Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park
The best months to visit New River Gorge National Park are March, April and November — computed from official NPS visitation (2021–2025 average), NOAA weather normals and daylight. July is the crowd peak (280,421 monthly visits); January is quietest at 13% of peak.
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- Burnwood Campground and Restroom Closure (Information)
- Rend Trail Closed through December 2027 (Information)
- Kaymoor Miners Trail Closure (Information)
Monthly crowd curve
Average monthly recreation visits, 2021–2025 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). Amber bar = current month.
New River Gorge month by month
| Month | Verdict | Avg visits | % of peak | High / Low | Precip | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Shoulder | 37,071 | 13% | 41°F / 23°F | 3.5″ | 9.8h |
| February | Shoulder | 43,642 | 16% | 44°F / 25°F | 3.3″ | 10.8h |
| March | Best window | 91,441 | 33% | 52°F / 31°F | 4.2″ | 11.9h |
| April | Best window | 113,265 | 40% | 64°F / 41°F | 4.2″ | 13.2h |
| May | Peak crowds | 196,275 | 70% | 72°F / 50°F | 5.1″ | 14.2h |
| June | Peak crowds | 230,992 | 82% | 79°F / 58°F | 5.5″ | 14.8h |
| July | Peak crowds | 280,421 | 100% | 81°F / 61°F | 4.6″ | 14.6h |
| August | Peak crowds | 235,593 | 84% | 81°F / 60°F | 4.1″ | 13.7h |
| September | Shoulder | 185,236 | 66% | 75°F / 54°F | 3.7″ | 12.5h |
| October | Shoulder | 193,526 | 69% | 65°F / 42°F | 2.9″ | 11.3h |
| November | Best window | 92,564 | 33% | 54°F / 33°F | 2.9″ | 10.1h |
| December | Shoulder | 50,744 | 18% | 45°F / 27°F | 3.9″ | 9.6h |
Crowds: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, mean of 2021–2025 (2020 excluded as a COVID-19 anomaly). Weather: NOAA 1991–2020 monthly normals, station OAK HILL, WV US (4 mi from park coordinates). Daylight: computed for the 15th of each month at the park's location. Methodology.
How many people visit New River Gorge each year
New River Gorge National Park had 1,958,440 recreation visits in 2025, 8% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2025, with 1,958,440. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 1,750,770 visits a year, which makes it the 17th most-visited of the 63 national parks.
| Year | Recreation visits | vs. year before |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,958,440 | +8% |
| 2024 | 1,811,937 | +6% |
| 2023 | 1,707,223 | +7% |
| 2022 | 1,593,523 | −5% |
| 2021 | 1,682,720 | +60% |
| 2020 | 1,054,374 | −12% |
| 2019 | 1,195,721 | −3% |
| 2018 | 1,232,627 | +5% |
| 2017 | 1,168,658 | −2% |
| 2016 | 1,197,931 | +2% |
| 2015 | 1,178,753 | — |
Calendar-year recreation visits as published by NPS Visitor Use Statistics. 2020 is shown here but left out of the monthly averages above, because the COVID-19 pandemic makes it unrepresentative. See how every park compares: all 63 parks ranked by visits.
What to pack for New River Gorge in March
Computed from March's weather normals — New River Gorge's best month above. Visiting another month? Each month page has its own weather-computed list.
- Insulated jacket, beanie and gloves — nights average 31°F, below freezing
- Rain shell + pack cover — 4.2″ of precipitation is normal this month
- Waterproof boots — plus navigation and a basic first-aid kit — 4.2″ of rain is normal this month
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit New River Gorge?
March, April and November rank best for New River Gorge on VisitWhen's computed score — the strongest balance of low crowds (NPS data), comfortable weather (NOAA normals) and daylight.
What is the most crowded month at New River Gorge?
July: an average of 280,421 recreation visits (NPS, 2021–2025). The quietest is January, at 13% of the July peak.
When is New River Gorge least crowded with decent conditions?
January. It is the park's quietest month (13% of the July peak, 37,071 average visits) without harsh-season weather.
How many people visit New River Gorge per year?
New River Gorge National Park had 1,958,440 recreation visits in 2025, 8% more than 2024 (NPS Visitor Use Statistics). The busiest year since 2015 was 2025, with 1,958,440. Over 2021–2025 it averaged 1,750,770 visits a year.
What is the weather like at New River Gorge through the year?
The warmest month is July, with average highs of 81°F. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 23°F. The wettest month is June, with 5.5″ of precipitation. (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, OAK HILL, WV US station.)
Dive into a month
Comparing parks for the same trip? See how New River Gorge ranks against all 63 parks in March, April and November.
Last verified 2026-09-24 · all parks