New River Gorge National Park & Preserve guide · 1 min read
The 83-Mile Gorge Loop Scenic Drive
The 83-mile loop is an estimated three-hour drive that encircles the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
The route mixes interstates, divided highways and two-lane roads, so the pace and the scenery change along the way. Much of the loop lies outside the park, yet it still offers a way to see the gorge and its river.
Along the way, broad vistas open across the gorge, and smaller glimpses bring the region's past and present into view. Taken together, the wide views and quieter glimpses give a fuller picture of the region than either would alone.
The New River runs through the middle of it all. The river cuts north through deep canyons, and it ranks among the oldest rivers on the continent. Canyon Rim Visitor Center stands at the rim, close to the New River Gorge Bridge, and the bridge is one of the best-known sights in the park.
Sandstone Visitor Center sits near the south end of the park, and its green design uses energy-saving features and native plants in the landscaping. Inside, exhibits and a 12-minute film cover the New River and its watershed. Drivers coming in on Interstate 64 can pause there to get their bearings. The center also has a native plant garden, picnic areas and a bookstore. Together with Canyon Rim, Sandstone adds exhibits on the natural and historic side of the park to the drive.
