Area Attractions
The many attractions in the New River Gorge area of West Virginia offer something for every age and interest. These are a collection of our favorite things to do with our friends and families, and the most popular attractions for visitors who come to vacation in our area.
Recreation
New River Gorge National Park: a rugged, white water river, flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. Find out more about the new River National River.
Summersville Lake in West Virginia: discover Summersville Lake, one of the most picturesque lakes in the country with sheer cliff walls jutting up from calm clear waters. Located just 20 miles north of Fayetteville, WV and the New River Gorge Adventure Resort, Summersville Lake offers a beach, marina, pontoon boat and Jet Ski rentals, and scuba diving to an underwater town. It's a perfect compliment to your rafting vacation.
Hiking Trails in Fayetteville, Cunard, Thurmond, and Lansing: the New River Gorge hiking trail are some of the most beautiful trails in West Virginia. The trails in Southern WV spiral down among the boulders and forestry in combination with its flats, offering some of the most spectacular natural formations and overlooks with views of miles of mountains. Waterfalls, ghost towns, and spectacular cliffs accentuate the peaceful scenery of the easy to difficult hiking trails.
Jet Boat at Hawks Nest State Park: located within Hawks Nest State Park, this tour is the best way to obtain views of the New River Gorge in a variety of ways. Your trip will include a scenic Canyon Rim Tram Ride down to the river where you will then climb aboard “Miss M. Rocks” jet boat and travel upstream toward the New River Gorge Bridge. This is good for all ages and safe for most medical conditions. Hawks Nest State Park also offers a variety of other activities including hiking, a nature center, and swimming.
Fayette County 4-H Camp/Pool: located in Beckwith off of RT. 16, the Fayette County 4-H Park is the perfect place to spend a day while on vacation in West Virginia. This 4-H park is stocked full of outdoor activities for kids to do as well as for the whole family. Activities include an Olympic size swimming pool, tennis court, basketball, playground, picnic shelters, hiking & biking trails and fishing with a WV State permit.
Bridge Haven Golf Club: located in Fayetteville, WV, Bridge Haven is a picturesque 18-hole challenging golf course with putting green, driving range, snack bar & pro shop. Call for green fees & tee times. Located off US Rt. 19, take Salem Gatewood Road, 3.5 miles from Fayetteville. Accepts Major credit cards.
Entertainment:
Theatre West Virginia – Grandview State Park: outdoor theatrical dramas at beautiful Grandview State Park in Beckley, WV. Performances have included HATFIELDS & MCCOYS, the tale of the infamous Appalachian feud; HONEY IN THE ROCK, the nation's oldest Civil War drama; and more shows. Shows run alternate nights, Tues - Sun 8:15 pm, June - Aug.
Mystery Hole in Ansted: see the laws of gravity defied in the mysterious chambers beneath the small roadside gift shop. A West Virginia cultural icon.
Arts & Crafts
Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia: no visit to West Virginia would be complete without a trip to Tamarack located in Beckley, WV. Here you will find a wide range of works created by artisans from all over the mountain state. It truly is a wonderful collection of West Virginia's finest. Tamarack features live demonstrations of many artisans and a theater with scheduled performances and films. You'll also find gourmet food, free travel information, a Post Office and ATM with easy access to I77. Don't miss this stop! Admission is free. Historic Locations, Parks & Museums
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine: this National Historical Site features a 35-minute riding tour conducted by experienced coal miners. You'll go underground on a man-trip car pulled by a battery powered locomotive. Witness primitive to modern mining techniques. Gift shop & snack bar.
Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park: 156 acres. Picnicking, hiking trails, museum, game courts & playground. Minutes from Summersville Dam & Lake.
Babcock State Park: this beautiful state park offers 4,127 acres of tranquil, beautiful West Virginia outdoors. With its fast flowing, boulder filled trout stream and 19acre fish filled Boley Lake, Babcock is perfect for the fishermen at heart. Among fishing, Babcock offers a variety of other recreation including: horseshoes, volleyball, tennis, basketball, lodging, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. You can even rent Paddleboats, Rowboats, and Canoes at the lake.
Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia in Beckley, WV: Hands-on exhibits, special events, gift shop, recreated pioneer village. April – Oct. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Nov. – Mar. 10 am – 5 pm, closed Mon.
Thurmond Depot: if you or your children like trains and would like to learn the local history of trains and coalmines in Southern West Virginia, then the Thurmond Depot is the perfect destination for you. Visit the restored passenger train station and take a tour through the museum operated by the National Park Service.
Wineries & Distilleries
Kirkwood Winery & Isaiah Morgan Distillery: Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery. Locally owned & operated and located in Summerville, WV, serving Nicholas and surrounding counties. Shirley & Brenda Morris, General Manages. Featuring Berry & Fruit wines.
Daniel Vineyards: located in Crab Orchard, WV, Daniel Vineyards offers wine tasting, sales, & tours. World class wines. Blueberries for picking. 4 venues for meetings, weddings, reunions, etc. Elegant setting. Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun. 1 – 6 p.m. Exit 42 off I-64/77, Turnpike. Spring Wine Festival, 3rd weekend in June. Major credit cards.
