Your New River Gorge Fall Checklist

Have you ever visited the New River Gorge in the fall? If not, you’re missing out on what some people feel is the best time of year to be here.
As the autumn foliage really starts to paint the mountains with color, spending time in the Gorge becomes even more beautiful. With days that are absent of the heat and humidity of summer, getting your play on in the Gorge is pleasant and inviting.
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the Gorge this fall.
Hiking
There are so many places in the Gorge to explore. Hiking is the perfect way to access these areas. As the leaves start to fall, many of the features of the Gorge that are hidden in the summer start to show. Small streams with gorgeous waterfalls and remains of old coal mining camps from years gone by become visible in this outdoor wonderland. Take a hike in the Gorge and see and experience the wonders it has to offer.

Rafting
Tackling the rapids of the New River is always one of the best ways to spend a fall day in the Gorge. The water is still pleasantly warm, and with the leaves changing color, the Gorge looks quite different this time of year. Outfitters continue to offer rafting trips on the New River right up until the end of October.
And this time of year you can get double the fun. That’s because the Gauley River, only 20 minutes up the road from the Gorge, is being rafted too. It’s one of the nation’s premier whitewater trips this time of year.
Biking
Just like hiking, biking in the Gorge is a great way to get out and explore the area. There are plenty of trails, not only in the Gorge but in the surrounding area too. We promise, even the most avid biker will be entertained. Try the new Arrowhead Trails, a stacked-loop system built by IMBA.
Bridge Day
The Bridge Day Festival on October 20 is a fall classic that gets better every year. With spectacular views from the deck or underneath the New River Gorge Bridge, this is a must-experience event for visitors to the New River Gorge.
Bridge Day is all about BASE jumping, rappelling, the high line and plenty of awesome fair-style food. Everyone in your group will get a kick out of this popular event.
Fall is a great time to visit the New River Gorge. What do you want to do when you get here?