Canyon Rim Visitor Center and Boardwalk Trail In New River Gorge National Park

The Canyon Rim Visitor Center serves as the primary visitor center for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia.

It’s open daily from 9 AM-5 PM and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The Visitors Center has restrooms, trashcans and a water bottle filling station. There’s also a small gift shop to pick up your national park swag and WiFi is available.

There are plenty of picnic tables and benches available outside for you to relax and enjoy some fresh air or take a lunch break at.

There is plenty of parking for any size vehicle.

The main exhibit room of the center features photographs and displays on the people, recreation and natural history of the area.

The theater shows an 11 minute movie discussing the significance of the park every 30 minutes.

A ranger is located at the information desk inside and is able to answer any questions you may have. You can also get maps and information pamphlets on the park here.

This is the spot to pick up Junior Ranger books for the little ones and get your passport stamp as well.

Right next to the visitor center is the Canyon Rim Boardwalk.

The boardwalk provides scenic views of the gorge and New River Gorge Bridge (which you probably crossed to get here). New River Gorge Bridge is the longest single arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere and spans 3,030 feet.

A fully accessible ramp leads to the first viewing point of the boardwalk.

To get an even closer look at the bridge you must walk down 178 steps to the lower overlook. Remember you have to walk those 178 steps back up so be prepared for that (and there are 178 we counted).

The view of the bridge from the lower deck is pretty good though and worth all those steps if you’re able.

Canyon Rim Visitor Center may not be the best visitor center we’ve seen, but it’s still a great jumping off point for your trip to new River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Check out the exhibits, talk to a ranger and snap some pics of the bridge and let your adventure in the park begin.