Summersville sits at the edge of the New River Gorge region — one of the newest national parks and one of the best climbing and whitewater destinations in the country. The lake is five minutes away. The gorge, twenty. Whether you're here to climb, paddle, raft, or just float, it's all close.
This is what brought us to The New. With over 3,000 established climbing routes on its famous Nuttall sandstone walls and countless boulders to hop on it's one of the top climbing destinations in the country. Whether you’re looking to boulder, get into some sport climbing, trad climbing, or top roping (we won’t judge you), there’s something for you.
A different kind of river experience — board a covered jet boat at Hawks Nest State Park and cruise through the gorge with some of the best views of the New River Gorge Bridge you can get from water level. Fully covered and great even if rain moves in.
Yes, scuba diving — in West Virginia. The lake's incredible clarity and depth (up to 327 feet) make it one of the best freshwater dive sites on the East Coast, with cliffs, boulders, overhangs, and underwater rock formations to explore. Sarge's Dive Shop runs certifications, charters, and rentals from mid-May through mid-September. If you've never dived, they can take you from zero experience to underwater in a weekend.
Nicknamed the 'Little Bahamas of the East,' Summersville Lake boasts some of the clearest freshwater you'll find east of the Mississippi — visibility up to 70 feet on a good day, with an almost aqua tint to the water in direct sun. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, explore the coves and inlets, and swim at Battle Run Beach (the main public swim area). The lake is at its best June through September.
The New River is one of the premier whitewater destinations in the country, with something for everyone — the Upper New offers a more mellow Class I–III experience perfect for families and first-timers, while the Lower New ramps up to Class IV–V for experienced thrill-seekers. The Gauley River in September and October, during the controlled dam releases from Summersville Lake, is world-class whitewater that draws paddlers from across the country.
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Adventures on The Gorge →
West Virginia, nicknamed “Almost Heaven”, exemplifies this sobriquet best on certain drives through the state. If you’re flying in and driving from Charleston this is a good opportunity to sample some of the best there is by way of sheer beauty. Experience rolling hills, pristine water, roaring waterfalls, beautiful colors and so much more as you navigate your way down West Virginia’s iconic country roads.
One of the most popular non-hiking activities in the area, and for good reason — ACE's zip line canopy tour sends you through the forest canopy with stunning gorge views throughout. Great for all fitness levels and a fun option if you have non-hikers in the group.
Walk across the catwalk suspended beneath the New River Gorge Bridge — 851 feet above the river, with panoramic views in every direction. It runs even in the rain (you'll want a jacket; it's noticeably cooler under the bridge), and temperatures under the arch are 10–15 degrees below the rim. A genuinely singular experience.
Before the bridge existed, this 8-mile road was the only way across the gorge — and driving it today is still one of the best ways to feel the full scale of the place. The road descends from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center all the way to the river, crosses a narrow historic bridge, and climbs back up the other side. Take it slow, pull over often, and do it around golden hour if you can.
The New River Gorge Bridge is the second-longest single arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, and the Canyon Rim Visitor Center offers the best overview of its scale. The short boardwalk trail down to the overlook decks is worth every step — bring a camera. The Visitor Center itself has excellent exhibits on the park's natural and mining history.
NPS Visitor Info →
Rafting, zip lining, ropes courses and more. If you’re looking for a day of curated adventure, this is a good place to start. Located just off the gorge you’ll find easy access to much of what the New offers through their grounds.