Given that it is considered the world's second oldest river, the New River seems almost humorously misnamed. Originating in the mountains of western North Carolina , the New flows northward across Virginia and into West Virginia. There, 320 miles beyond its origin and 900 feet lower in elevation, it joins the Gauley to form the Kanawha. Ultimately, waters of the New flow into the Mississippi and reach the Gulf of Mexico.Â
In West Virginia, 53 miles of the New River Gorge area - famed for whitewater rafting and popular for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits - was protected as a national river in 1978. In late 2020, the Gorge was elevated to national park and preserve status. In addition to multiple recreational opportunities and breathtaking scenery, the park is rich in natural and cultural history, much of it centered around coal mining. It is also home to the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, boasting the longest steel arch in the US (1,700 feet) and positioned 876 feet above the river below.