Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised U.S. News and World Report for naming the New River Gorge National Park the nation’s No. 1 underrated travel destination in a press conference overlooking the New River Gorge Bridge Tuesday. (Photo by Steven Allen Adams)

LANSING, W.Va. – While not news to many West Virginians and out-of-state travelers, the nation’s latest national park was labeled one of the best travel locations by a major publication.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Tuesday afternoon that U.S. News and World Report designated the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve as the No. 1 underrated destination for 2026. Morrisey made the announcement with federal, state and local officials at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center in Lansing overlooking the New River Gorge Bridge.

“It’s a pretty amazing thing, and so I’m really thrilled about it,” Morrisey said. “I think it’s going to lead to even more people wanting to explore our incredible state.”

U.S. News evaluates more than 1,500 destinations and ranks locations based on votes by readers and input by its editors, looking at various factors, such as crowdedness and available activities.

“With its majestic forested hills and deep canyons, New River Gorge is often compared to the Smokies, but with shorter peaks, a more compact footprint and much smaller crowds,” according to U.S. News. “Adrenaline seekers come for world-class rafting beneath the 876-foot-tall New River Gorge Bridge. Visitors should also take in the gorge from above on the Endless Wall Trail. Beyond the views, the park is also packed with Appalachian history.”

Tourists view the New River Gorge Bridge last October from an overlook at the visitors center for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve near Fayetteville. (File Photo)

Coming in second on the underrated list was Great Basin National Park in Nevada, followed by Baxter State Park in Maine, Black Hills National Forest along the Wyoming/South Dakota border and the Catskills in New York.

“We beat (out) a lot of other wonderful destinations to earn this award, and so I’m pleased with that,” Morrisey said. “There are a lot of worthy competitors, but isn’t it nice that West Virginia is out in front? It’s a very cool thing.”

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and former Sen. Joe Manchin introduced the New River Gorge Park and Preserve Designation Act in the U.S. Senate, with 1st District Congresswoman Carol Miller, R-W.Va., introducing a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019.

Originally designated a national river by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, the legislation, signed into law by President Donald Trump, created the new 7,021-acre park. The bill also set aside 65,165 acres for a nature preserve, opening up 368 acres in the Grandview area and maintaining another 301 acres in the Lower Gorge for hunting.

“On behalf of the National Park Service and all the people who care for this place every day, we are honored for this recognition from U.S. News and World Report,” said Eric LaPrice, acting superintendent for the park.

“Being named one of the top underrated travel destinations really says something powerful about West Virginia itself,” he continued. “It says that when the people come here — whether it’s for the river, the climbing, the hiking, the camping or just the quiet — it really touches them in such a way. It means something to them, something that stays with them … the New River Gorge is not just underrated; It’s unforgettable.”

Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said that the total economic impact of tourism in West Virginia exceeds $9 billion, with more than $1 billion in direct spending in the New River Gorge area alone. In 2024, the New River Gorge National Park brought in more than 1.8 million visitors.

“When we look at what Americans are looking for in a vacation this year, in order of popularity, we see hiking, camping, kayaking and rafting, and fishing and mountain biking. Every single one of those things can be done right here,” Ruby said. “We also see in the trends that they’re looking for uncrowded places, again, right here, and they’re looking for natural beauty and amazing landscapes.”

During the federal government shutdown last October and November, Morrisey entered into a donor agreement with the National Park Service to keep the visitors centers at New River Gorge National Park and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in Jefferson County open, costing the state approximately $7,000 per day.

“We were the first state in the country because of (Morrisey) to say that we’re keeping our doors open. He has really, truly proven himself as a tourism leader, Ruby said. “H is an amazing, amazing champion who is allowing us to tell that story each and every day.”

“When we stepped up when the government shutdown came a number of months ago, one of my concerns was what would happen with the local businesses,” Morrisey said. “All the folks in the shops, all the folks that are working at the gorge, the park rangers, everyone here makes a huge difference.

“You’re doing something pretty incredible because people see West Virginia through your eyes when they come and visit,” he continued. “That means so much to me and to the people of the state.”

Steven Allen Adams can be reached at sadams@newsandsentinel.com.