New River Gorge RV Adventure: Ziplining, Hiking, and the Perfect Family Base Camp
Discovering New River Gorge: A Family RV Adventure with Changing Lanes
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a treasure trove of outdoor activities for families, and Changing Lanes provides a fantastic glimpse into a recent RV trip to this stunning destination. From heart-pounding ziplining to peaceful hikes, their adventure showcases the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. Learn about their chosen campground, the must-see Long Point Trail, and the delicious local food they enjoyed, all while getting valuable tips for planning your own unforgettable family RV vacation.
Finding the Perfect Base Camp: Bear Mountain Campground
Choosing the right campground is crucial for a successful RV trip. Changing Lanes opted for Bear Mountain Campground, a family-owned gem with a quiet, wooded setting. With only 32 sites, it offers a more intimate experience compared to larger RV resorts. Sites range from $46 to $55 per night and offer full or partial hookups, a valuable consideration for family comfort.
The location of Bear Mountain Campground is ideal. It's just a few minutes from downtown Fayetteville, putting you in the heart of all the action the New River Gorge has to offer. This proximity makes it easy to access hiking trails, restaurants, and other attractions. Plus, its family-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for RVers traveling with children.
Hiking the Scenic Long Point Trail
The Long Point Trail is a must-do for any visitor to New River Gorge, and Changing Lanes raves about its accessibility and breathtaking views. This 3-mile roundtrip hike boasts only 344 feet of elevation gain, making it manageable for most fitness levels, including families with kids. The trail winds through a peaceful Appalachian forest, providing ample shade on hot days.
As Changing Lanes points out, the view at the end is well worth the effort. The Long Point overlook offers stunning panoramic views of the New River Gorge Bridge, a truly iconic sight. They recommend bringing hiking poles if you have trouble with climbing, especially for the last half-mile, and note that the trail can be slick in parts after rain. "The view is just so worth it," Tara exclaims, emphasizing the rewarding nature of the hike.
Ziplining Across the Gorge: An Adrenaline-Fueled Adventure
For thrill-seeking families, Adventures on the Gorge offers an unforgettable ziplining experience. Changing Lanes braved the Gravity zipline, reaching speeds of up to 65 miles per hour! While they noted that there was a good amount of walking and stair climbing between sections, the adrenaline rush was well worth it. They also pointed out that Adventures on the Gorge has a pool available to day visitors.
They also mentioned that Adventures on the Gorge has a smaller RV park but sites only have electric hookups. They also mentioned that the pool looks really nice and could be an option for families looking for a resort-style amenity.
Local Flavors and Travel Tips
No family vacation is complete without good food! Changing Lanes sampled the local cuisine, including a visit to the Secret Sandwich Society. They also highlighted the importance of staying healthy while traveling by drinking AG1 every morning. This daily health drink helps replenish essential nutrients and supports gut health, ensuring they have the energy to keep up with their adventurous itinerary.
They also mentioned using the Weight My Truck app for CAT scales, making weighing your RV and tow vehicle easier. They also recommend using AllTrails to discover hikes and find directions to trailheads. As Chad says, "One thing I like about AllTrails too is that you don't have to worry about where the trailhead is. You just say get directions and it fires it up..."
Key Takeaways for Your New River Gorge RV Trip
- Bear Mountain Campground: A quiet, family-owned campground near Fayetteville with full or partial hookups.
- Long Point Trail: An easy 3-mile hike with stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge.
- Adventures on the Gorge: Offers thrilling ziplining experiences and a resort-style pool.
- AllTrails App: Use it to find hiking trails, get directions, and read reviews.
- AG1: Maintain your health and energy levels with this daily health drink.
- Embrace the Adventure: New River Gorge offers something for everyone in the family.
Ready for Your Own New River Gorge Adventure?
Changing Lanes provides a fantastic overview of a family-friendly RV trip to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. From finding the perfect base camp to experiencing thrilling outdoor activities, their adventure is sure to inspire your own family vacation. Be sure to watch the full video for more detailed insights and stunning visuals of this incredible destination!