If you’re looking for the perfect time to visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, April is it! Spring in the gorge brings blooming wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and perfect weather for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re into hiking, rafting, wildlife watching, or just soaking in stunning views, April is one of the best months to experience West Virginia’s only national park.
Here’s why you should pack your bags and head to the New River Gorge this April!
1. The Wildflowers Are in Full Bloom 
April is wildflower season in the gorge! As the temperatures rise, the forest floor comes alive with vibrant colors. You’ll see:
Trilliums carpeting the trails
Rhododendrons and mountain laurels beginning to bloom
Virginia bluebells, bloodroot, and wild violets adding pops of color
One of the best hikes for wildflower spotting is the Endless Wall Trail, where you’ll get both breathtaking views and plenty of spring blooms along the way.
2. The Weather is Perfect for Outdoor Adventures 
April brings mild temperatures—not too hot, not too cold—making it the ideal time for hiking, rock climbing, and ziplining. Daytime highs typically range from 55°F to 70°F, meaning you won’t have to worry about summer’s humidity or winter’s icy trails.
This is the best time to explore trails like:
Long Point Trail – For an epic view of the New River Gorge Bridge
Kaymoor Miners Trail – For a steep but rewarding trek to historic coal mining ruins
Fayetteville Trail – For a peaceful walk through lush forests and meadows
3. Whitewater Rafting Season Kicks Off 
April marks the beginning of whitewater rafting season on the New River! Thanks to spring rains and snowmelt, the river’s higher water levels create some of the best rapids of the year.
The Lower New River offers thrilling Class III to V rapids, perfect for adrenaline junkies.
The Upper New River provides gentler rapids—great for beginners and families.
If you’ve ever wanted to experience world-class rafting, April is the prime time to hit the water!
4. Fewer Crowds = More Serenity 
Unlike summer and fall, when the park gets busier, April is a quieter time to explore the New River Gorge. You’ll have a better chance to enjoy the trails, overlooks, and waterfalls in peace—without waiting for parking spots or sharing the view with tons of people.
It’s also a great time for camping, as the cooler temperatures keep bugs away and campgrounds are less crowded.
5. The Waterfalls Are at Their Best 
Spring rains supercharge the waterfalls in the New River Gorge, making April the best time to see them at full force! Some of the most spectacular include:
Cathedral Falls – A stunning 60-foot cascade near Gauley Bridge
Dunloup Creek Falls – A beautiful, easy-to-access waterfall near Thurmond
Glade Creek Falls – A scenic waterfall perfect for photographers
Bring your camera—these falls are gushing with beauty in the spring!
6. It’s a Birdwatcher’s Paradise 
April is peak birdwatching season in the gorge! As birds migrate back north, you can spot bald eagles, warblers, vireos, and peregrine falcons soaring along the cliffs.
If you’re a birding enthusiast, check out the New River Birding & Nature Festival, which happens every April and offers guided birdwatching tours through the park.
7. Historic Ghost Towns Come Alive with Spring 
Explore the ghost town of Thurmond, an old coal town that was once a thriving railroad hub. April is a great time to visit, as lush green plants begin to reclaim the abandoned buildings, making it both eerie and beautiful.
Other historic sites to check out include:
Nuttallburg – An old mining town with well-preserved ruins
Kaymoor One – A former mining community accessible via a scenic hike
8. Local Festivals & Events 
April brings fun festivals and events to the New River Gorge region. Some highlights include:
The New River Birding & Nature Festival (April) – A must for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts
Ramp Festivals (Various dates) – Celebrate West Virginia’s famous wild onion with delicious food and live music
Earth Day Celebrations – Fayetteville hosts eco-friendly events with hikes, clean-up efforts, and art exhibits
9. Ziplining Over the Gorge = Epic Views 
If you want a bird’s-eye view of the gorge, try ziplining! In April, the trees start turning green again, making the views even more breathtaking. Some of the best zipline tours take you hundreds of feet above the forest floor, with sweeping sights of the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding cliffs.
10. It’s One of the Best Times for Photography 
April’s vibrant colors, dramatic waterfalls, and soft golden light make it a photographer’s dream. Whether you’re capturing:
The New River Gorge Bridge at sunrise
Wildflowers along scenic trails
Waterfalls at peak flow
…this time of year provides stunning shots without the crowds of summer!
Ready to Visit the New River Gorge in April?
With perfect weather, wildflower-filled trails, roaring waterfalls, and thrilling outdoor activities, April is truly one of the best times to visit the New River Gorge. Whether you’re hiking, rafting, ziplining, or just enjoying nature, spring in West Virginia’s national park is an experience you won’t forget!