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For a more solitary experience, try the two-mile loop Big Branch Trail. You'll find a cascading stream, waterfalls and the remnants of an old homestead site, and it's abloom with

wildflowers in early spring. Another less crowded hike is the 0.7-mile Headhouse Trail, which goes to the entrance of an old coal mine, now a protected habitat for bats. Throughout the park

you might spot animals such as bald eagles, river otters and white-tailed deer. And yes, hunting is allowed in certain areas. WHERE TO STAY You won't find lodges in the park, but

camping is an option. These are remote, primitive campsites with no running water and spartan bathroom facilities (vault toilets — nothing else). The campsites are first come, first served

and free of charge. Most of the park's campgrounds are closed because of COVID-19, but three remain open: Glade Creek, Grandview Sandbar and Stone Cliff. “Glade Creek offers a beautiful

trail with fishing and swimming holes along the route,” says Lisa Strader of Visit Southern WV. Outside the park, nearby Hawks Nest State Park and Bluestone State Park have lodges,

campsites and cabins, and you'll find independent campgrounds and cabins in Beckley, Glen Jean, Summersville and the Fayetteville area. Beckley, about 25 minutes south of the New River

Gorge Bridge, has the most hotel choices, with chains such as Marriott properties (Courtyard and Fairfield), Holiday Inn & Suites, Country Inn and Suites, and Hampton Inn. Want something

unique? In Fayetteville, just 1.8 miles from the bridge, Lafayette Flats features four stylish apartments in a historic building, and the Morris Harvey House is a cozy B&B in a 14-room,

nearly 120-year-old Queen Anne-style house. _Editor's note: This article was originally published on February 4, 2021. It's been updated to reflect recent COVID-19 developments._