LANSING, W.Va. — Standing with the New River Gorge as a backdrop, Governor Patrick Morrisey delivered great news to the local community on Tuesday. U.S. News and World Report has named the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve the number one underrated vacation destination in America.
“I’m really thrilled about it and I think it’s going to lead to even more people wanting to explore our wonderful state,” Morrisey told those gathered for the announcement.
Each year, U.S. News and World Report puts the list of superlatives together after reviewing travel destinations around the world. Morrisey said the competition was fierce, which made the award even more special for West Virginia. Travel editors evaluated more than 1,500 destinations, scoring them on multiple factors, including reader votes within each category. Following last year’s recognition of St. Simons Island, Georgia, the New River Gorge now leads the list of must-visit hidden gems.
“There were a lot of worthy competitors, but isn’t it nice to have West Virginia out in front? If you’re looking for beauty or if you’re looking to vacation in a place you’ll come back again, and again, and again, West Virginia is your place,” he said.
The New River Gorge National River was designated as the nation’s newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, in December 2020. From world-class outdoor recreation like whitewater rafting, rock climbing and miles of hiking trails, to the southern hospitality of uncrowded mountain towns, the country’s 63rd National Park is the perfect place for families to experience Almost Heaven.
“The New River Gorge earned the top spot for its dramatic scenery, world-class rafting opportunities and unique perspective on Appalachian history,” said Senior U.S. News & World Report Travel Editor Elizabeth Von Tersch. “The destination offers an outdoorsy experience similar to more frequented parks without the crowds.”
West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said West Virginia has what people say they want in a vacation.
“When we look at Americans are looking for in a vacation this year, in order of popularity, we see hiking, camping, kayaking and rafting, fishing, and mountain biking. Every single one of those things can be done right here,” said Ruby.
Ruby added while most thought the surge in visitors to the New River Gorge area during the pandemic would wane once it was over, it has not. Visitor numbers continued to grow every year and still outpace the national average. She said it bucks national trends of visiting a place to “check it off the list.”
“Here in West Virginia and specifically in this region, we see people coming here and we see them come back. Once they come to our area, they fall in love with our state and they keep coming back year, after year, after year.” she said.