West Virginia’s Wild Rivers

“Wild and Wonderful” is the is the moniker on West Virginia’s license plates and it is a perfect description for the southern part of the state. Three wild rivers snake through the mountains and create a multitude of opportunities for paddling, angling, rock climbing, hiking or just sightseeing.

New River National Park

Curiously, the New River is the second oldest river in the world. That being said, it flows north from North Carolina, through Virginia and into West Virginia where it carves a narrow gorge through the mountains. The New River Gorge contains some of America's premier whitewater and the cliffs rising above the river have long been a destination for climbers of all abilities. 

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was designated by congress in January 2021. The park protects this natural resource and historic sites. In addition, the river provides a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Chief among these is paddling and the river accommodates all abilities.

Gauley River National Recreation Area

The section below the Summersville Dam contains some of the best whitewater in the eastern United States. While there is limited access by road, it attracts paddling enthusiasts during the proper season, or when rains cause levels to rise and whitewater to rage in full force. The fall dam release creates optimal conditions and opens the river to whitewater rafting. The Gauley Festival is an annual celebration of this event.

Bluestone National Scenic River

The Bluestone National Scenic River preserves habitat for a variety of plants and animals along a 10.5-mile section of the Bluestone River. This section of the Bluestone runs through a narrow gorge and is difficult to access, but hiking trail follows the its course through the gorge.

In addition to hiking, paddling and fishing are also popular activities. A seasonal aerial tram at Pipestem Resort State Park transports passengers to the bottom of the gorge and will also carry canoes or kayaks.