Craving rugged beauty, river adventures, and Appalachian charm? Head to Lansing, West Virginia! Nestled near the rim of the New River Gorge, Lansing is a small adventure town with big access to outdoor thrills. From whitewater rafting and hiking to rustic cabins and scenic overlooks, it’s a gateway to one of America’s most stunning national parks.
Lansing, WV Highlights:
- For Thrill Seekers: Go whitewater rafting on the New River – Tackle Class III-V rapids with local outfitters like Adventures on the Gorge or ACE Adventure Resort.
- For Hikers: Trek the Endless Wall Trail – Voted one of the best hikes in the U.S., this trail features jaw-dropping cliff views and access to climbing spots.
- For Scenic Views: Stop at Canyon Rim Overlook – Iconic vistas of the New River Gorge Bridge and deep mountain valleys await.
- For Climbers: Scale the sandstone cliffs of the Gorge – Lansing is a top destination for traditional and sport rock climbing.
- For Families: Enjoy a zipline canopy tour – Soar through the trees with experienced guides and panoramic forest views.
Best Time to Visit Lansing, WV
The best time to visit Lansing is from May to October for warm weather, rafting season, and vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for water activities, while fall offers cooler hiking temps and breathtaking leaf color in the gorge. Winter is quiet, with limited access to some activities.
How to Get to Lansing, WV
- By Car: Located just off U.S. Route 19, Lansing is about 1 hour from Charleston, WV, and 4.5 hours from Washington, D.C.
- By Air: Fly into Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, then rent a car for the scenic drive southeast.
- By Train: The Amtrak Cardinal Line stops in nearby Thurmond and Prince (30–45 min away) for a unique arrival route.
Where to Stay in Lansing, WV
- Recommended for Families: Adventures on the Gorge Cabins – Cozy cabins, a pool, kids’ activities, and direct access to rafting and hiking.
- For Couples: Opossum Creek Retreat – Secluded woodland cabins with hot tubs and eco-friendly vibes for romantic escapes.
- For Budget Travelers: ACE Adventure Resort – Affordable camping, bunkhouses, and rustic cabins with an on-site waterpark.
For Adventure Enthusiasts
⮕ New and Gauley River Adventures
Experience thrilling whitewater rafting through scenic, challenging rapids.
New and Gauley River Adventures is a small family-owned rafting adventure company on the New and Gauley Rivers in West Virginia. They specialize in offering the whole family an opportunity to enjoy a rafting trip. They offer several rafting adventures of different difficulty level. Some of them are perfect for families with small kids, on the Upper New River. Others are slightly more challenging, for families with older kids, on the Lower New River or on the Lower Gauley. For those who are looking for a true adrenaline , they offer white water rafting on the Upper Gauley. They also offer horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, caving, mystery tours on off-road vehicles, fishing and more. Their cabins and campsites are available for those who would like to extend their outdoor adventure.
185 Lansing Edmond Road, Lansing, West Virginia, Phone: 304-574-3008
⮕ Adventures on the Gorge
Enjoy action-packed outdoor adventures with stunning mountain views.
Adventures on the Gorge is an adventure resort near Lansing, in the heart of West Virginia, on the very edge of the New River Gorge. This upscale resort specializes in white-water rafting, rock climbing, ziplining, rapelling and paintball. Accommodations range from modern new cabins with full kitchens and private hot tubs, to rustic bunkhouses; campsites, platform tents and luxury vacation homes. Guests enjoy access to three on-site restaurants with spectacular views of the gorge, a lounge with live music on weekends, a swimming pool, an outdoor bar, three stores and a kids’ playground. The adventures include challenging Class V whitewater rafting, ziplining at speeds of up to 65 mph, but also family-friendly excursions such as learning to paddle rapids for the first time and exploring a lake.
219 Chestnutburg Rd., Lansing, WV 25862
Unique Attractions
⮕ Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Discover breathtaking views and learn about New River Gorge history.
Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Lansing, Virginia, was built to serve as a place where visitors can get information about the New River Gorge and about the natural, cultural, recreational, and historic values of the Gorge. The center building was constructed of natural materials in order to blend with the surrounding landscape, in harmony with the rugged New River Gorge. The sandstone and red oak with the exposed ledge of sandstone are prevalent in this part of the gorge. The visitor center has an exhibition room with photographs and exhibits about the people, communities and industry, as well as displays that focus on the recreation and natural history of the area. The auditorium offers an orientation slide program on the park, as well as other special features and programs. The back deck of the center offers spectacular views of the gorge and bridge, a two-mile southward view into the park. There is a short hiking wooden boardwalk trail that descends into the gorge.
162 Visitor Center Road, Lansing, WV 25862
⮕ Treetops Canopy Tour
Soar through lush treetops on an exciting zipline adventure.
Treetops Canopy Tour is part of the exciting activities offered by the Adventures on the Gorge, an adventure resort near Lansing, Virginia, on the edge of the New River Gorge. Treetops Canopy Tour offers a different view of the lush forest surrounding the gorge. There are 10 ziplines, five sky bridges, a couple of short hikes, and a rappel at the end. Visitors start by descending through deciduous trees, each zip getting a little longer and a little higher. As the forest changes into a hemlock stand, they cross lovely Mill Creek as they continue through the course. A series of sky bridges allows adventurers to take some time to really enjoy the forest. The age limit is 10 and the weight limit is between 90 and 260 lbs.
219 Chestnutburg Rd. Lansing, WV 25862, Phone: 304-461-7851
⮕ Fayette Station Road
Drive scenic switchbacks offering panoramic views of the gorge.
Fayette Station Road is one hundred year-old road that winds down to the bottom of the New River Gorge, across a narrow bridge, and up the other side of the river. Along the way, travellers can enjoy the magnificent vistas of the river and bridges, a dense hardwood forest, and remnants of the former New River Gorge communities that do not exist anymore. Before New River Bridge was built in 1977, Fayette Station Road was the only way to access the gorge. The road was built in 1873 by the C&O Railway to carry coal from the gorge to ports in Virginia and towns and cities in the Midwest. There were thirteen towns between Fayette Station Road and Thurmond. When the coal was exhausted or the mine closed, people moved away and the towns were deserted. Today, the Fayette Station Road is a nostalgic trip into the past of the area and a wonderful way to explore the magnificent beauty of the gorge.
Fayette Station Bridge, Fayette Station Rd, Fayetteville, WV 25840, Phone: 304-465-0508
Where to Eat in Lansing, WV
- Recommended for Families: Chetty’s Pub – Casual restaurant at Adventures on the Gorge serving burgers, salads, and scenic deck dining.
- For Casual Local Flavor: Secret Sandwich Society (Fayetteville) – Creative sandwiches and craft beer just minutes away in nearby Fayetteville.
- For a Hearty Breakfast: Tudor’s Biscuit World (Oak Hill) – Classic West Virginia comfort food with giant biscuits and southern hospitality.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Adventure Fans: Bridge Day (October) – West Virginia’s biggest festival with base jumping off the New River Gorge Bridge and food vendors lining the highway.
- For Music & Community: New River Gorge Festival (May) – Live music, river sports, craft beer, and outdoor adventure competitions.
- For Summer Fun: Fayetteville’s Heritage Festival (July) – Local culture celebration with parades, music, and artisan vendors.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Lansing, WV:
- For History Buffs: Thurmond Ghost Town (40 min) – Explore the preserved rail-era town inside New River Gorge National Park.
- For Scenic Drives: Babcock State Park (25 min) – Famous for its picturesque grist mill, waterfalls, and forest trails.
- For Arts & Culture: Fayetteville (10–15 min) – A hip small town with galleries, cafés, and climbing gear shops.
- For Nature Lovers: Summersville Lake (45 min) – Go boating, cliff jumping, or paddleboarding in crystal-clear water.
- For Caving Adventures: Lost World Caverns (Lewisburg) (90 min) – Underground cave tours showcasing stalactites and prehistoric formations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Lansing located?
- Lansing is situated on the outskirts of Boston.
- What makes Lansing an attractive place to visit?
- It is the jump-off spot for exploring the magnificent New River Gorge and the surrounding area.
- Where can visitors learn more about the New River Gorge?
- The Canyon Rim Visitor Center near Lansing provides information about the New River Gorge and its natural, cultural, recreational, and historic values.
- What is a unique attraction near Lansing?
- The scenic Fayette Station Road begins near Lansing, winding through the gorge and offering views of the New River Gorge Bridge, one of West Virginia's most iconic landmarks.
At a Glance:
| Best Time to Visit | Places to Stay | Tips for Visiting |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) – Mild weather, blossoming wildflowers, ideal for outdoor adventures. | Adventures on the Gorge Resort – Comfortable cabins and lodges near outdoor activities. | Explore New River Gorge National Park – Enjoy hiking, biking, and scenic overlooks. |
| Summer (June-August) – Warm temperatures, perfect for white-water rafting and recreation. | The Cabins at Pine Haven – Charming accommodations surrounded by nature. | Go rafting on the New River – Experience thrilling water adventures and stunning scenery. |
| Fall (September-November) – Cool weather, spectacular fall colors, and fewer crowds. | Opossum Creek Retreat – Cozy cabins offering peace and privacy. | Visit the New River Gorge Bridge – Enjoy breathtaking views and fall foliage. |
| Winter (December-February) – Cold and snowy, perfect for peaceful retreats. | Country Road Cabins – Warm and welcoming accommodations in a serene setting. | Relax by the fireplace in a cabin – Enjoy quiet getaways surrounded by winter beauty. |
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