Of the activities available for outdoor enjoyment , here are the top five experiences in the park .

HIKING

The most accessible activity in the gorge is hiking . Anyone with a decent pair of shoes , who can comfortably walk a quarter of a mile or more , can enjoy the benefits of the fresh air and scenic vistas of the New River Gorge .

For those who want a longer walk , there are plenty of more extensive trails and many of them are linked so that people can put together something that ’ s right for them . The NPS website ( nps . gov ) and mobile app have the trails organized by geographic location .

Kacie Venhuiven and Kendall Murphy were driving from Michigan to Virginia for a music festival . While searching for

a stop to break up their long drive , Murphy said he was attracted to the area because of the national park name attached to it . They were amazed by the view of the gorge from the Endless Wall trail and impressed with how easy it is to access the view .

“ We already can ’ t wait to come back ” exclaimed Venhuiven .

Eve West also points out that some hikes provide more of a cultural interest rather than a scenic focus . One example are the hikes around Nuttalberg . It is considered the best representation of a coal town in the gorge and many buildings are still standing .

FISHING

Another easily accessible New River Gorge experience is fishing . One can simply drive to a river access point , like Fayette Station

down below the New River Gorge Bridge or Stonecliff , further upstream and cast a line . Anyone over the age of 15 must have a West Virginia resident or non-resident license . Licenses are available from stores that are authorized vendors or through the West Virginia DNR website .

If you ’ re a beginner and you ’ d like to increase your chances of reeling in more fish , you might want to consider hiring a commercial fishing outfitter . Larry Nibert , owner of The West Virginia Experience , a commercial fishing outfitter based in Fayetteville , actually prefers beginner anglers because “ it ’ s easier to mold them .” That makes them more receptive to the experience and knowledge he and his fishing guides have to share .

Both beginning and experienced anglers alike

may hire a commercial outfitter . Bud Bordman from Charleston , W . Va ., is an avid fisherman . Recently he took his first commercial fishing trip on the New with the West Virginia Experience and said he loved it . He enjoyed the calm and comfort of being in a raft and the fact that the outfitter “ provided everything .” He said he caught “ 20-some ” fish using both natural and artificial bait . One advantage of going with a commercial outfitter like the West Virginia Experience is that you will travel an extended portion of the New River in a raft , accessing a large variety of spots , versus standing in one spot on the bank .

MOUNTAIN BIKING :

If you ’ re feeling the need for speed and you want to crank the intensity level up from hiking , perhaps you