4 Ways To Enjoy Winter In The New River Gorge
January 9, 2026Make the most of your chilly winter days in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve with the perfect blend of thrills and tranquility. From snowy outdoor adventures to cozy places to stay, here are four ways to enjoy the best of winter in the New River Gorge.
1. On A Winter Hike
Take in the wide-open views during a hike in the Gorge. Although the area offers many challenging treks, flat routes are the best option during the winter when trail conditions can vary. For the best snow day adventures, visit these trails:
Babcock State Park
Follow the one-mile Lake View Trail for a peaceful stroll around the frozen Boley Lake. Or if the weather is cooperating, hike the easy-to-moderate Island-In-The-Sky Trail for high-cliff views. Be sure to have the proper hiking shoes and be prepared for any icy terrain. End your day at the frosted Glade Creek Grist Mill and snap a photo in front of the Almost Heaven swing.
Canyon Rim Boardwalk
For an up-close glimpse of the New River Gorge Bridge, walk the 0.1-mile boardwalk to the upper viewing area via a fully accessible ramp. For an even better view, take the 178 steps down to the lower deck.
Hawks Nest Rail Trail
This 1.8-mile trail, located primarily in Hawks Nest State Park, runs along Mill Creek. With a mostly flat grade and several icy waterfalls, this trail is an easy and memorable winter walk.
Park Loop Trail
This loop in the Fayetteville Town Park is just over a mile long and is easily accessible for the whole family. To extend your hike, hop on the Fayetteville Trail from the Park Loop.
White Oak Rail Trail
Perfect for when the Gorge is blanketed in snow, this rail trail is a flat, paved route running for nearly eight miles through Oak Hill.
2. Above The Snowy Canopy
Feel the rush of winter during an aerial adventure! Walk directly beneath the New River Gorge Bridge on a Bridge Walk tour. Open year-round and protected from precipitation, the catwalk provides panoramic views of the Gorge’s snow-covered landscape. This three-hour tour spans the full 3,030 feet of the bridge, 850 feet above the New River.
Soar through the canopy on a zipline trip! Adventures on the Gorge and ACE Adventure Resort both offer winter ziplining trips through the treetops. Zip from platform to platform, taking in the snow-capped canopy along the way.
Winter is also an underrated season for rock climbing in the Gorge. With 3,000 established routes spanning 60 miles of cliffline and hundreds of authorized bouldering areas, the New River Gorge is a top destination for rock climbing. Before you tackle your first route, read our comprehensive rock climbing guide.
3. Down The Slopes
Hit the slopes at Winterplace Ski Resort, conveniently located off I-77, just 40 minutes away from the New River Gorge. Home to 27 trails on over 90 acres of skiable terrain, Winterplace caters to all skill levels. The resort has consistently been voted the top place to learn to ski and snowboard in the Southeast, and offers lessons tailored to beginners’ needs.
Winterplace also features night skiing on 26 trails and West Virginia’s longest snow tubing park with 14 lanes of fun! Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding or tubing, Winterplace provides a range of exciting activities for the whole family.
4. Curled Up By The Fire
Unwind after an active winter day in cozy lodging in the Gorge. From rustic cabins and historic stays to modern vacation rentals and comfortable hotels, there’s an option for every type of traveler here. Many of the accommodations offer great winter amenities like hot tubs and fireplaces.
Plan Your Winter Trip
Fewer crowds and incredible snowscapes make winter the perfect time to visit the New River Gorge. Request your free travel guide to start planning your getaway now!