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Architectural Digest has named its selection of The 11 Most Beautiful Places in America. There’s the Napali Coast in Hawaii, the Florida Keys, California’s Big Sur and coming in at #11 the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve.
It’s only been a national park since 2020, but the magazine notes its “spectacular white water rafting and rock climbing, considered some of the best in the U.S.”
It also notes that the Gorge isn’t as well known as some other national parks – which Architectural Digest says is part of its appeal: it’s less crowded, with peaceful trails and overlooks that nature lovers appreciate.
“The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve continues to impress visitors with its abundance of outdoor recreation, breathtaking natural beauty, and charming small businesses,” Lindsey Funk, public relations coordinator for the West Virginia Department of Tourism, said. “This honor is yet another testament to the incredible experiences our state has to offer, and we’re excited to see the rest of the country taking notice.”
The National Park Service shows nearly 2 million people visited the New River Gorge in 2025, up almost 10% from the previous year, adding to tourism’s $9 billion annual economic impact.