Worth a Journey

The World’s 100 Best Canyons & Gorges

New River Gorge

West Virginia, United States

  1. WORLD’S BEST CANYONS & GORGES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 99 2026
New River Gorge

Sandstone cliffs line a deep gorge cut by the New River in West Virginia, with a steel arch bridge across it. Visitors see it from rim overlooks, on a catwalk under the bridge deck or by raft on the river.

Highlights

  • New River Gorge Bridge
  • Endless Wall Trail
  • Thurmond ghost town

Good to know

  • Bridge Walk needs a ticket and harness
  • Steps to the lower deck, slippery when wet
  • Park spread out, long drives between sections

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