Meadow Bridge West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Meadow Bridge, West Virginia.
1. Sandstone Visitor Center
GATEWAY TO NEW RIVER
The Sandstone Visitor Center serves as an informative gateway to the stunning New River Gorge area. Visitors can gather information about local attractions, hiking trails, and the rich natural history of the region. The center offers exhibits that showcase the ecological and cultural significance of this beautiful part of West Virginia.
2. Sandstone Falls
MAJESTIC RIVER CASCADES
Sandstone Falls creates a breathtaking natural spectacle where the New River drops over a series of ledges spanning the width of the waterway. The falls stretch approximately 1,500 feet across the river and drop about 10 to 25 feet, creating a series of beautiful cascades. Visitors can access viewing areas via boardwalks that wind through the islands dividing the river at this scenic location.
3. New River ATV
THRILLING OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES
New River ATV offers exhilarating off-road adventures through the rugged terrain surrounding the New River Gorge. Riders can explore miles of trails that wind through forests and mountain landscapes with breathtaking scenery. The experience combines outdoor adventure with the natural beauty of West Virginia's wilderness.
4. Babcock State Park
HISTORIC MILL WILDERNESS
Babcock State Park encompasses over 4,127 acres of stunning natural beauty featuring the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill. The park offers numerous recreational activities including fishing, hiking, and camping amidst lush forests and flowing streams. The picturesque mill, set against the backdrop of a flowing creek and forest, is one of the most photographed locations in West Virginia.
5. Grandview
SPECTACULAR GORGE VIEWS
Grandview provides visitors with some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the New River Gorge from 1,400 feet above the river. The main overlook offers a breathtaking vista where the New River makes a dramatic horseshoe-shaped bend. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and magnificent seasonal displays of rhododendrons blooming along the sandstone cliffs.
6. New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
AMERICA'S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK
The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve protects over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, one of the oldest rivers on the continent. The park features dramatic landscapes including the deepest and longest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains, crossed by the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Visitors can enjoy world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking while exploring this natural treasure that gained national park status in December 2020.
7. Adventures on the Gorge
PREMIER OUTDOOR ADVENTURE RESORT
Adventures on the Gorge offers an all-inclusive outdoor adventure resort experience at the rim of the New River Gorge. The resort provides a wide range of activities including whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, and guided excursions through the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can enjoy comfortable accommodations, dining options, and entertainment all centered around exploring the natural wonders of the gorge.
8. New & Gauley River Adventures
THRILLING WHITEWATER EXPERIENCES
New & Gauley River Adventures specializes in providing world-class whitewater rafting experiences on two of America's most renowned rivers. Their expert guides lead exciting journeys through the rapids of both the New River and the technically challenging Gauley River. The company offers various trip options suitable for different skill levels, from family-friendly floats to intense advanced whitewater expeditions.
9. Hawk's Nest State Park
DRAMATIC CANYON OVERLOOKS
Hawk's Nest State Park offers dramatic views from its main overlook perched 585 feet above the New River canyon. Visitors can ride the aerial tramway that descends into the gorge for a unique perspective of the rugged landscape. The park features a nature museum, hiking trails, and a historic lodge where guests can dine while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
10. Bridge Walk
WALKING ABOVE THE GORGE
Bridge Walk offers the extraordinary experience of walking along the catwalk beneath the massive New River Gorge Bridge, 851 feet above the river. Guided tours take visitors along a 24-inch-wide walkway that spans the entire 3,030-foot length of this engineering marvel. The journey provides unparalleled views of the gorge and an intimate understanding of the bridge's impressive structure that cannot be gained from any other vantage point.
11. Canyon Rim Visitor Center
NEW RIVER GORGE HUB
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center serves as the primary information hub for the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The center features educational exhibits about the area's natural and cultural history, as well as a bookstore and helpful rangers to assist with trip planning. From the facility, visitors can access boardwalk trails leading to spectacular viewing platforms overlooking the New River Gorge Bridge and the canyon below.
12. ACE Adventure Resort
COMPLETE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION
ACE Adventure Resort offers a comprehensive outdoor adventure experience on 1,500 acres of property adjacent to the New River Gorge. The resort features a wide array of activities including whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, mountain biking, and a massive water park on a 5-acre lake. Visitors can choose from various accommodation options ranging from camping to deluxe cabins while enjoying on-site dining and entertainment facilities.
13. Thurmond Historic District
PRESERVED RAILWAY BOOM TOWN
The Thurmond Historic District preserves a remarkably intact example of a once-bustling coal boom town along the New River. Visitors can explore the restored Thurmond Depot which now serves as a visitor center with exhibits chronicling the town's prosperous railroad era. The district offers a glimpse into early 20th century Appalachian life when Thurmond was a thriving commercial hub generating more freight revenue than Cincinnati and Richmond combined.
14. Pipestem Resort State Park
MOUNTAIN RECREATION PARADISE
Pipestem Resort State Park offers a complete mountain getaway experience spread across 4,050 acres of stunning natural beauty. The park features two lodges, a golf course, aerial tramway, zip line, horseback riding, and miles of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems. Visitors can take the tramway down to the Bluestone River gorge for fishing, additional hiking opportunities, and the Mountain Creek Lodge nestled alongside the river.
15. Winterplace Ski Resort
SOUTHERN WEST VIRGINIA SKIING
Winterplace Ski Resort provides excellent winter sports opportunities as the southernmost ski resort in West Virginia. The resort features 27 slopes and trails, 10 lifts, and a dedicated snowtubing park with 16 lanes of excitement for non-skiers. With 100% snowmaking capability and night skiing available on all terrain, Winterplace offers extended opportunities for winter recreation regardless of natural snowfall conditions.