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New River Gorge National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour

22 Reviews 4.00 out of 5 stars Based on 22 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | West Virginia, USA
Book online or call us

from $15.99 per group (up to 15)

Lowest Price Guarantee
View from Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Endless Wall Trail
New River Gorge Bridge
Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
8 to 9 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore New River Gorge National Park with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through one of West Virginia’s most spectacular landscapes.

There’s no in-person guide—your phone leads the way with turn-by-turn navigation, stories, history, and local insight as you explore.

Follow turn-by-turn directions to iconic viewpoints, waterfalls, historic coal towns, scenic drives, and optional hiking trails, including the New River Gorge Bridge, Sandstone Falls, Grandview, and Thurmond.

Shaka Guide tours are created by real people who know and experience the destinations they guide, bringing the park to life through engaging stories, history, and local insight. Choose the stops that interest you, skip others, and spend as much time as you like exploring.

One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle. Download the Shaka Guide app and tour before you go; once downloaded, the audio and map work offline, and GPS-triggered narration plays automatically as you drive.

What's Included

  • Offline map and audio after download
  • Stories, history, local insight, and park recommendations
  • Flexible itinerary with optional stops, viewpoints, and hikes
  • Transportation or rental vehicle
  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
See 6 moreSee 7 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Thurmond

Once a thriving hub of coal mining and transportation, Thurmond now stands as a preserved time capsule. It offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich industrial past.The ghost town is famous for its well-preserved train depot, which serves as a museum. It shows exhibits and artifacts that detail the area's coal mining heritage.With its beautiful location along the New River, Thurmond invites exploration. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and significance of the coal industry and railroad, shaping the local community and the surrounding natural landscape.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Long Point Trail

A hiking trail that offers an unforgettable adventure and stunning vistas. This moderate 3.2-mile out-and-back trail winds through a forest, leading hikers to the breathtaking Long Point Overlook.Once you reach the overlook, prepare to be amazed by the panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in West Virginia.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Kaymoor Miners Trail

Explore a challenging trail through the remains of the historic Kaymoor mining complex.Temporary access notice: portions of the upper Kaymoor Miners Trail are closed Monday through Thursday through November 19, 2026, for trail rehabilitation.Access may vary, so follow posted National Park Service signs and current conditions during your visit.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Canyon Rim Visitor Center

The Canyon Rim Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the awe-inspiring wonders of New River Gorge.Located on the edge of the majestic gorge, this visitor center offers a wealth of information and resources for visitors. It improves their exploration of the park.Inside, you'll find informative displays on the area's geology, ecology, and cultural history.Step outside onto the observation decks, and you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the New River Gorge Bridge. The sprawling canyon below adds to the awe-inspiring scenery.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Fayette Station Road

Whether you're admiring the vibrant fall foliage or capturing stunning photographs, the Fayette Station Road scenic drive offers a calm experience.It allows you to immerse yourself in the old way of crossing the New River Gorge, down and up a winding road.On the first stop of the scenic drive, we’ll visit overlooks directly underneath the New River Gorge Bridge. This will allow you to appreciate the engineering marvel from a new angle.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Tunney Hunsaker Bridge

We’ll park by the river and walk to the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, or the ‘little bridge’ as some call it. This was the only way to cross the New River Gorge for a long time.Today, it’s the midpoint of the Fayette Station Road scenic drive. A walking path on the side provides excellent views of the New River, and the big bridge above.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Wolf Creek Trail Head

Stop at Wolf Creek Trailhead for a quick walk to two nearby waterfalls, both just a short distance from the trailhead. If you’d like a longer adventure, the trail continues toward the historic Kaymoor Mine area. Spend as much or as little time here as you’d like before continuing the tour.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Endless Wall Trail

A captivating, moderately difficult hiking trail that winds along the rim of the gorge for 2.4 miles. It showcases the raw beauty of the rugged canyon as it winds through forests and along towering cliffs.Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the New River winding through the gorge. Stunning rock formations that attract climbers from around the world can also be observed.The trail is a loop, with two parking lots to choose from.Our recommendation is to hike as far as Diamond Point from either of the lots. Then, turn around and return to the car.
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2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Babcock State Park

The main attraction at Babcock State Park is a beautiful and iconic landmark. It's a fully working replica of a historic water-powered mill.Surrounded by lush greenery and set against the backdrop of babbling Glade Creek, the mill's rustic wooden structure, complete with a working water wheel, exudes charm and memories.It’s a popular photography spot! The state park also has its own hiking trails and a gift shop in the visitor center.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sandstone Visitor Center

This visitor center has exhibits on the area’s ecosystems and human history. It’s also a handy stop to get information about Sandstone Falls. This is before starting on an optional, but very scenic drive towards the waterfall.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sandstone Falls Overlook

If you're on the fence about driving all the way to Sandstone Falls, you can get a small peek at this overlook.The view isn’t fantastic, but it’s useful as a turnaround point. It can be used if you decide to prioritize other parts of the park.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Brooks Overlook

This overlook offers a nice view of the New River Gorge from a few hundred feet up. The road descends closer to the river level as it heads towards Hinton.The overlook is just a small pull-off, but the view is better than the one at Sandstone Falls Overlook.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Brooks Falls Roadside Park

Enjoy some quality time next to the New River at this small riverside park. Picnic benches sit just feet from the river, and the rippling Brooks Falls.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Sandstone Falls

One of the highlights of the park is Sandstone Falls, which spreads 1500 feet across the entire New River.It descends into crumbling rock formations, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.A series of boardwalks take you through a wooded island in the middle of the river, and to different views of the falls.For a more secluded experience, try the Island Loop Trail, which is an easy, half-mile trail through the woods of the island.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grandview

One of the ‘grandest’ views of the park, the Grandview area has something for everyone.The main overlook sits near the highest point in the park, overlooking a spectacular curve in the gorge.A handful of trails leave from near the overlook. They take hikers along the cliff walls and to additional scenic overlooks of the river.Grandview also sports a seasonal visitor center, informational wayside stations, and a playground.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 14 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before you go. Once downloaded, the audio and map work offline.
  • The itinerary is flexible. Stops and hikes are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, shorten or extend your visit, and customize the day based on your interests and schedule.
  • Hiking is optional. Some recommended trails range from easy walks to more strenuous hikes, so choose activities appropriate for your group and current conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the New River Gorge National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-102020P85

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.00
22 reviews

Average 4.00 out of 5 stars based on 22 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
13
4 stars
2
3 stars
4
2 stars
0
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the New River Gorge National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Offline map and audio after download.
  • Stories, history, local insight, and park recommendations.
  • Flexible itinerary with optional stops, viewpoints, and hikes.
  • Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive.
  • Tour access does not expire.
  • One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle.
  • Multiple designated starting points around the park.
  • Access to the New River Gorge National Park Tour in the Shaka Guide app.
The following is NOT included:
  • Transportation or rental vehicle.
  • Food and drinks.
  • Personal expenses.
  • In-person tour guide.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the New River Gorge National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for New River Gorge National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Offline map and audio after download
  • Stories, history, local insight, and park recommendations
  • Flexible itinerary with optional stops, viewpoints, and hikes
  • Turn-by-turn audio navigation that plays automatically as you drive
  • Tour access does not expire
  • One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle
  • Multiple designated starting points around the park
  • Access to the New River Gorge National Park Tour in the Shaka Guide app
  • Transportation or rental vehicle
  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • In-person tour guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This is a self-guiduided driving tour. Transportation and a driver are not included, so you’ll need your own vehicle or rental car.
  • Choose from six designated starting points. Navigate to the starting point that best fits your route before beginning; GPS-guided tour directions will start once you reach the tour route.
  • Download the Shaka Guide app after booking. Use the redemption code provided in your confirmation to access your tour.
  • Download the tour over strong Wi-Fi before you go. Once downloaded, the audio and map work offline.
  • The itinerary is flexible. Stops and hikes are recommendations, not requirements. Skip stops, shorten or extend your visit, and customize the day based on your interests and schedule.
  • Hiking is optional. Some recommended trails range from easy walks to more strenuous hikes, so choose activities appropriate for your group and current conditions.
  • Accessibility varies by stop. Because this is a self-guided tour using your own vehicle, accessibility depends on your vehicle and the locations you choose to visit. Some trails and outdoor stops may not be wheelchair or stroller accessible.
  • Bring a fully charged phone. A car charger is recommended for a full-day tour.

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