Valentine’s Day Plans In The New River Gorge

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate love than in the scenic New River Gorge? Whether you’re spending the day with your sweetheart, or your family or enjoying some quality time by yourself, our area has something special for everyone. 

Adventure and Unwind With Your Sweetheart

To start your Valentine’s Day off the right way, choose an adventure (or two!) to do with your loved one. 

1. Zipline Tour
   Embrace the spirit of adventure with a heart-pounding zipline tour through the snow-covered canopy. Enjoy frosty aerial views of our forests while facing your fears with your sweetheart. Book Adventures on the Gorge’s TreeTops Zipline Canopy Tour, featuring 10 ziplines, five sky bridges, short hikes and a free-hanging rappel. Or race your partner on ACE Adventure Resort’s New River Gorge Zipline Tour with dual zips. Short on time? Try River Expeditions’ one-hour zipline course, featuring four exciting zips. 
   
2. Bridge Walk
   Take your love to new heights with a thrilling walk beneath the New River Gorge Bridge. The three-hour Bridge Walk tour offers panoramic views, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Cross the catwalk underneath the famed New River Gorge Bridge, 850 feet above the New River.
   
3. Hiking
   Explore the winter wonderland on one of the area’s beautiful hiking trails for a more leisurely option. From frozen waterfalls to ice-coated cliffs, the Gorge transforms into a serene and romantic landscape.

After your adventure, wind down with various things to do in the Gorge.

1. Dine In Style
   Savor a warm meal at one of our local restaurants, where delicious breakfast options, specialty pizzas and decadent desserts will warm both your stomach and heart. End the day at a local brewery for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
   
2. Explore Charming Towns
   Wander through the small towns of the Gorge, discovering great shops, vibrant public art and unique history along the way.
   
3. Cozy Cabin Stay
   Retreat to a wooded cabin or a romantic bed-and-breakfast, creating the perfect ambiance for a Valentine’s Day escape.

Adventure and Unwind With Your Family

Valentine’s Day falls right before a long weekend, so load up the family and head to the New River Gorge for a quick getaway! Fortunately, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from here.

1. Winter Sports 
   Located just a short drive from the Gorge, Winterplace Ski Resort offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing. With 27 varied trails and the state’s largest tubing park, it’s perfect for families. Additionally, Winterplace offers a majority of slopes suited for beginners, making it an ideal destination for newcomers to learn skiing or snowboarding.
   
2. Mountain Biking
   Enjoy family mountain biking through the extensive trails of the New River Gorge, catering to different skill levels and providing a mix of exhilarating descents and rewarding climbs. Stop by one of our local bike shops for a rental or quick tune-up before you hit the trails! 
   
3. Local Attractions
   Discover the rich blend of outdoor adventures and history lessons by exploring local attractions, including our state parks, Babcock and Hawks Nest, along with the historic town of Thurmond.

Relax and unwind with a range of activities in the Gorge after your outdoor adventure.

1. Kid-Approved Dining
   Indulge in the family-friendly dining scene, offering award-winning pizzas, tasty sandwich creations and sweet treats.
   
2. Indoor Activities
   Enjoy an evening of family fun with indoor activities. Pinheads Bowling Center, featuring 12 lanes and a restaurant, is an excellent family spot. Challenge your teamwork skills at Escape-A-Torium with three diverse escape rooms, as well as virtual reality experiences, catering to various experience levels for an adventurous hour of problem-solving.
   
3. Comfortable Hotel Stay
   Rest up for the next day’s adventures in a comfortable and convenient hotel.

Adventure and Unwind By Yourself

Valentine’s Day is not just for couples – celebrate self-love with a solo adventure in the New River Gorge. 

1. Yoga Classes
   Join a yoga class to relax and reconnect with your inner self. Elevate your well-being as you nourish your body, mind and soul through a diverse selection of classes, ranging from soulful flow to meditation, designed to cater to your holistic needs.
   
2. Scenic Overlooks
   Take in the views of the New River Gorge Bridge from the Canyon Rim Boardwalk at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. This vantage point, offering both upper and lower overlooks, provides stunning panoramic views of the bridge and the New River below. For a unique perspective, take the 8-mile one-way Fayette Station Road from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to the Gorge’s bottom. Along the route, discover many pull-outs and a distinctive view from directly under the New River Gorge Bridge. The road winds back up to Fayetteville, offering additional pull-outs and trailhead parking along the way.
   
3. Local Events
   Engage with the vibrant community by attending local events like paint and sip classes or live music performances. View our calendar to learn more about upcoming events.

Relaxation is an equally enjoyable part of the experience. Make sure to unwind in the Gorge, too.  

1. Brunch at a Local Cafe
   Enjoy a solo brunch at a local cafe, savoring the flavors of the region. Begin with specially crafted espresso drinks that awaken your senses, then savor hearty plates and fluffy pancakes to fuel your day.
   
2. Art Galleries and Shopping
   Browse regional art at our local galleries and explore unique businesses, finding the perfect souvenir. 
   
3. Unique Vacation Rental
   Spend your evenings in a one-of-a-kind vacation rental near all the best activities, creating a personalized and unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re seeking adventure with a loved one, creating family memories or indulging in some self-care, the New River Gorge offers a perfect Valentine’s Day for everyone. Can’t make it this year? Gift yourself a raincheck for a summertime getaway, complete with sunny days on the river and late nights by the fire. Plan your future trip now and request a copy of the free travel guide to make the most of your upcoming adventure in the New River Gorge.