Safety

old coal mine safety sign over trail
An old safety sign at Kaymoor reminds workers to be safe.

NPS photo/Dave Bieri

 

We hope that your trip to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will be a fun and memorable experience. Taking time to plan and prepare for your visit will better ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time. Look over the following items to better understand some of the possible hazards and safety issues you may encounter at New River Gorge.

If you are in the park and in need of urgent assistance, please call 911.


If you are in the park and have a non-emergency issue, please call one of our Visitor Centers:

  • Canyon Rim Visitor Center (North District) - Open Daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day)

304-574-2115

  • Sandsone Visitor Center (South District) - Open Daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day)

304-466-0417

  • Thurmond Depot, Open Seasonally (generally Memorial Day to Labor Day)

304-465-8550

  • Grandview Visitor Center, Open Seasonally (generally Memorial Day to Labor Day)

304-763-3715

 
ranger and boy with life jacket
Water Safety

Find out how to be safe in and around the water

young girl hiking
Hiking Safety

Visit the Hiking Safety page for information about how to have a safe hike.

hands gripping the handlebars of a mountain bike on a trail
Biking Safety

Find out what you need to know to have a safe ride in the park.

rock climber rappelling off cliff with bridge in background
Rock Climbing Safety

Be safe when climbing in the park. Check here for more information.

bridge spanning a gorge
Driving on Park Roads

Learn about safely navigating the winding and narrow roads found throughout the park.

hiker walking alongside frozen waterfall
Heat and Cold Related Emergencies

Learn about what to do in a heat or cold related emergency.

black bear in forest
Camping and Wildlife

Learn how to camp safely in bear habitat.

copperhead snake
Snakes and Safety

Learn about the two venomous snakes found at New River Gorge.

Lightning
Lightning

Learn how to be safe in a lightning storm.

tick up close
Insects and Spiders

Learn how to stay safe from spider and tick bites.

poison ivy
Poison Ivy

Learn how to identify and avoid poison ivy.

 
 

Last updated: January 22, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 246, 104 Main Street
Glen Jean, WV 25846

Phone:

304-465-0508

Contact Us