"NRBNF is a wonderful event. The week just flies by for me. Everyday there is something new to see and learn. The guides are so knowledgeable and so willing to share what they know. The team that puts the event together does an excellent job. It is very well organized. Since so many of us come back every year or every other year, we get to renew old acquaintances like a class reunion, and we are able to make more new friends as well. ... I would be ready to start the whole week over again on Monday. It was that much fun." - Mary Ellen Heisey

Travel Notes

♦ Plan your routes ahead of time; paper maps we provide in April are important because all gps systems are not equal and some will lead you astray.

♦ AT&T seems to have the best coverage in the area, however it is spotty and difficult to find a signal when exploring mountains and valleys. 

♦ Charleston Regional Airport (CRW) in Charleston, WV is approximately 63 miles (~1.25 hours) from Festival headquarters at Opossum Creek Retreat; 61 mi (<1.25 hrs) from Canyon Rim Visitors Center at the New River Gorge National Park.

♦ Raleigh County Memorial Airport (BKW) in Beckley, WV is approximately 38 miles (44 minutes) from Festival headquarters at Opossum Creek Retreat headquarters; 30 mi (39 min) from Canyon Rim Visitors Center at the New River Gorge National Park.

♦ Car rentals are available at both airports, as well as in Beckley and Summersville; make arrangements in advance as they are not open 24/7. 

♦ Train travel on Amtrak's Cardinal Route to the Thurmond Depot (THN), approximately 21 miles (34 minutes) from Festival headquarters at Opossum Creek Retreat; 18 mi (31 min) from Canyon Rim Visitors Center at the New River Gorge National Park.

♦ Shuttle/Driving service may be available with prior arrangements through Hills to Hills Tours & Shuttle, Uber or Lyft.

♦ We recommend our Lodging Partners. For other options in the area, go to New River Gorge Visitors Bureau list or AirBnB.

♦ Local dining options are plentiful: New River Gorge Visitors Bureau list of restaurants. Check your Door Dash app for availability.

♦ Shopping local and souvenirs: New River Gorge Visitors Bureau shopping guide.

♦ Local outdoor gear shops: ACE Adventure Gear and Water Stone Outdoors, as well as a nearby WalMart.

Trip Planning     Schedule     What to Pack     Travel Notes