In January, New River Gorge became the newest U.S. National Park. Located in the Appalachians of West Virginia, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a gorgeous landscape of gorges, forests and waterways. Although the park doesn’t have lodging facilities, there are a variety of options nearby. From luxury cabins to chain hotels, each offer proximity to outdoor adventure or quiet enjoyment.
Adventure and More at New River Gorge
A few years ago, I spent three nights in a Sunnyside Cabin at Adventures-on-the-Gorge. This adventure resort powerhouse has ziplines, rafting trips, pontoon boat rides and more. Along with these upscale cabins, Adventures-on-the-Gorge has several price level stays. Pine Cabins are the bring your own towels and bedding version. Deluxe cabins with living rooms and kitchens are part of the mix.
Adventures-on-the-Gorge resort amenities include an outdoor pool, disc golf, and several dining options from upscale to casual–all excellent. Plus, the resort’s location on the rim of New River Gorge means spectacular views.
Rates depend on the type of accommodation and time of year. Starting May 1, rustic cabins are $129 and a deluxe cabin with four bedrooms is $529.
Budget-Friendly Options
I’ve also hit the hotel chain scene at Quality Inn New River Gorge in Fayetteville, West Virginia. This Quality Inn is one of those super clean, super comfortable, budget-friendly stays. We did hang out at the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Elliot’s Whitewater Bar and Grill has a casual vibe. It’s perfect for grabbing a drink and a bite to eat after a day filled with activities. The location is also perfect for taking in Fayetteville’s historic district of 75 buildings of note.
Rates currently start at $81. You can book on the website or check out Hotels.com
This is also a good area for trying out the RV lifestyle with an RV rental so you can see if it makes sense for you to buy one at some point. There are plenty of campgrounds and RV parks in the region and more will probably pop up when visitor numbers increase.
Here are a few other lodging possibilities in this splendid region of West Virginia.
West Virginia Lodging Steeped in History
The Historic General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg, WV is a beauty of a stay. Located in downtown Lewisburg, this boutique inn was featured in Vogue Magazine as a best place to stay. A private residence in the early 1800s, the west wing and main section were added in 1928. Since 1929, the inn has been in continuous operation.
Each of the 24 unique guest rooms and suites is appointed with colonial-era antiques in a blend of classic and contemporary. Original plank floors and exposed brick are some of the room feature highlights. Persian rugs add to the ambiance of luxury. Inn amenities include high speed internet, thick cotton robes, luxury linens, and organic Counter Culture coffee.
While staying at the inn, take in the art gallery of work by local and not local artists. Spend time in the inn’s gardens and take in a meal or a hand-crafted cocktail at The Thistle Lounge. The inn’s restaurant serves breakfast/brunch, and dinner with unique flavors and flair.
Rates range from $125 to $275. Book here or book here.
A Mix of B&Bs and More
The Guest House Inn on Courthouse Square in Hinton, WV is actually a mix of non-hosted B&Bs. One of them is a cabin on an island. Head to this inn for small-town charm surrounded by the West Virginia hills.
Two of the B&Bs–The Timberlake and The Parker–have an option to rent the entire house or just one of the house’s suites. The Timberlake, the largest of the two, can accommodate 10 people in three different suites. Built in 1898 and restored in 2007, this beauty is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Parker, a charming house right around the corner, can accommodate 6. The Town House has two suites but they are rented together.
Located downtown, each is close to all Hinton has to offer. This turn-of-the-century railroad town is at the southern gateway to the New River Gorge National River and Park.
Regardless of which accommodation you choose, these properties are appointed with all that one hopes for in a home away from home. Fully equipped kitchens, living area common rooms, and bedrooms are decorated to be tasteful, comfortable, and classy.
The Cabin on Coney Island, another The Guest House Inn property is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Accessible only by boat, rustic grunge it’s not. Here’s upscale cabin living at its finest.
Rates range from $99 to $549. You can compare rates at Expedia.
Post and photos of Adventures on The Gorge and Quality Inn are by Jamie Rhein. Other photos are courtesy of those establishments.