Trip Ideas National Parks The U.S. Has a New National Park — and It's a Rock Climbing and Whitewater Rafting Paradise West Virginia’s New River Gorge is the nation’s newest national park. By Meena Thiruvengadam Meena Thiruvengadam Facebook Instagram Twitter Website Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler with nearly two decades of experience in journalism. She has visited more than 50 countries, 47 U.S. states, and six continents. Meena has road-tripped across the U.S., taken trains through Europe, traveled India by train, plane, and automobile, and gone off the grid in Alaska via helicopter. She has lived in New York City, Chicago, London, and Washington, D.C. * Nearly 20 years of experience in journalism with brands including Hearst, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and Yahoo * Received a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University * Bylines in The Wall Street Journal, Departures, TripSavvy, and more * On-air contributor for KENS-5 TV and Wsj.com * Wrote inaugural Skift research report on the future of in-room entertainment Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on January 7, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email A popular rock climbing and whitewater rafting destination in southeastern West Virginia has officially become a U.S. national park, thanks to the latest COVID-19 stimulus package. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its 53 miles of free flowing whitewater that cuts through sandstone cliffs towering as high as 1,000 feet in the air. It boasts class III through V rapids and plenty of boulders to keep even the most experienced rafters engaged. The upper part of the river is calmer and more welcoming to new rafters. The area also boasts more than 1,500 climbing routes, as well as a 12.8-mile system of mountain bike trails built by the Boy Scouts. Outside describes the New River Gorge area as an "underrated adventure hub," and sees the designation as the park finally getting the recognition it deserves. John_Brueske/Getty "Being a national park is a gold stamp of approval and excellence," U.S. Senator Shelley Capito said in a press conference covered by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Senator Joe Manchin, another West Virginia lawmaker, described New River Gorge as "one of West Virginia's most treasured playgrounds and largest tourist attractions." Related: 10 Best National Parks in the U.S. You Should Visit New River Gorge is about an hour's drive from Charleston, West Virginia. It encompasses about 7,000 acres marked with trailheads and visitor centers, and another 65,000 for backcountry hunting. White-tailed deer, river otters, and bald eagles are among the wildlife regularly spotted here. The gorge itself is the largest in the Appalachian Mountains. Meena Thiruvengadam is a Travel + Leisure contributor who has visited 50 countries on six continents and 47 U.S. states. She loves historic plaques, wandering new streets and walking on beaches. Find her on Twitter and Instagram. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit