New River Gorge National Park Wins Coveted Travel Ranking 

U.S. News and World Report has named the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve as the nation’s number one best, underrated travel destination.  

Making the announcement from a sunny, scenic platform overlooking the preserve, Gov. Patrick Morrisey called it part of the state’s comeback story.  

“It’s a pretty amazing thing, and so I’m really thrilled about it. I think it’s going to lead to even more people wanting to explore our incredible state,” Morrisey said. 

In compiling its list, the company evaluates more than 1,500 destinations each year.  

“With its majestic, forested hills and deep canyons, New River Gorge is often compared to the Smokies, but with shorter peaks, a more compact footprint and much smaller crowds,” the company wrote in its report. “Adrenaline seekers come for world-class rafting beneath the 876-foot-tall New River Gorge Bridge. Visitors should also take in the gorge from above on the Endless Wall Trail.”  

Nestled along the New River in Fayette County, the preserve stretches 53 miles and encompasses more than 70,000 acres of wildlife.  

Morrisey said the top ranking will drive even more visitors to the state. 

“People care about the environment. They care about the pristine nature of the area that they’re visiting,” Morrisey said. “So we get to help our state out so much by showing off our wonderful, underrated travel destination.”  

Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, on hand for the announcement, said her department’s research shows visitors return to West Virginia year after year – and their numbers are growing. 

“People are coming here, and they’re having unbelievable experiences, and they keep coming back. We see that this is one of the top places in the world for outdoor recreation,” she said. 

Ruby said tourism trends indicate that when choosing a vacation spot, Americans are looking for – in order of popularity – hiking, camping, kayaking and rafting, fishing and mountain biking, all things West Virginia offers in abundance.