WV · Northeast & Mid-Atlantic · 2026 exact answer
No entrance fee at New River Gorge: what applies in 2026?
Direct answer
No entrance fee — no pass needed
Exact conditions
- Status
- Not required; the stated access rule still applies
- Applies to
- all visitors
- Effective dates
- January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026
- Published fee
- $0
- Release model
- first come
Release detail: Nothing to buy or reserve to enter.
Fee detail: No entrance fee.
Exceptions and limits
- Commercial whitewater rafting and the Bridge Walk are run by private outfitters and are charged by those companies, not by NPS. Their prices are not a park entrance fee.
- Entire park and preserve, including the New River Gorge Bridge, Grandview, Sandstone Falls and Thurmond
Official source
National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026
There is NO FEE to enter New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. ... An entrance pass is not required to access New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
Fees & Passes - New River Gorge National Park & Preserve