The New River Gorge Region plays a primary role in Southern West Virginia’s tourist experience due, in large part, to Fayette County’s status as one of the premier white water rafting destinations in the Eastern United States.

The region also contains many sites with significance to the history of coal mining. Restored train depots in Hinton and Thurmond, small intact coal camps such as Ansted, Helen and Mount Hope are just a few of the many jewels you can expect to find in this region.  

Two of the biggest attractions you will find in this area are the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and the New Rive Gorge Bridge.

A rugged, white water river, flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The New River National Gorge Park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.