canyon rim visitor center

The visitor center is itself very good; however, would it really be such an overwhelming chore to clear and open the walkway to the best views of the gorge and bridge? And a delayed opening for minimal snow flurries was kind of wimpy. Thank goodness the bridge and gorge are there to make you guys look good. Food is available across the bridge.

Excellent park visitor center. The rangers were very helpful and informative. There are 3 options for looking at the New River Gorge Bridge, only one of which requires a bit of a hike. Be sure and find the CD audio tour for your trip down into the gorge via Fayette Station Road.

There is lots of history to read about and a film to watch as well. There is a gift shop and a helpful staff that will answer all your questions and give you a book and CD to listen to if you decide to take the Fayette Station Road Tour which I suggest. From the visitor center you can get a look at the amazing bridge that has been built over the gorge.

The visitors center was a few minutes away from our rafting outfitter, so we stopped to get some beautiful, scenic shots of the New River bridge and gorge. Nice displays and a small gift shop.

I have driven over the bridge many times but had stopped at the visitor center. I'm so glad I did this time because I was very impressed. The ranger inside is helpful. The quilts hanging from the architectural beams inside are beautiful. The exhibits are so informative and let's not forget the views - OMG!Lots of parking, clean bathrooms, great gift shop.This is a must stop if you are in the area - and it's FREE! The views must be even more spectacular in the fall.

This VC is easily accessed, has a good gift shop & the overlook for the New River Gorge Bridge was awesome!

We enjoyed our stop at the visitors center.It is pretty outside with great views of the bridge.There are a lot of steps going down to the viewing area.There is a lot of information inside & a little gift shop.They have clean bathrooms.I also thought they were very helpful with info on the area & even gave us tips for lunch in Fayetteville. Fayetteville is a cute tiny little town just on the other side of the bridge worth checking out. My favorite thing about this visitors center is that they lend you a free CD to play if you plan to do the drive on Fayette Station Road.It is a great drive down a winding road around the bridge to the bottom of the gorge.The cd was great because it explained the history of what we were looking at!If you are planning a visit to the New River Bridge then I would highly recommend stopping here.

Nice place to stop and view the New River Gorge area. Visitor center is wonderful, short movie to watch and lots of interesting exhibits. Helpful and informative staff, nice gift shop too.

Whereas the Sandstone visitor center focuses on the ecology of the New RIver Gorge, Canyon Rim focuses more on the people of the area and their impact. Exhibits here talk about settlement and industry along the New River. Very modern establishment with a good gift shop featuring some great looking prints of the Gorge area. The center also features platforms for viewing the Gorge and New River Bridge. Definitely a spot for picture takers or those who like to marvel at the miracles of both man and nature.

Very helpful staff. Great stop for pics! Beware lots of steps to view point................Lots of literature available.

The New River Gorge Bridge is a familiar site to anyone who has been in the Lansing, WV area. The "rusty rainbow" is impressive whether you are rafting or walking under it or driving over it. If you are looking for some good photography, a nice walk with your dog, or are interested in the history of the area, this is the spot to go.The Museum itself is rather small and kind of sparse with its artifacts but they tell a good story. There is an 11 minute video that is turned on manually by the NPS employees who maintain the facility. Admission to all areas is free so don't be afraid to walk right in. There is a gift shop with a lot of books and postcards to help you remember your trip although I would recommend you give your camera a workout if you go.There is a healthy stairway to get you the best views of the bridge and the New River below. The whole area is pet-friendly so if you want to give your dogs time to stretch their legs, this is a great spot to do it.If you're near the bridge and perhaps don't have a lot of time, pull off, stretch your legs and get some pictures. It's short, quick, and painless, but you'll be glad you did it.

This visitor center is clean, modern and offers a beautiful view. The staff at the visitor center were extremely helpful. The gift shop was small but had useful offerings like guidebooks. The visitor center staff provided me with some excellent free hiking maps that broke the gorge and park into regions. They took the time to explain which areas might be best suited to my abilities and interests. If you are up for it, after stopping at the visitors' center you can take the boardwalk and descend about 70 steps for a nice view of the bridge.

This place has a lot of information about the area. It is worth a stop. Nice view of the gorge. They show a short film that is worth seeing also. There is a small museum and a nice little shop on site as well.

Canyon Rim Visitor serves as the main visitor center for the New River Gorge National River Park. The visitor center has an introductory film and exhibits that introduce one the geology and human history of the area including early lumbering, the hardships of Appalachian coal mining and the area’s current focus on recreation. Views of the gorge can be seen from a handicapped accessible platform at the back of the visitors center but better views of the gorge, as well as the famous New River Gorge Bridge, can be had from a couple of observation decks, at different levels, accessed by a short trail and stairs out the back of the visitor center. In the visitor center one can obtain information on various activities in the area including some scenic drives; one of which is the Fayette Station Road which we highly recommend if you have the time. Departing near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, Fayette Station Road winds down the sides of the gorge, takes one across the New River on a bridge at the bottom of the gorge then takes one back up on the other side. There are numerous places, with interpretive signs, to stop along the way allowing one to take in views of the gorge and bridge. Prior to the opening of the New River Gorge Bridge, this was the only way across with a vehicle. The visitor center also has a gift shop, Junior Ranger Badge program, clean restrooms and ample parking.

Of course, the view is fantastic, but the history associated with it is both interesting--and disturbing. What the logging industry did to this part of W.VA. during the late 1800's and the early part of the 20th century will shock and disappoint you. And, hey, we "sneaked" in (under the yellow marking tape) during the government shut down. That made it doubly good.