Contrary to its name, the New River is one of North America’s oldest rivers and has been cutting and carving the gorge to which it lends its title for millions of years. Up to 1,000 feet deep in places, the gorge is a hot spot for rock climbing and whitewater rafting in West Virginia. New River Gorge National River protects 53 river miles of this forested canyon along with remnants of the region’s mining and timber history. This wall map illustrates the area’s diverse terrain, public land ownership, and recreation sites.