Tour the Gorge from rim to river!
July 28, 2017At long last, you can wander the Gorge like a local. Fayetteville’s newest company takes full advantage of what brings visitors to town: history, up-close views, thrilling adventures and local treats and eats.
Simply leave your car behind! With Hills to Hills Tours & Shuttle, there’s no need to worry about parking or touring on your own. Just pick what trip you want, bring a camera, and settle in for the journey.
West Virginia History and Relaxing Views tour
After this one-hour tour, you’ll never worry about missing anything major. All of the Gorge’s most impressive views are on this route.
Your Hills to Hills tour starts at Canyon Rim Gifts in Lansing. It’s next to the visitors’ center, so there’s plenty of parking. Head inside for souvenirs or a quick snack. Then it’s off to the van.
From there, your guide will drive you down Fayette Station Road, a mountain pass that curves along the canyon. It used to be the only way to get across the Gorge! Frequent stops for photos of the New River are part of the trip. You’ll also go underneath the towering New River Gorge Bridge. At 876 feet high, it’s America’s second tallest span. With the sun shining on those steel supports, the landmark makes an incredible picture.
Wildlife sightings are common as well. Maybe bald eagles, peregrine falcons or river otters will join you for the day. If so, count on additional stops for photos.
Did you know the Gorge is home to history galore, too? This tour includes Tunney Hunsacker Bridge, the Gorge’s smaller (and older) bridge. You can walk across it and see the New River up close. The ghosts of former mining towns also line the river. You’ll get to see some of these retired communities before heading back, plus some of the New River’s famous whitewater rapids carrying rafters or kayakers along for a wild ride.
History tours are available Monday through Friday. Tickets cost $15 each. Contact Hills to Hills for specific tour times.
Brewery and Dinner Tour
Sample local brews and views. It’s a winning combination— especially since southern West Virginia has a reputation for craft beer.
The tour starts at Elliott’s Whitewater Bar and Grill in Fayetteville. Casual and welcoming, it’s a favorite with locals. Don’t worry, though— you’ll come back for dinner. Until then, everybody boards the van and heads to Canyon Rim Gifts for quick shopping or snacking.
The New River Gorge Bridge is next. Your guide will drive beneath it, so pack a camera; the unusual perspective creates remarkable photos!
After that comes the day’s crowning feature: Bridge Brew Works. Just 3 brewers run this Fayetteville brewery, which produces Belgian and Kolsch-style beers. Pop in for samples and a tour of the production facility. The enthusiastic owners will discuss anything you want to know about creating the ideal pale ale, porter or stout.
Your trip ends where it began: Elliot’s. Local brews and American classics, like burgers, wings and sandwiches, are specialties.
The Brewery and Dinner Tour runs daily at 4 p.m. Tickets are $35.99 each (meal included), which you can order through Quality Inn New River Gorge.
Whitewater Shuttle trips
You’ve packed your kayak or raft and travelled to the New River Gorge. Now what? Instead of trying to find a put-in, leave everything to Hills to Hills.
Their Whitewater Shuttle trips take you from Fayette Station to the New or Gauley river. Rides are available April through October, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are also available for weekday outings.
Just bring your kayak and pick a time convenient to you. Hills to Hills departs 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Whitewater Shuttle trips cost $15 for Fayette Station to Cunard, or $50 for a weekend pass.
Find your adventure
The New River Gorge may be wild, but Hills to Hills tours take the stress out of parking and exploring.
What have you always wanted to see or do in the Gorge? If you have something specific in mind, just ask them. Customized trips are available.