Officially designated as a National Park on December 27, 2020, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is named for the flowing waters of the New River that created a dramatic gorge through the West Virginia landscape, exposing over a thousand vertical feet of limestone and shale. The park is popular for a wide variety of outdoor recreation that attracts over a million visitors per year.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting New River Gorge National Park – FAQs
The raw natural beauty of New River Gorge National Park is fraught with unexpected dangers. Swift water, steep grades, and uneven surfaces can lead to serious injury with just one wrong step. And if you’re visiting the USA from another country, treatment for an injury like this could cost more than you can afford. The solution is to purchase visitors medical insurance.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for New River Gorge National Park?
Tourists aren’t required to buy visitors insurance to visit the USA. However, it’s extremely risky going without health insurance here. US healthcare is prohibitively expensive without insurance coverage, and the health insurance from your home country isn’t likely to be accepted. You need to have visitors medical insurance to get care for an affordable price.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before visiting New River Gorge National Park?
You can get hurt or become sick in the blink of an eye. Serious situations may even require emergency medical evacuation. The last thing you want while you’re recovering is to receive a bill for $50,000, $100,000 or more that you’re responsible for paying all on your own. Don’t take the risk. Buy visitors medical insurance for any trip to the United States.
New River Gorge National Park’s Most Popular Activities
From serene to extreme, you can find all sorts of enjoyable things to do at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Below are some of the most popular activities.
Conquering the Rapids
The New River is famous for its floating opportunities. Its upper waters are fairly calm with class I to class III rapids that are suitable for canoeing. Head to the Lower Gorge if you’re more experienced. It’s a premier whitewater rafting location with challenging class III to class V rapids. Be sure not to take on sections of the river that are beyond your skill level, and go with a licensed outfitter.
Climbing the Gorge
There are over a thousand established rock climbing routes in New River Gorge National Park catering to both traditional and sport climbers. However, you may want to stay on the ground if you’re a novice. Most of the routes in New River Gorge are rated 5.10-5.12, making them suitable for advanced climbers only.
Getting Extreme Thrills at the Bridge
Sitting nearly 900 feet above the water, the New River Gorge Bridge is a popular place for thrill seekers who enjoy extreme rappelling and BASE jumping. While these sorts of activities will be a little much for most visitors, it is exciting to watch. Just viewing the river from the bridge can be an amazing experience.
Casting a Line
The New River is a haven for anglers. It’s known as an excellent warmwater fishery with a large variety of fish to catch. Do be sure to get all necessary fishing licenses before setting off, and only fish in areas where it is allowed.
Taking to the Trails
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve boasts more than 50 miles of hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging adventures. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, there are some trails following disused railroad grades that are open to bicycles.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to New River Gorge National Park
- Stay on the safe side. Do not take on climbs or floats that are beyond your skill and experience level. The park is quite remote, and rescue can be difficult.
- Do not hunt in the national park, as it is illegal. However, it is legal to hunt in the surrounding national preserve so long as it is the correct season and you have all appropriate licenses.
- Bring a GPS navigation device for long hikes. The park and preserve covers some 73,000 heavily forested acres, so it’s quite easy to get lost.
Before You Visit New River Gorge National Park – Do This
- Get hazardous sports travel insurance if you plan to participate in an extreme activity.
- Always wear sturdy hiking boots or trail running shoes. Leave the sandals at your hotel.
- Buy visitors medical insurance .