CR
ED
IT
SOUTHERNLIVING.COM / JULY 20 19
51
Camping Out
Outdoor fun doesn’t have to end at
sunset. Perched on the rim of the New
River, Adventures on the Gorge will
bring back memories of childhood
summers spent at camp. A village of
wooden cabins and pavilions dotting a
1,000-plus-acre property, this resort
is just a few minutes from the bridge.
Snooze under the stars on
the campgrounds, book a
budget-friendly bunkhouse,
or rent an entire home.
“When people ask me
what I do, I tell them that
I run a fun factory,” says
Dave Arnold of Adventures
on the Gorge. “Our slogan is,
‘leading the world outdoors,’
and that’s what we do.”
The resort offers its
thrill-seeking travelers a
range of guided activities—
from rafting on world-class
white-water courses and
aerial adventures on zip
lines to rock climbing
and mountain biking.
River Rafting
Don’t leave without booking
a rafting trip on West
Virginia’s famous brand of
white water. Sandwiched
between two dams, the
53-mile stretch of the New
River is divided into two
parachute to the New River below.
This festival is held one day a year,
but Bridge Walk leads bravehearted
visitors on guided catwalk tours
beneath the structure year-round.
Travelers who fear heights can still
enjoy an up-close look at the bridge.
The Canyon Rim Visitor Center offers
unobstructed views from its tree house-
like boardwalk, nestled in the woods
on the wall of the gorge.
Whether you’re hiking or biking,
explore the scenic paths along the
river. The Endless Wall Trail winds
through a shady forest, across a rocky
creek, and between wild rhododen-
dron bushes. When you reach a spot
called Diamond Point, stop and take it
all in—a panoramic vista almost 1,000
feet above the river. Or take
the Long Point Trail to snap
the ultimate photo of the
New River Gorge Bridge.
If you’d prefer to pedal,
rent a bicycle from one of
the local outfitters—New
River Bikes or Arrowhead
Bike Farm—and hit the trails
around Fayetteville. Head
out on the 12.8-mile Arrowhead Trail;
its single-track paths weave bikers
through Jurassic Park-like terrain,
with vibrant green ferns and leafy
treetop canopies enclosing the rocky,
rolling hills. After your ride, take
a break at Arrowhead Bike Farm for
beer and bratwurst in the casual
backyard biergarten.
Worth the Climb
Hike the Long Point
Trail for an unrivaled
view of the bridge.
