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Location
The New River Gorge is located in Southern West Virginia just outside of Fayetteville (25840). The New River was designated a National River in 1978 and much of the climbing is located within the National Park Service boundary. Summersville Lake located 25 minutes North of Fayetteville is also home to great sport climbing and during the summer deep water soloing is awesome.
Climbing Season/Climate
You can climb at The New year round, however prime season is March through November. Most climbers come during the summer, the hottest time of the year. Summer high temps can reach the upper nineties and Winter High temps range from 20-50 degrees. Humidity is bearable.
Type of Climbing
The New River Gorge National Park is a world-class climbing destination that boasts over 1600 routes from challenging sport routes to classic trad lines.
“The New” has miles of pristine unbroken cliff-line have been carved out by the New River, which in contrast to its name is actually the second oldest river in the world. Expansive sandstone cliffs tower high above the river forming the deepest river gorge on the East coast. One look and you’ll see why “The New” is referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.”
Unlike the Grand Canyon, the rock in the New River Gorge is bullet hard sandstone. In fact, it has such a high quartzite content, it’s harder than most granite. The rock is easy on the skin, featured with horizontal edges, iron crimp rails and splitter cracks of every size imaginable. This unique combination makes for a diverse climbing experience suitable for first timers and seasoned climbers alike.
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