Officially designated as a National Park on December 27, 2020, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is named for the flowing waters of the New River that created a dramatic gorge through the West Virginia landscape, exposing over a thousand vertical feet of limestone and shale. The park is popular for a wide variety of outdoor recreation that attracts over a million visitors per year.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers visiting New River Gorge National Park – FAQs
If you’re traveling domestically to visit New River Gorge National Park, it’s imperative to protect your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs in case you suddenly need to cancel. You can do this with trip cancellation insurance. Without this protection, you might not be able to get reimbursed for your airfare or hotel.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance before traveling to New River Gorge National Park?
Things suddenly come up that force us to cancel even long-planned vacations. It could be a death in the family, a personal illness, or even a natural disaster. The trouble is, your biggest travel expenses (airfare and lodging) are usually paid for ahead of time, and they typically are not refundable.
Don’t get stuck paying for a trip you can’t take. Buy trip cancellation insurance. It can reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you cancel your trip for a covered reason.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for New River Gorge National Park?
Most travel insurance plans can cover you in a wide variety of situations such as:
New River Gorge National Park’s Most Popular Activities
From serene to extreme, you can find all sorts of enjoyable things to do at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Below are some of the most popular activities.
Conquering the Rapids
The New River is famous for its floating opportunities. Its upper waters are fairly calm with class I to class III rapids that are suitable for canoeing. Head to the Lower Gorge if you’re more experienced. It’s a premier whitewater rafting location with challenging class III to class V rapids. Be sure not to take on sections of the river that are beyond your skill level, and go with a licensed outfitter.
Climbing the Gorge
There are over a thousand established rock climbing routes in New River Gorge National Park catering to both traditional and sport climbers. However, you may want to stay on the ground if you’re a novice. Most of the routes in New River Gorge are rated 5.10-5.12, making them suitable for advanced climbers only.
Getting Extreme Thrills at the Bridge
Sitting nearly 900 feet above the water, the New River Gorge Bridge is a popular place for thrill seekers who enjoy extreme rappelling and BASE jumping. While these sorts of activities will be a little much for most visitors, it is exciting to watch. Just viewing the river from the bridge can be an amazing experience.
Casting a Line
The New River is a haven for anglers. It’s known as an excellent warmwater fishery with a large variety of fish to catch. Do be sure to get all necessary fishing licenses before setting off, and only fish in areas where it is allowed.
Taking to the Trails
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve boasts more than 50 miles of hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging adventures. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, there are some trails following disused railroad grades that are open to bicycles.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to New River Gorge National Park
- Stay on the safe side. Do not take on climbs or floats that are beyond your skill and experience level. The park is quite remote, and rescue can be difficult.
- Do not hunt in the national park, as it is illegal. However, it is legal to hunt in the surrounding national preserve so long as it is the correct season and you have all appropriate licenses.
- Bring a GPS navigation device for long hikes. The park and preserve covers some 73,000 heavily forested acres, so it’s quite easy to get lost.
Before You Visit New River Gorge National Park – Do This
- Get hazardous sports travel insurance if you plan to participate in an extreme activity.
- Always wear sturdy hiking boots or trail running shoes. Leave the sandals at your hotel.
- Buy travel insurance.