederate withdrawal from western Virginia. Carnifex Ferry is one of the oldest state parks in the United States and is a popular site for Civil War reenactments.
Gad Dam Brewing, LLC (GDB)
OUR STORY Here at GDB, we provide premium coffees, real fruit smoothies, and craft beer in a family-friendly atmosphere. Our facility is designed with our customers in mind - so come on over, and make yourself at home! Grab an ice-cold beer and sit at our custom bar, around our fire pit, or on our back deck. Our indoor fireplace and the quiet high-rise deck are perfect spots to curl up with a latte and your favorite book or catch up on some work with our free Wifi. Got your kids with you? We have foosball and board games available inside. Outdoors we have a giant-sized Connect 4 and corn hole! Pets are welcome in outdoor areas - be sure to introduce them to our brewery dog, Lady May! Stop on by and pay us a visit. We hope to see you soon!
Pies & Pints - Fayetteville, WV
Secret Sandwich Society
El Bandido - Summersville
