Explore Southern West Virginia with the New River Gorge, Beckley & Beyond Passport

Enhance your trip to Southern West Virginia with the New River Gorge, Beckley and Beyond Passport. This 25-stop itinerary guides visitors to iconic sights and hidden gems in Fayette, Raleigh, and Nicholas Counties. From scenic overlooks and breathtaking treks to local artisans and street art, there’s a lot to uncover in Southern West Virginia. As you hit the trails for this passport, here are some tips to keep the wilds of West Virginia healthy:

1. Carry out what you carry in. Litter, including food and pet waste, can attract wildlife too close to trails. While feeling connected to nature and getting close to wildlife may feel magical, animals might feed on food that isn’t good for them and/or become dependent on humans. Keeping areas clear of trash keeps lookouts clean while protecting the plants and critters we love most.

2. Take photos of plants and landmarks instead of taking bits as souvenirs or marking them. That way, your memory lasts forever, and the area will be ready for the next person to enjoy

3. Stay on marked trails for your safety so sensitive ecosystems stay healthy.

4. Listen to music through headphones or earbuds so those who come to nature to enjoy quiet and bird songs can do so.

5. Dogs and cats enjoy the trails in our state, local, and national parks. To keep them safe from wildlife, keep them on a leash. This will also help those afraid of pets feel welcome and keep your fluffy friend safe from non-friendly pets. 

Prizes

Where to go

Fayette County

Cathedral Falls

Tucked away in a curve on Route 60, Cathedral Falls flows more than 100 feet down a steep mountain canyon. Pull off of the scenic Midland Trail for a closer look. The flow is ever-changing, but it’s always a stunning sight. This waterfall is also on the WV Waterfall Trail.

Coordinates: 38.154206, -81.179275 (38° 09’15.1″ N, 81° 10’45.4″ W)

Kanawha Falls

Easily spotted from the side of Route 60, Kanawha Falls is a wide cascade on the Kanawha River in Glen Ferris. It is a series of ledges stretching from one side of the river to the other. The falls are the river’s first feature and are still visible from where the New and the Gauley confluence. This waterfall is also on the WV Waterfall Trail.

Coordinates: 38.147408, -81.214220 (38° 08’50.7″ N, 81° 12’51.2″ W)

The Canyon Rim Visitor Center and boardwalk at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The Canyon Rim Visitor Center is the hub for activities in the northern part of the park. Once inside, enjoy interactive displays and learn about the communities and natural history of the New River Gorge Region.

The boardwalk by the Canyon Rim Visitor Center offers breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge and the New River. The boardwalk consists of a ramp leading to the first overlook and 178 steps to the second. To reach this wooded path, look for the sign next to the stone bulletin board by the Canyon Rim Visitor Center.

Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The Endless Wall Trail is one of the most popular trails in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. It is a 2.4-mile moderate hike that meanders through forests, across creeks, and along the cliff edge of the New River Gorge. The highlight of the trek is Diamond Point, a scenic overlook offering views of the New River and the New River Bridge. Three parking lots are available for this trail, all along Lansing-Edmond Road. Please do not park on the road. 

Try venturing out at sunset or sunrise to get the most out of this trail. 

Kaymoor Trails at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Hike through the ruins of a coal mining operation. Hikers descend from the top of the gorge down to what’s known as Kaymoor ‘Middle,’ where they are greeted by an old sign signaling for workers’ safety. At this level, explorers can see the old company store and other decaying buildings. Those who think the hike down from the top of the gorge was not enough can descend the Kaymoor stairs—821 wooden steps to the bottom of the gorge to the old coal processing plant and coke ovens. Warning: once you go down those stairs, you have to go back up.   

Long Point Trail at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

This moderate, 1.6-mile trail wanders through forests and rhododendron groves to a rocky outcrop with a panoramic view of the New River Gorge and Bridge. Mountain bikes are allowed on the trail except for the last quarter of a mile. This is also an excellent trail for sunset and sunrise hikes. 

Nutallburg at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Nutallburg is on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the most complete coal-related sites in the United States. The old mine town’s biggest attraction is the still-standing coal tipple. There are also a few trails to explore, including the Town Loop Trail, where the foundations of a church, school, a few homes, and the company store are still visible.  

CAUTION: The road to Nutallburg is one-lane and on the side of a steep hill. There may not be enough room to pass other vehicles when coming and going. Large vehicles and trailers are not recommended. 

Thurmond in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The town of Thurmond was once a vibrant town that flourished during the time of the steam engine. Coal and timber trains would stop here for maintenance as they went through the gorge, and workers and operators would take that opportunity to look for a good time. At its peak, it had two banks, restaurants, clothing stores, jewelry stores, a movie theater, and the famous Dunglen Hotel, where it’s rumored that the longest game of poker took place. The town began to decline once diesel engines began to replace steam engines. 

Now, it is the smallest incorporated town in West Virginia. Visitors can see the historic Commercial Row and the restored Thurmond Train Depot, an active Amtrack stop. The area also has plenty of trails, including the Stone Cliff Trail, the Rend Trail, and the Church Loop Trial.

Babcock State Park

Babcock State Park is home to one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia, the Grist Mill on Glade Creek. This Grist Mill is fully operational. Visitors can buy cornmeal ground by the mill at the Babcock State Park Visitor Center before exploring the trails or fishing on the park’s lake.

Hawks Nest State Park

Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre park featuring a lodge, jet boat rides, and hiking trails. Park overlooks boast scenes of the New River with a possibility of seeing families of peregrine falcons. 

Needleseye Park

Needleseye Park is a hidden gem in Oak Hill, West Virginia. It offers a wide range of activities like hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, disc golf and birding. 

Lively Family Amphitheater

Located in the heart of downtown Oak Hill, the Lively Family Amphitheater is home to events and performances. During the summer, there is the “Groovin in the Hill” performance series, which often includes street vendors. Oak Hill also has seasonal festivities like the Oak Leaf Festival and Cryptid Crawl. Check out the Lively Family Amphitheater’s Facebook page to see if there is an event coming up that you would be interested in. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557835826024#

Downtown Fayetteville

Just outside the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, downtown Fayetteville offers food, fun, and shopping.

Downtown Mt. Hope

Mt. Hope is a quaint small town with a rich history in coal mining. The town also highlights local African American history through DuBois on Main, a non-profit dedicated to showing the contributions of DuBois High School.

Raleigh County

Grandview at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Grandview has an easily accessible overlook with one of the best sunrise views. Those who visit later in the day can see a view that stretches seven miles, featuring rolling mountains, the New River, and coal trains. In May, this part of the New River National Park is bejeweled in pinks and purples of rhododendron blooms. 

In the summer, catch a show by Theater West Virginia at the outdoor amphitheater.  

The Almost Heaven Swing at Lake Stephens

There are 31 Almost Heaven swings in West Virginia, and Lake Stephens has one at its most scenic spot. Enjoy a photographic moment before a hike, swim, or boating adventure. 

Piney Creek Preserve

The Piney Creek Preserve features two well-hidden waterfalls in the heart of Beckley. Take this opportunity to relax in the mist while crossing off these falls off this passport and the WV Waterfall Trail.

Little Beaver State Park

Located just outside Beckley, Little Beaver State Park is perfect for a relaxing lakeside walk, an afternoon fishing trip, or paddle boating. 

Tamarack Marketplace

Tamarack Marketplace is a hub of locally made artisan goods. You can shop, take an artist-led class, or enjoy a delectable meal in the cafeteria.

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine (April – November)

Hop aboard a mine car for a tour of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Learn about historic and current coal mine industrial practices from a veteran coal miner. After, explore the replicated mining town and take your experience even further by going into the museum to see artifacts from the mining industry.

Nicholas County

Long Point Trail at Summersville Lake

Trek two miles through forests on this moderate out-and-back trail to a rocky outcrop with scenic views of Summersville Lake.

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park

Carnifex Ferry is both scenic and historic. Located on the mountainsides of the Gauley River, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park was the site of a Civil War battle in 1861. The fight resulted in a Union victory that forced Confederate troops to withdraw from West Virginia.             

Murals in Downtown Summersville

The murals in Downtown Summersville celebrate the area’s outdoor recreation community. Enjoy the art before exploring the restaurants and shops of Summersville.  

Gauley River Pottery (50 points)

Browse the mugs, plates, and bowls of one of Southern West Virginia’s artisans. Gauley River Pottery offers unique, handmade pieces with unique designs and glazes. 

Murals in Downtown Richwood (100 points)

Richwood is the gateway to the Monongahela National Forest. Its quaint downtown features a mural dedicated to the area’s coal mining roots. Stop here and recognize the region’s history before exploring the Monogahela’s many trails.

Don’t forget to share photos and videos from your adventures with us at @visitwv or #visitwv. Happy exploring!